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How to Choose the Healthiest Dog Food: Ingredients and Nutrients Explained

Choosing the healthiest dog food is crucial for the overall well-being of our beloved pups.

Because of all the modern dog food choices and different marketing claims out there, dog owners often struggle to know what truly benefits their furry companions. This article aims to unravel the complexities of dog food ingredients and nutrients, offering clear guidance to help you choose the best option tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Understanding Dog Nutrition

Many dog owners think their dogs don’t need a “well-balanced” meal like humans do. Many also assume that a balanced dog diet consists of kibble and gravy, and occasional frozen veggies. The truth is, like humans, a healthy dog diet should contain the essential nutrients that support your dog’s overall health – including their physical and mental well-being.

What Nutrients Do Dogs Need?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) states that a complete and healthy dog diet requires the following nutrients and meets specific function and quality of life needs:

  • Proteins: Packed with amino acids, protein boosts immunity, improves coat and skin health, strengthens claws, builds muscle, protects cartilage, and manages weight.
  • Fats: Aside from adding texture to food, healthy fats, like Omega-3, are amazing energy sources for active dogs while reducing bad cholesterol levels.
  • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are another great source of energy for dogs. They also provide your dog with antioxidants and fiber, which sustains their digestive health.
  • Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-complex play crucial roles in strengthening bones and muscles, metabolizing energy, and supporting skin and coat maintenance.
  • Minerals: Minerals like calcium build teeth and bones, zinc keeps coat fur healthy, while sodium maintains the nervous, muscular, and cardiovascular systems, 

Bonus: Water! Don’t forget to refill your dog’s water bowl consistently. Water helps their body absorb the above nutrients, regulates their body temperature, and protects their vital organs.

What Factors Play A Role in A Dog’s Dietary Needs?

Each dog’s nutritional requirements are unique, and multiple factors come into play. Several include breed, age, size, gender, activity level, underlying health conditions, whether the dog is pregnant or lactating, and even whether they’re spayed or neutered. 

For example, toy dogs like a 10-pound chihuahua would only need as little as 400 calories a day. Meanwhile, larger breeds, such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands, which can weigh over 100 pounds, could require 2,250 calories daily, sometimes even more.

As they age, puppies require more calcium, proteins, and carbohydrates to support their rapid development. Senior dogs may need a diet lower in fats and containing minerals like Vitamins C, E, and K to help with their aching joints and slower metabolism.

Some environmental aspects should also be considered, such as temperature, humidity, climate, elevation, and terrain. These factors are especially relevant to working or hunting dogs.

Consult a veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the right nutrients every day.

How to Read A Dog Food Label

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all pet food labels are enforced to contain the following information, typically in this specific format:

  • Product and brand name ( and/or a unique identifier)
  • Quantity (product weight, liquid measure, or count, depending on formulation)
  • Guaranteed analysis (specifies nutrient amounts).
  • Ingredients (must be listed in descending order by ingredient weight)
  • Nutritional adequacy statement (which life stage the product is for)
  • Feeding directions (usually specified by dog weight range)
  • Name and address of the manufacturer
  • Calorie statement (example: how much kilocalories by cup)

Understanding dog food labels can be tricky. However, learning more about the ingredients list, nutritional adequacy statement, and feeding directions is a good place to start.

As mentioned above, the ingredients are listed in order of weight, giving you insight into the primary components of the food. Premium-quality, healthy dog foods typically list a whole protein source, such as chicken or beef, as the first ingredient.

The Nutritional Adequacy Statement, often associated with AAFCO, provides information on whether the food is complete and balanced for a specific life stage. This statement is a quick reference to ensure the food meets your specific dog’s nutritional requirements.

The Role of Meat, Grains, and By-Products

Whole Meats vs Meat Meals

Many believe that whole meats always offer higher-quality protein than meat meals. While this is sometimes true, meat meals, rendered from meat tissue, can actually provide a more highly concentrated and abundant source of protein than the whole meat from which it came.

Often, whole meats contain a higher water percentage than meat meals, the latter of which are already rendered end-products of the whole meats. In fact, according to the AKC, meat meals can contain up to a higher percentage of protein than the actual whole meat itself.

However, the quality of whole meat can vary, and high-quality whole meat can be more beneficial than lower-quality meat meals. Additionally, despite meat meals having higher protein content, they can sometimes be made from lower-quality meats. Ultimately, the choice between whole meats and meat meals depends on the specific needs and health of your dog.

Is a grain-free diet good for dogs?

Grain-free diets have gained popularity among dog owners over the last few years, and grains have become infamous for causing dog obesity. This is because grains break down into sugars, which can also lead to diabetes and skin problems such as severe itchiness.

However, according to AAHA-accredited Small Door Veterinary, fewer than 1% of dogs are sensitive to grain, and food allergies aren’t common in dogs. There are actually health risks that come with a 100% grain-free diet, including an increased risk for heart disease.

Carbohydrates from grains provide an excellent energy source, especially for active dogs, and keep your pup’s coat shiny and skin healthy. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, corn, and barley are rich in fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. 

Despite all their positives, remember to use grains sparingly in your dog’s diet since they are still calorie-dense. Avoid using grains as a substitute for primary components such as meat. If your dog shows true signs of a grain allergy, consult a veterinarian immediately.

What is animal by-product, and is it good for dogs?

Many dog owners have a stigma about buying dog food that contains animal by-products. By-products are classified as “unfit for human consumption” but are used in many pet foods. In short, they’re “scraps.” But what exactly are by-products, and are they good or bad for dogs?

In terms of wet food, by-products are, simply put, organ meats: the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and meat trimmings. Contrary to popular belief, by-products can be extremely rich in nutrients, palatable, and are the first choice for dogs when they’re introduced to new food. 

By-products provide your pup with another source of protein other than muscle from lean meat and provide nutrients that your dog can’t get from lean meat alone. For instance, regular muscle meat lacks nutrients like calcium and Vitamin A, which can be sourced from by-products.

Ultimately, the addition of by-products to your dog’s diet really depends on your furry friend’s nutritional requirements. Make sure your dog doesn’t have any allergies or sensitivities to chicken or beef by-products before adding them to your pup’s diet.

How can you tell if your dog is allergic to the food?

Food allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, including

  • Itchy skin, paws, or ears
  • Vomiting, gas, and diarrhea
  • Swollen face and/or paws
  • Red bumps, hair loss, hot spots
  • Red bumps, hair loss, hot spots
  • Sneezing or coughing
  • Frequent head shaking
  • Runny eyes or eye discharge
  • Weight loss or poor weight gain
  • Tiredness or lack of energy
  • Hyperactivity or restlessness
  • Increased irritability or aggression

Identifying and addressing food allergies is crucial for your dog’s well-being. If left untreated, it could lead to more serious health issues and a poor quality of life. An elimination diet under veterinary supervision, usually a prescribed or homemade diet of only protein and carbs, can help pinpoint which offending ingredients caused any allergic reactions, 

Hypoallergenic diets that avoid common allergens can benefit dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Transitioning to these diets should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Wet vs Dry: Choosing the Right Dog Food

Choosing between wet and dry food depends on your dog’s taste preferences, appetite, and health requirements. Consider your dog’s age, whether it’s a puppy, adult, or senior dog, as well as its size, whether it’s small, medium-sized, or bigger.

While wet food can be more palatable and easier to chew, making it ideal for pups and seniors, dry food offers dental benefits and more convenience to dog owners.

The comparison table below can help dog owners decide when to choose wet or dry dog food based on their pet’s specific needs, taste, and lifestyle.

CriteriaWet Dog FoodDry Dog Food
HydrationGreat for dogs needing extra moisture and hydrationSuitable if the dog gets enough water otherwise
Appetite StimulationIdeal for picky eaters or dogs with poor appetiteGood for dogs with normal or a bigger appetite
Dental HealthLess effective at reducing plaque buildupHelps clean teeth and reduce plaque
Portion ControlGood for precise portion controlEasier to measure and store
ConvenienceRequires refrigeration after openingSuitable if the dog gets enough water; otherwise
CostGenerally more expensiveUsually more cost-effective
Shelf LifeShorter shelf life once openedLonger shelf life
DigestibilityEasier to digest, good for sensitive stomachsMay be harder to chew and digest for some dogs, esp. seniors
Nutrient DensityOften more nutrient-dense per servingIt is more convenient, doesn’t require refrigeration
Weight ManagementCan be more calorie-dense, risk of overeatingEasier to manage weight with portion control
Special Dietary NeedsBetter for dogs with certain medical conditionsWider variety of options available for different needs
Feeding FrequencyGood for dogs that eat multiple small mealsSuitable for free-feeding or scheduled meals
Age and SizeSuitable for puppies, seniors, and small breedsMost suitable for adult dogs and larger breeds
Travel and StorageLess convenient for travel, needs refrigerationIdeal for travel, easy to store and carry

Homemade Dog Food and Supplements

Homemade dog food allows pet owners to have complete control over the ingredients used in their dog’s diet. This can be especially beneficial for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific health conditions, as owners can tailor meals to meet each dog’s unique needs. 

Before switching to this option, remember that creating a nutritionally balanced homemade diet requires careful planning and a deep understanding of canine nutritional requirements. As such, nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can lead to serious health issues over time.

Supplements may be necessary to address potential gaps in homemade diets. For example, calcium supplements might be needed if bones are not included in the diet, or omega-3 fatty acids may be added to support skin and coat health. 

However, supplements should not be added without consulting a veterinarian. Excessive amounts of certain nutrients can be harmful and potentially toxic to dogs. For instance, too much calcium can cause skeletal problems, and an overdose of vitamin A can lead to liver damage.

Meanwhile, some commercial dog foods are actually formulated to be nutritionally complete, meaning they already contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your dog needs. These foods can effectively and conveniently double as a supplement, ensuring that your dog receives a balanced diet without the need for additional supplementation. 

This convenience is one of the reasons many dog owners choose high-quality commercial foods, as they simplify feeding and provide peace of mind regarding nutritional adequacy.

The table below compares the pros and cons of feeding your homemade dog food with the addition of supplements to complete commercial dog food.

CriteriaHomemade Dog Food + SupplementsComplete Commercial Dog Food
Customization & Control✔️
Nutritional Specificity✔️✔️
Health Benefits✔️✔️
Convenience✔️
Nutritional Balance✔️
Cost✔️
Consistency✔️
Storage and Shelf Life✔️
Quality Control✔️
Special Dietary Needs✔️✔️

Key Learnings For Picking the Healthiest Dog Food 

Choosing the healthiest dog food is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your dog’s quality of life. By understanding canine nutrition, learning to read dog food labels, and considering your dog’s unique needs, you can make informed choices that promote their health and happiness. Always consult with a veterinarian to tailor dietary choices to your dog’s specific requirements.

Sharing this knowledge with fellow dog owners can contribute to the well-being of more pets, helping them enjoy healthier and happier lives together. This comprehensive dog food guide aims to empower you with the knowledge to navigate the complex world of dog food, ensuring that your furry best friend receives the best possible nutrition.

Real dogs deserve real ingredients.

Tags
healthiest dog food, healthy dog food, picking dog food

Choosing the Right Pet Food: A Comparative Analysis of Petchola vs. Bare Pets

In the vast world of pet care, selecting the optimal nutrition for our furry friends is a crucial decision for every pet owner. Among the myriad of choices in the Philippines, Petchola and Bare Pets emerge as notable contenders. These brands have carved their niches within the pet food market, each adhering to distinct philosophies and practices regarding pet nutrition. This article aims to offer a detailed and unbiased opinion comparing Petchola and Bare Pets by shedding light on possible manufacturing processes, ingredient sourcing/quality, and transparency in the nutritional standards, guiding pet owners towards making an informed purchase for their best friend.

Petchola Pet Food: Embracing Local Heritage and Manufacturing

Petchola, proudly manufactured in the Philippines, represents a choice in pet nutrition and a commitment to supporting local industries. However, while their manufacturing practices are not transparent with their consumers, the Philippines is not yet on the list of countries that produce a significant amount of dog food. This is largely due to the sheer complexity of manufacturing quality dog kibble. 

Manufacturing quality dog kibble requires a few major components, including but not limited to international regulatory compliance, safety protocols, a manufacturing process that adheres to international standards for pet food production, and high-quality ingredients. While the Philippines has the raw materials and some infrastructure for manufacturing quality pet food, challenges like consistent quality control, adherence to international standards, and the right investment in the necessary technology may exist. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and improvement in the sector. The increasing demand for high-quality pet food within the country and in international markets could drive further development in this area.

While Petchola prides itself on utilising Filipino ingredients, it does not explicitly disclose its ingredient sourcing or manufacturing facilities. This lack of transparency becomes a concern, especially considering the Philippines currently lacks a large sector of specialised pet food manufacturing plants that can guarantee the same quality and safety as those in Europe, the USA and other top-producing countries known for their quality.

Any claims of providing quality nutrition with locally sourced ingredients must be further examined against the manufacturing practices and ingredient sourcing. The assertion that local produce always equals better quality does not hold without transparent practices and stringent quality controls. This poses risks for potential cross-contamination if (key word, “if”, since the brand doesn’t disclose this) it’s being performed in a country with many livestock and aqua feeds. The general consensus among pet food manufacturing experts suggests that the environment in which pet food is made can significantly impact its quality and safety.

At the end of the day, we fully support locally-grown products and brands; however, transparency is key in an industry that has been plagued with dishonest practices for far too long. This is one of the core reasons we started Bare. To make a change. To hold brands accountable. To be a source of truth for pet parents looking for reliable, honest and trustworthy information for their pets.

Bare Pets: A Testament to Quality and Transparency

In stark contrast, Bare Pets prioritises the quality and traceability of its ingredients, with 95% sourced from Europe. This commitment ensures a high level of ingredient quality and supports the brand’s dedication to transparency. By manufacturing the Bare Candidly Fresh Chicken in Europe, there is a clear upper hand where not only 100% of ingredients can be traced to their origin, but also 95% of them are sourced directly from Europe, giving its customers confidence in the quality of ingredients and manufacturing best practices.  

The Quest for Quality: European Standards in Pet Food

Bare Pets’ commitment to sourcing ingredients from Europe is a testament to its pursuit of superior quality. European and international regulations ensure that ingredients used in pet food are safe, of superior quality, and traceable back to their source. This level of scrutiny and transparency sets Bare Pets apart from not only Petchola but most brands today, further offering pet owners peace of mind about their pets’ nutrition.

Meeting Nutritional Standards: AAFCO Compliance

Both brands meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, ensuring their products provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs. This commonality signifies that despite their differences, both brands are committed to meeting established nutritional guidelines and doing their personal best to serve pet parents. 

The Importance of Grains in Dog Food | Should you feed your dog grain-free? 

In recent years, grain-free dog diets have surged in popularity among pet owners, driven by concerns over allergies, dietary sensitivities, and the quest for higher protein intake for their canine companions. These diets exclude traditional grain ingredients like wheat, corn, and rice, opting for alternatives such as potatoes, peas, and lentils. While the appeal of grain-free food is clear, especially for pets with specific sensitivities, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against potential health concerns to make an informed decision.

One of the primary advantages of grain-free diets is their ability to alleviate symptoms in dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities, which can manifest as skin irritations or digestive issues. However, providing a dog with grain-free options that don’t have a dietary need for it could be more harmful than helpful. 

Bare Pets champions the inclusion of grains in their current dog food formulation. Contrary to popular belief, grains are not always merely used as fillers; they can be a valuable source of essential nutrients for dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has highlighted the importance of grains in a balanced canine diet, debunking myths that grain-free diets are inherently healthier for all dogs FDA, 2019.

While consulting your vet on any pet food is important, before transitioning your dog to a grain-free diet, consulting with a veterinarian is paramount to ensure you’re providing your dog with a diet that represents their health as a priority first. 

Unlocking the Nutritional Secrets of Petchola’s True Dog Food: A True Review

In the world of pet nutrition, transparency and quality are key to ensuring our furry friends receive the best possible care. Petchola’s True dog food aims to meet our canine companions’ dietary needs with various ingredients designed to support their health and vitality. While assessing the nutritional value and transparency of Petchola’s offerings, we delve into its formula’s specifics, highlighting its strengths and areas where clarity could be enhanced. Join us as we navigate the nutritional landscape of this popular dog food brand, giving pet owners the insights needed to make informed decisions

Let’s review some of the notable ingredients below from Petchola’s True dog food. While the list below is not comprehensive and does leave out some great and positive additions to their recipe, some are worth noting. 

  • Poultry Meal: This could be considered a good source of protein; however, it’s important to ensure it’s from a high-quality source. Poultry meal consists of the milled, rendered, and cleaned parts of the carcasses of slaughtered poultry. Inedible tissues comprising the raw materials include the heads, necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, intestines, and skeletal frames from which muscles have been removed. Unnamed poultry meals may include meat from various unidentified animal sources, which can be a concern for pet owners with pets that have food allergies or sensitivities.
  • Cassava Granules: Also known as tapioca, it’s generally safe but is a high-carbohydrate ingredient with minimal nutritional value for dogs.
  • Potato Starch: Safe but high in carbohydrates and is typically used as a binder in many dog foods.
  • Palatant: This is generally used to make the kibble more appealing to dogs; the safety depends on the specific substances used. However, if the ingredients sourced are fresh, this would push us to wonder why additives like this are needed.
  • Plasma Protein: A protein source that can be beneficial, though the quality can vary depending on its source.
  • Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides, which can be beneficial but should be used in moderation due to high saturated fat content.
  • Pea Protein: A plant-based protein source that is generally safe but has been associated with dietary issues in some dogs, particularly in grain-free diets linked to DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy).
  • Salt: Can be harmful in excess amounts. 
  • Mold inhibitor: Considered a type of food additive. This usually has a more specialized role compared to general preservatives. While preservatives are used broadly to prevent or slow down spoilage caused by bacteria, molds, and other microorganisms, mold inhibitors specifically target mold and yeast growth, which is a great addition to this recipe. 

On a positive note, we do see that they have a supplementary amount of vitamins and minerals, probiotics and much more that really elevates their product. Petchola’s True adult dog food is also AAFCO certified, as mentioned earlier on, and looks to meet the right nutritional levels of macronutrients despite the transparency of the quality and percentage included in each ingredient. 

However, due to the lack of transparency in the above ingredients, it makes it really hard to know whether some of the raw materials are genuinely from quality sources or, on the other hand, if the amounts included are at vet-recommended nutritional values given the lack of transparency. Moreover, due to the lack of true transparency, it’s hard to advise if the vitamins and minerals included were done so at efficacious levels that are genuinely beneficial to pets. 

The Verdict: Tailoring Your Choice to Your Pet’s Needs

Choosing between Petchola and Bare Pets ultimately depends on personal preferences and your pet’s specific nutritional needs. 

Petchola and Bare Pets present viable options for pet owners seeking kibble for their dogs. However, by understanding each brand’s approach to pet food production, ingredient sourcing, and ingredient breakdown, you should be well-equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your pet’s health needs and preferences. 

While Petchola’s True Adult Dog Food demonstrates a commitment to supporting the nutritional needs of dogs with its AAFCO certification and inclusion of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, the quest for greater transparency remains. Understanding the source, quality and percentage included in each ingredient is paramount for pet owners seeking the best for their companions.

Despite these challenges, Petchola’s True stands out for its effort to balance comprehensive nutrition with taste appeal. As we continue to advocate for clearer labelling and ingredient sourcing in the pet food industry, Petchola’s True dog food emerges as a noteworthy option for those looking to buy locally created-Filipino grain-free dog food.

For those who are looking to buy the best grain-inclusive dog kibble that is highly transparent about what ingredients are included, where they are sourced, and genuinely has your pet’s best interest in mind, you can check out the options available from Bare.

*As of this writing, Bare does not offer Grain-free options for those in need but intends to offer premium grain-free recipes in the future with high-quality ingredients and full transparency in its labelling.

Real dogs deserve real ingredients.

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First Time Pet Parents, Food, Health, Safety, Tips
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