Are natural ingredients the most important element in a dog food?
No, proper pet nutrition is not just about which ingredients are used; it's about the balance of nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats/oils, minerals and vitamins) in the formula. An excess of nutrients, as well as insufficient nutrients, can be harmful to your pet's health.
What nutrients make up a properly balanced dog food?
To make sure your pet's health is maintained, there must be appropriate amounts and proportions of carbohydrates, protein, fats/oils, vitamins and minerals in the diet.
What do carbohydrates do for my dog?
Carbohydrates provide a source of energy, fiber and nutrients to your pet. Whole grains are the best sources of carbohydrates, as they have higher levels of fiber that keep your dog feeling full longer, keep blood sugar levels steady, and promote digestion.
Just because a dog food is more expensive, does that mean it’s more nutritious?
Not necessarily. Price should not always be the only consideration when choosing a dog food. One of the most important things to consider is the type of ingredients listed on the label. Ingredients are listed primarily by weight on the ingredient list. The ones that come first are the ones that are present in the greatest amount in the formula.
What is most important is not just the type of ingredients, but rather how the balance of those ingredients provide adequate nutrients.
What should be found in the first several ingredients listed on a dog food bag?
When looking at the ingredient listing, you should first see one or two quality protein sources (meats or meat meals), one or more source of carbohydrates (whole grain is best), and a quality fat or oil source.
What’s in a meat meal?
Meat meal is the dehydrated product made from animal tissues (by definition without any blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, or stomach contents). Meals contribute a more concentrated amount of protein to a dog food because it contains only about 10 percent moisture.
What is a tocopherol?
The common name for tocopherol is vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is necessary to a balanced diet and helps protect cells against the adverse effects of free radicals. Additionally, Vitamin E is important for normal reproduction and immune function.
What does 'complete and balanced' mean?
The majority of dog food products are formulated to provide the sole source of nutrition for a dog. Products that are labeled "complete and balanced," as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), must meet guidelines to be sure they meet certain nutritional requirements.
How can I tell how much of a particular nutrient is in my dog’s food by just looking at the label?
Pet food labels must meet strict regulations before a product can be sold commercially in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration and AAFCO regulate all aspects of dog food labeling to be sure the consumer is not mislead or misinformed by the packaging. Minimum and maximum guarantees tell consumers the minimum percentages of crude protein and fat and the maximum percentage of crude fiber and moisture contained in the product. When comparing guaranteed analyses, look at the moisture content of the particular product. This is very important when comparing a dry food to a canned product, which has a large amount of moisture.
Why is fat an important ingredient in dog food?
As a concentrated form of energy, fat provides more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. Fat is also required for absorption and utilization of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Fats supply fatty acids, which provide healthy skin and coat, as well as reduce inflammation.
Fats and oils have many important functions in your pet's healthy body and make dog food taste better. Fatty acids promote heart health and optimal brain function.
What are the best sources of quality protein?
Proteins provide the basic building blocks for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. The highest quality proteins for use in dog foods come from a variety of animal-based sources including chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish and eggs.
Why is water important for life?
Water is essential for eliminating waste from the body, regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and preventing dehydration. While there is some water in dry dog foods, dogs should have a source of quality water available at all times to go along with a healthy, balanced diet.
What is AAFCO?
Also known as the Association of American Feed Control Officials, the AAFCO is a private organization that defines and establishes regulations for pet food and feed ingredients and sets standards for nutritional adequacy. The AAFCO has no regulatory authority; its purpose is to protect consumers while safeguarding the health of humans and animals. The organization ensures a level playing field for manufacturers in the pet food and animal feed industries.
What is a statement of nutritional adequacy?
The AAFCO requires this statement on all pet foods that claim to meet nutritional profiles as established by the AAFCO to ensure complete nutrition. Foods can either be formulated to meet these requirements or be tested in animals according to specific AAFCO-dictated procedures demonstrating that the food is nutritionally adequate. The statement must describe which life stage the product is suited for, such as for "growth," "maintenance," etc.
Why are 'human' ingredients like apples and carrots used in dog food?
Common fruits and vegetables eaten by humans are also very healthy and beneficial for dogs. They provide essential vitamins and minerals that maintain health and prevent disease. Pet food manufacturers are using these ingredients more and more commonly as consumers become better aware of their benefits.
How do I know if I am feeding my dog a properly balanced diet?
Pet owners should work with their veterinarians to determine the correct diet for their dogs and identify the best food choices. Pet owners can also use MyBowl, a great new resource created from a partnership between petMD and Hill’s Pet Nutrition that illustrates how much of each nutrient category needs to be represented in their dog’s food – carbohydrates, protein, fats and oils, minerals and vitamins. MyBowl also includes information to help owners decode the back of a dog food bag and understand which high quality ingredients in what proportions – not too much, not too little – need to be included to achieve properly balanced nutrition.
What is a good example of a properly balanced dog food?
There are many excellent products on the shelves today that are labeled "complete and balanced" and meet the AAFCO’s nutrient profiles. Ask your veterinarian for advice on a particular food that will meet your pet’s particular needs for lifestage and activity level.
