jenifer's dog food comparison
 
 

   
 

What You Should Know About Dog Foods:

    
    1) Not all dog food is created equal. In fact some foods may do more harm then good for your dog. My best advice is to read the labels and if you don't think something sounds healthy then it probably isn't. Click here for a description of common ingredients found in dog foods.

2)All dogs are different and not every food will do well with every dog. If your dog is doing well on the food he is on, don't change it. Just because one dog does really well on a food does not mean that that food is best for your dog. Find out what is best for  *YOUR* dog.

3) When you try a new food, give it at least 8 weeks before making a decision on changing it. That's how long it takes for the benefits/problems to show up with a new food. And try just one food at a time. How do you know if a food is doing well or not? Click here for a checklist.

4) Don't go straight to alternate single protein source foods unless your dog already has a problem with the more common proteins. For example if you have a healthy dog that has not demonstrated any allergies, don't feed a venison diet or a duck diet, etc. Try to stay with the more common proteins (Chicken, Beef, Lamb). The reason for this is if your dog does develop allergies later these will still be novel protein sources that you can turn to. Many allergy prone dogs will develop issues with their foods periodically and will have to have their diets changed.

 

    
   

Here is a Checklist by the API (Animal Protection Institute)
For Selecting A Dog Food:

    
   
  • When selecting a commercial food for your animal companion, make sure the label has an “AAFCO guarantee,” preferably one that references “feeding tests” or “feeding protocols” rather than Nutrient Profiles.
  • Never buy a food containing “by-product meal” or “meat and bone meal.” These rendered products are the most inexpensive sources of animal protein. The contents and quality of these meals can vary tremendously from batch to batch, and are not a reliable source of nutrition for your animal.
  • In general, avoid foods that rely on by-products as the sole source of animal protein. By-products consist of organs and parts either not desired, or condemned, for human consumption. An occasional can of by-product-based food may be okay, since, in the wild, carnivores do consume the whole prey including the organs, but these foods are not acceptable as a steady diet.
  • Look for a named meat or meal (“lamb” or “chicken meal,” for example, instead of the generic term “meat”) as the first ingredient.
  • Avoid generic or store brands. These may be repackaged rejects from the big manufacturers, and generally contain cheaper — and consequently poorer quality — ingredients.
  • Unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian, avoid “light,” “senior,” “special formula,” or “hairball formula” foods. These foods may contain acidifying agents, excessive fiber, or inadequate fats that can result in skin, coat and other problems.
  • In general, select brands promoted to be “natural.” While they are not perfect, they may be better than most. Several brands are now preserved with Vitamins C and E instead of chemical preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin and propyl gallate). While synthetic preservatives may still be present, the amounts will be less.
  • Check the expiration date to ensure freshness.
  • When you open a bag of dry food, give it a sniff — if there is any rancid odor at all, return it immediately for an exchange or refund.
  • Store dry pet food in a sealed non-porous container (a large popcorn tin is ideal) in a cool, dry place. Canned food is best removed from the can and refrigerated in a glass or ceramic container.

 

    
 

Disclaimer: The information contained within this site was gathered from the respective manufacturers and companies and  holds no responsibility as to the accuracy of this information. This site is for informational purposes only and recommends that you discuss your dogs nutrition with your veterinarian.

 

Copyright Jenifer Edwards/Dogfoodinfo.com. 2006.
No part of this site may be reproduced without written permission.