What's in Your Dog's Food?

Know your Kibble

When feeding your dog, always consider the source carefully.  Due to savvy marketing and such, most dog owners are unaware of what's really in their dog food.  That's why it's important to read the label.  You need to understand that the pet food industry is really an extension of the agriculture and human food industries.  Pet food(s) provide a market for many different waste products, such as: slaughterhouse offal, grains considered "unfit for human consumption," and other waste products to be turned into profit. This waste can include intestines, udders, esophagi, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.

For example, common ingredients in pet foods are, meat and poultry meals, by-product meals, and meat-and-bone meal.  The term "meal" means that these materials are not used fresh, but have been heated at extremely high temperatures.  The fat rises to the top and is skimmed off.  This fat is frequently sprayed back on kibble products to improve palatability.  The remaining solids are then pressed to remove the residual liquid and we now have “meat and by-product meal”, “poultry meal”, etc.

Many prescription foods sold by veterinarians contain "Chicken by-product meal”, which translates to: chicken feet, chicken entrails and other parts of the chicken unfit for human consumption.  While the processing of meats and by-products for pet foods can destroy a great deal of the nutrients in the food, it does not necessarily destroy the hormones used to fatten livestock or increase milk production, or drugs such as antibiotics or the barbiturates used to euthanize animals.  This is why foods that use human grade meat sources are the best choice.

Grain sources must be considered, as well.  Along with “meat and bone meals,” grains such as corn and wheat are usually among the first ingredients listed on dry dog food labels.  Most dry foods use grain products for a large portion of the protein content, but not all protein sources are as readily digested and utilized.  And, as with the “meat” sources used in these foods, the grains are frequently not whole grain but the by-products of milling and processing grains for other uses.

Always try to find dry dog foods that use human-grade, wholesome ingredients.  Most experts recommend feeding raw food a minimum of 3-5 times a week, and providing the freshest food you can, high quality dry foods can be included in your dog's balanced diet. For added benefit when feeding dry dog food, you can add supplements with digestive enzymes and essential fatty acids, such as a fish oil.  You can also consider a high quality multivitamin & mineral supplement.  Pay attention as to not overfeed your dog.  Overfeeding is a common problem for many companion pets and compounds their risk for poor health and disease.

About Puppy  Food

While most manufacturers of pet food market a particular product for growing animals, we do not think this to be necessarily in your companion’s best interest.  You already understand that a raw diet is the best diet for dogs and cats.  The same is true for puppies and kittens.  Their dietary needs are fully met by a high-quality diet of all raw food or the best possible combination of fresh foods and processed foods you can provide supplemented with raw meat, table scraps and vegetables.

Prescription Diets

More and more, we are seeing many veterinarians recommending prescription diets.  While it is a great way for veterinarians and especially the pet food industry to make money, it is not a great way to feed most companion pets.  These diets are typically highly processed and contain highly questionable ingredients.  As we stated earlier, the most popular brand of these foods uses grains as a principle protein source and includes “chicken by-product meal”, which translates into: chicken feet, chicken entrails and other parts of the chicken unfit for human consumption.  In addition they contain the preservatives BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)  and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) common ingredients in floor cleaners and paint products which, according to the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet, may be harmful if ingested, inhaled and through skin contact, and is a skin and eye irritant.  Would you knowingly feed your dog products that contain these ingredients?

The best diet for any animal is a biologically appropriate diet.  For dogs and cats that means fresh raw meat is the ideal.  Diet is the foundation of good health.  For many health issues in companion animals, a change in diet to real food can make all the difference in the world. 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

How do you figure out how much to feed your dog? Only you can determine that through time and experience.  Every dog has a different metabolism, lifestyle and caloric need.  Indoor dogs will usually expend less energy than dogs with access to the outdoors.  A 50 lb. not-so-active Basset Hound probably needs less than a hard working 50 lb Australian Shepherd.  Feeding guidelines on food labels are just that – guidelines.  You have to watch your pet carefully and adjust their portion size appropriately. 

If you have a hard time seeing the weight until he or she is “fat”, put your dog on the old bathroom scale a couple times a month,  or you can stand on the scale while holding your dog.  You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs, and they should not have a lot of “cushion”.  Their abdomen should be hourglass shaped – they should have a waist.  If their stomach protrudes on either side and they “waddle” when they walk, it’s time for a diet.  Another sign of an overweight dog is extra fat around the base of the tail.

Overweight dog's are at an increased risk of developing many problems.  These include: bone/orthopedic problems, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, diabetes and liver disease.  Canine obesity can also affect your dog's mental outlook and health.  An overweight dog can become lazy and less enthusiastic about life.  So watch for the signs,  when you play with your dog.

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