Choosing the best dog food for your pet can be an overwhelming task. Many different factors must be considered, including size and age.
Some dogs may have allergies to certain foods or ingredients. Understanding the types of foods that they react to can make it easier to select a food that’s appropriate for your dog.
Meat
Meat is the number one ingredient in commercial dog foods because it is essential for your dog's diet and a good source of protein. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals that support whole body health.
Meat-based recipes also contain nutrients that can help prevent urinary tract infections and bladder stones, which are more common in older dogs and those with kidney and heart conditions. Chicken, beef and pork are all low in sodium and potassium which can help lower blood pressure and protect your dog from a heart attack or stroke.
However, meat-based recipes can also be contaminated with bacteria. So, it's important to check that your dog food is made from meat sourced from a reputable animal.
Poultry
Poultry is a widely used ingredient in pet foods because it is low-cost and easy to source. It’s also a highly digestible source of protein and other vital nutrients.
However, chicken can be problematic for some dogs, especially if they are sensitive to its protein content or allergic to other poultry ingredients. For these reasons, many dog parents seek out chicken-free alternatives for their pups’ diets.
One of the most popular options is salmon. It provides lean protein and omega fatty acids that can help promote healthy skin, coat, and joints.
Fish
Dogs can't produce their own omega fatty acids, so they need these to stay healthy. Whether it's reducing inflammation from a health condition or helping with blood clotting, omegas are an essential part of any good diet.
It's also important to note that fish is high in iodine, which is needed for proper thyroid function. Deficiencies can cause goiters, hair loss, and other medical issues.
Other nutrients that are helpful to your pet's health include protein, soluble fiber, and fats. These can be found in a variety of sources, including meats, poultry, and fish.
Fillers
A good dog food is made with high-quality ingredients like fresh meat, poultry, fish and whole grains. It's also free of artificial additives and fillers.
Protein is the most important nutrient in a dog's diet, but a good dog food also contains carbohydrates and fiber. Carbohydrates provide energy for your dog and help to create a more palatable texture when mixed with meat.
Many dry food brands add carbohydrates to their kibble in order to keep the cost down. However, this can lead to a poor nutrient balance or to overly high levels of starch in your dog's diet.
Other Ingredients
A complete and balanced dog food should contain all of the necessary nutrients your pet needs. This includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Protein is the most essential nutrient for your dog as it provides them with the building blocks of their body. It also helps with muscle growth, maintenance, and repair, as well as providing your dog with the amino acids they need for a healthy immune system.
Carbohydrates are another important nutrient, but can be tricky to spot on an ingredient list. Many people believe that grains are bad for dogs, but this isn't always true, and good quality carbs like brown rice or oats can be beneficial.
Lastly, avoid ingredients that have been chemically preserved by using preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole or BHA. These chemicals can adversely affect your dog's kidney and liver.
