Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a dog’s overall health and well-being. As a dog parent, you strive to provide your beloved canine companion with the best possible care, and that starts with their diet. The world of commercial dog food can be overwhelming, with countless options and conflicting information available. So, in this comprehensive guide to dog food and nutrition, we will demystify your furry friend’s dietary needs and help you make informed choices that will support their optimal health.
When shopping for quality commercial dog food, there are several factors to consider to ensure you are providing your dog with a nutritious and balanced diet. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right food for your dog.
Dog food nutrients
Before shopping for food, it’s important to understand the significance of nutrition in a dog’s diet. Just like humans, dogs require a well-balanced diet to thrive physically and mentally. The right combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals ensures their energy levels, growth, immune function, and overall vitality. Additionally, a nutritious diet can help prevent or manage various health conditions, including allergies, obesity, and joint problems.
The guidelines for dog food nutrition were created by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO regulates the distribution and sale of pet foods, and recommended brands will include their statement on the bag to help consumers understand what nutrients are included and why they’re important
A balanced diet for your dog should meet their energy needs, which can vary based on breed, activity level, age, or medical conditions. Fats and proteins primarily contribute to the energy in the diet, followed by carbohydrates. According to the AAFCO, at least 18% of a dogs diet should be made up of protein in dry matter (DM). In their growing stages, they should be eating a diet that consists of at least 22.5% DM protein. However, some experts suggest these minimum numbers should be higher, up to 25% for adult dogs and 30% for puppies. Commercial dog foods can vary greatly when it comes to protein, so it’s a good idea to speak to your vet about your dog’s dietary needs.
Shopping for quality commercial dog food
Reading dog food labels is something of an exercise in futility unless you know the arcane rules governing what they can say, but here are a few guidelines.
- Ingredients must be listed by amount in descending order. So if meat is the first ingredient (the ideal to strive for), technically the food contains more of that ingredient (i.e. chicken) than any other ingredient. In reality, chicken is a heavy ingredient because it contains a lot of water, so it’s easy for manufacturers to manipulate the label by listing chicken first and following it with various grains, such as wheat meal, wheat middlings, wheat flour, and so on. It’s all wheat, though, and if you were to put the wheat on a scale with the chicken, it would probably outweigh the fowl.
- The first ingredient on the label should always be meat with a name. By this, we mean chicken, lamb, or beef, as opposed to the generic “meat,” which could be anything.
- Food should have more meat protein than grain protein. Unfortunately, there’s really no way to tell that from the label.
- One or more types of meat, or high-quality dairy products such as eggs, should be listed among the first three to five ingredients. If the first ingredient is a type of meat, followed by only grains, or if the first ingredient is a grain, check some other brands before buying.
- Marketing terms such as “natural” or “premium” have no official legal definition. If you want to know what the manufacturer means by “human-grade ingredients” or “70 percent organic,” give the company a call and get some answers. Every can or bag of dog food must list the contact information for the manufacturer on the label.
Factors to consider when buying commercial dog food
When shopping for quality commercial dog food, there are several factors to consider to ensure you are providing your dog with a nutritious and balanced diet. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right food.
Read the ingredients
Check the ingredient list on the dog food packaging. Look for high-quality protein sources (i.e. chicken, beef, fish) listed as the first ingredients. Avoid foods that contain by-products, artificial additives, fillers, and excessive amounts of grains or carbohydrates.
Consider life stage and size
Dogs have different nutritional needs based on their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and size (small, medium, large, or giant breed). Choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for your dog’s age and size to ensure appropriate nutrient levels.
Check for an AAFCO statement
Look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the packaging. This statement ensures that the food meets minimum nutritional standards for dogs.
Research the brand
Research the brand’s reputation and history. Look for brands with a good track record of quality control, transparency, and a focus on using premium ingredients.
Consider special dietary needs
If your dog has specific dietary requirements or sensitivities, such as grain allergies, limited ingredient diets, or specialized formulas, choose a dog food that caters to those needs.
Consult with your veterinarian
Your veterinarian can provide valuable recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs, health conditions, and any specific dietary requirements.
Consider your budget
While quality dog food may be more expensive, it’s important to choose the best option within your budget. Remember that investing in your dog’s nutrition can contribute to their long-term health and well-being.
Remember to transition your dog gradually to a new food. Do so by mixing it with their current food over a period of several days to avoid digestive upset. Monitoring your dog’s health, energy levels, coat condition, and overall well-being can help you determine if the chosen dog food is suitable for them.
