The best ingredients for dry dog food are those that place a high priority on high-quality animal protein sources, nutrient-dense carbs, and healthy fats. Dry dog food should include a specific animal protein source specified as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
Focus on the first ingredients.
The main protein should be first and an actual meat source like chicken, duck or lamb. The second ingredient should be another meat source, generally a clearly labeled meal such as lamb meal or duck meal.
Is Chicken Meal Safe for Dogs? Yes! If your dog is eating food from a company that values safety and quality, you'll never have to worry if chicken meal is bad for dogs. The chicken meal we use in some of our dog food is always carefully sourced, and it always meets our strict quality standards for pet food.
Yes, dogs can eat rice. In fact, you may have noticed rice featured as an ingredient in commercial dog foods. However, a rice meal on its own should not be a daily affair – rice should only be part of a varied diet that offers all the nutrients your dog needs.
Are Chicken By-Products Safe For Dogs To Eat? While chicken by-products in dog food are safe and can be a source of nutrients, proteins, and healthy fats for dogs, many dogs can't tolerate them. In part, this could be because of sensitivities or allergies to chicken in general.
Research has proven, and your veterinarian will tell you, that a healthy, well-balanced diet for your dog must include whole-food ingredients that provide the following: protein, fats and fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water.
The 95 Percent Rule: At least 95 percent of the product must be the named ingredient, for example, “Chicken for Dogs,” or “Salmon Dog Food,” must include at least 95 percent of chicken or salmon, respectively. In addition, this main product must be at least 70 percent of the total product when counting the added water.
Add raw or lightly cooked meat or eggs
Dogs evolved eating a diet of about 50% protein, which they obtained from their prey. Adding extra high-quality meat or egg protein reduces the overall carbohydrate content, and is especially good for active dogs or dogs who have become overweight from a high-carbohydrate diet.
The food that makes up a dog's main meals should have a statement on the label from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that the product “provides complete and balanced nutrition,” or that the product “is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient ...
The signs that dog food has gone bad are much the same as the signs that human food has gone bad. It will often develop a bad smell and you may see signs of mould and/or insects. Wet dog food will lose its moisture but dry dog food will become moist and crumbly.
Most Homemade Diets Are NOT Complete & Balanced
So when you speak to your veterinarian in the clinic they know that there is a low chance that the homemade recipe that you are feeding your pup is actually complete and balanced to both AAFCO and NRC standards.
Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they'll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They're also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like B6, C, and A.
Moreover, it is made using top quality ingredients! For instance, 80% meat content, 20% fruit, veg and botanicals and no grain.
Leaving your dog's food out all day can cause them to ignore it altogether. To break this habit, leave their food down at meal times for 10 minutes and even if they don't touch it, take the bowl away until the next meal.
A good recommendation is 40% protein, 50% vegetables and 10% starch. Some dogs cannot handle high amounts of protein, though, so it is important to visit your vet to determine the best ratio to suit their dietary needs.
corn is the #1 ingredient used in dry dog foods, more than twice as much corn is used than any other ingredient. Meat and bone meal – the rendered ingredient that can include any type of mammal, or diseased/non-slaughtered animals – is the second most commonly used dry dog food ingredient.
Because grains in dog food can help support heart health, a grain-free diet can lead to certain heart-related medical conditions in dogs. Dogs who eat a grain-free diet for a long time may be at higher risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy, which can eventually lead to congestive heart failure.
Salmon Meal is a naturally rich source of essential amino acids and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help support your pet's vision development and cognitive function.