Have you ever walked through the aisles of a pet store and been overwhelmed by the mind-boggling selection of dog food that is available today? Most stores have shelf after shelf filled with kibble, raw, freeze-dried, and canned varieties. With so much to choose from, it can be a daunting task to find the right one for your beloved canine.
By Lizz Caputo
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets guidelines for pet food nutrition labels. You can learn a lot by simply scanning a dog food'sfor certain words. For example, pet food can only be marketed as "complete and balanced" if it meets or exceeds the AAFCO's nutritional adequacy standards.
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The AAFCO also requires that the ingredients on a pet food's label be listed in order by weight. If you're looking for high-quality dog food, you'll want one that lists an animal protein as its first ingredient. But not just any animal protein. Words matter here. Take chicken, for example. One dog food could have chicken as its first ingredient, while another will have chicken meal.
And still, another could have chicken byproducts listed as its first ingredient. Here are the differences in meanings:
Some countries do not have high standards or regulations for the manufacturing of pet food. This, unfortunately, has led to several tragic incidents and recalls in the USA. In 2007, for example, hundreds, possibly thousands of dogs and cats died after consuming pet food that contained wheat gluten contaminated with melamine from China. In 2014, more than 1,000 dogs were attributed to consuming dog jerky treats that had come from China.
For your pet's health and safety, it is always best to check that the ingredients in your dog's food have been sourced from a nation with high standards for pet food, such as the USA or countries belonging to the European Union.
In some cases, your dog's food choice will be dictated by their health requirements. Puppies, for example, need more calories and nutrients than adult dogs. And a senior dog may require a diet that has more protein and additional supplements, such as ones for their joints.
Some dogs will also require special diets because they have certain health issues. For instance, a veterinarian may prescribe a specially formulated food to address specific conditions, such as sensitive stomach or kidney issues.
In the early 2000s, many owners began feeding their dogs a grain-free diet after being told that it was better for the health of their canines. The popular opinion at that time was that grains were just an unnecessary filler that dogs would not naturally consume.
In 2018, grain-free diets came under fire when veterinarians noticed an increase in the number of dogs developing a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although the link between this type of food and DCM has not been fully proven, it is best to talk with your veterinarian before feeding your canine a grain-free diet.
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Pet food comes in a variety of forms. Each has its fans and detractors. The following are the most common types of dog foods, as well as the pros and cons of feeding that particular type:
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Of course, the most important factor is whether your dog likes and will eat the food you choose. Even the best food in the world is not going to be beneficial to your dog if they won't eat it. Unfortunately, some dogs can be very, very picky so don't be surprised if it will take you several tries to find a nutritional dog food that your canine will enjoy eating.
Lizz Caputo is a Content Strategist at Figo Pet Insurance — a provider of the industry’s best pet insurance plans. She is an animal enthusiast and owner of a rescued senior American bully.
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