Alpo Come & Get It Cookout Classics
ALPO is a known dog food brand that may look to many as a quality pet food. But as turns out, its not. Or at least, this particular recipe isnt.
This formulation does not start with meat. In fact, the first meat ingredient wont be found until the 3rd slot in the list. And the only other meat is in 6th place.
What starts off this food is ground yellow corn, meaning that corn has the most significant volume in the diet. Not only that, there are two more corn ingredients in the recipe and one legume.
Its a formulation that focuses more on carbohydrates rather than protein. It meets the AAFCO standard, yes, but does not really go much above it.
The second thing we dont like is the inclusion of artificial food coloring. Color is not a requirement in dog food, and dogs will be better off without it. The less artificial ingredients in dog food, the better.
The Come & Get It! Cookout Classics is the least of the worst dog foods in our list because it contains real and named meat ingredients.
Recall Info: None for this recipe, and the only recall for the ALPO brand happened way back in 2007 for possible melamine contamination.
Problem Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, corn germ meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Yellow 6
Should My Dog Eat A Raw Diet
A raw diet for dogs can consist of organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, fruits and vegetables, and yogurt. This type of raw diet can be of the homemade variety, while the other way to feed your dog a raw diet is through commercially available dog food that includes raw ingredients.
Proponents of a raw diet claim that eating raw food promotes cleaner teeth, a shinier coat, healthier skin, higher energy levels and smaller stool. The raw diet is sometimes referred to by the acronym BARF, which stands for Bones and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Sled dogs and racing greyhounds were some of the earliest adopters of the hilariously titled BARF diet, and these days the diet has become much more popular with food manufacturers.
Some will say that the only reason for your dog to eat a raw diet is to eliminate ingredients in commercial foods that cause allergies. If your dog seems to have a food allergy and youve tried grain free, but the irritation has continued, a raw diet could an option. If you do decide to try a raw diet, do as much research as possible beforehand and consult with your vet or a nutritionist.
If youd like to safely feed your dog a bone, there are many quality commercial options to consider. One option is whole, naturally shed deer and elk antlers. Pick an appropriate sized antler for your dog in order to avoid choking. Your dog will love to chew it, they do not splinter, and they promote healthy gums and teeth.
We Aren’t The Only People That Have Converted To Making Homemade Dog Food And Are Loving The Results Check Out The Links Below For More Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Pup Will Love
Easy Crockpot Dog Food from Damn Delicious || This simple homemade dog food recipe combines ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, and peas in the slow cooker so you can set it and forget it!
Homemade Dog Food Recipe from College Housewife || Elizabeth’s sweet dog Rascal suffered from all sorts of health issues which led them to having him allergy tested. Turns out Rascal was allergic to all sorts of things – even beef! So, Elizabeth developed a homemade dog food recipe that is just perfect for Rascal’s sensitive belly that is filled with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini squash and macaroni noodles!
DIY Homemade Dog Food from Damn Delicious||Chungah’s dog Butter’s battle with stomach issues led her to start making dog food at home. This recipe is easy to make and super good for your pups too! It combines a delicious blend of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains and is made of ingredients like ground chicken, brown rice, shredded zucchini, spinach, carrots, and peas.
You May Like: Purina Dog Food Good For Dogs
The Top 10 Worst Dog Food Brands Of 2021
All pet foods are not created equal but most of the low-quality dog food brands have a few things in common. Some of the worst brands on the market load up their products with inexpensive fillers like corn and wheat products their products also tend to be carb-heavy instead of meat-based.
Low-quality pet formulas make heavy use of by-products and plant proteins, plus they often use artificial colors and flavors to make their products more palatable for pets and the people who care for them.
Something else many of these foods have in common is a history of product recalls by their manufacturing company.
Below is an overview of the Top 10 worst dog foods of 2021 . We started our list with recipes that contain dubious and low-quality ingredients and worked our way down to the worst offenders with recent recalls under their belt.
An Alternative To Home Cooking
Cooking for your pet is a process thats demanding on your time, labor, space, and finances, says Dr. Larsen.
Home cooking is not for everyone, though, and it doesnt have to be. Another option to provide your dog with whole ingredients is to get carefully prepared ready-made meals.
There are commercial foods that can be purchased that contain whole ingredients that are pre-cooked. Which is very close to cooking, notes Dr. Bartges.
So, while you might think that cooking for your dog is better for their health, it can be just as beneficial to purchase pre-prepared food thats made with the same principles in mind. Whichever method you choose, just to make sure you are always catering to your dogs individual health and nutrition needs.
Don’t Miss: Purina Owned By
Whole Earth Farms Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Whole Earth Farms Adult recipe is one of 2 kibble recipes included in our review of the Whole Earth Farms product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Small breed, turkey, salmon, pork, beef, puppy and more
- Price: $
- See both available recipes
This Whole Earth Farms product derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and turkey meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 47% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
A quality yet affordable, grain-inclusive kibble made by Merrick. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI recently switched to this food due to the recent controversy over Grain Free. This was the only affordable food I found with quality ingredients listed. My dogs love it and it will be the only food I fees from now on.
This Holistic Select formula derives most of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as anchovy and sardine meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
An exceptional grain-free dog food offering numerous recipe and flavor options. Highly recommended.
How Much Food Should You Make At Once
You don’t need to make your dog’s meal and then immediately feed it. You can make up a batch of food and store it in the refrigerator for 3 days.
So once you know how much food your dog needs each day, multiply that by 3 days and make up a batch of that amount.
For example, if your 50-pound dog eats 1.5 lbs daily, make up a batch of 4.5 lbs, which will serve him for 3 days . All you need to do is take it out of the fridge, scoop a meal’s worth into his feeding bowl, and warm it up by floating the bowl in a larger bowl of very hot water. It will quickly warm up to room temperature. Dogs digest food best at room temperature.
For even more convenience, make up a week’s worth or 2 weeks worth. Store 3 days worth in the fridge, and freeze the rest. But don’t freeze it in one huge chunk instead, separate it into 3-day quantities in individual freezer bags, so it will be convenient to thaw.
Read Also: Purina Vs Pedigree Which Is Better
Now Let’s Break Down The Recipe For My Easy Homemade Dog Food Shall We
The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega’s. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, I’ve found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pup’s ideal dog food flavor profile.
Meat || Lean ground beef, ground chicken, ground white or dark meat turkey, & ground pork are all great options. Just be sure to make sure that any meat you feed your animals is free of seasonings when purchasing! Dog’s living with a kidney disease diagnosis need meals that are lower in phosphorus – so for us a lean ground beef like ground sirloin is best the way to go!
Eggs || Eggs are one the top 5 allergens for dogs and the yolks are very high in phosphorus -which you want to limit in dog’s with kidney disease. But, eggs are also one of the highest quality forms of protein you can feed your pet! Ultimately, a hard boiled egg is Hooch’s favorite thing on the planet so, with our vets approval we opted to leave them in his food.
Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Premium Dog Foods
Now that youve seen our list of what we think are the best premium dog foods, you may still be having trouble deciding which one is best for your dog. Weve created a Buyers Guide with information that you may want to consider when choosing premium dog food in order to help make your decision easier.
Read Also: Grain Free Iams Dog Food
Best Budget: Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food
Theres no doubt that some dog food brands are more expensive than others, so if youre looking for a great food thats a little more budget friendly, Nutros Ultra is a top option.
This recipe starts with real chicken as the first ingredient and follows with additional high-quality protein from lamb and salmon. Healthy carbohydrates come from whole brown rice and brewers rice, and the formula offers a blend of 15 superfoods, including coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries.
All of these ingredients offer a range of nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids that adult dogs need in a balanced diet. Plus, Nutros Ultra recipes have no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, as well as no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
And, while this recipe is designed for adult dogs, Nutro offers their Ultra formulas for puppies, small breed dogs, large breed dogs, senior dogs, and more.
Frozen Meals Are A Healthy Option For Dogs
No doubt youve heard about cooked frozen meals, many of which are delivered to your home . But are they worth the price? Yes, especially given how convenient they are, says Dr. Morgan. Freeze-dried or rehydrated meals offer similar benefits as frozen fresh meals. Although they require a small amount of work, usually mixing the food with water, theyre probably healthier than kibble, Dr. Morgan says. These foods are closer to whole-food nutrition, which is always better for dogs.
Recommended Reading: Softening Puppy Food
How Long After Eating Does A Dog Poop
PetMD explains that healthy dogs usually defecate after eating their meals because their stomach “is wired to” the colon by nerves triggering the reflex to eliminate. As soon as the animal’s stomach is full, the colon is notified. That means most dogs will poop within that 30-minute period after eating.
The Best Dog Food According To Experts And Veterinarians
Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Dogs provide humans with unconditional love and emotional support, which pet owners might be especially thankful for during the stressful times we are living through. Feeding your dog a nutritious diet is just one way to show them how much you care, in addition to providing them with the right dog bed, toys to play with and the occasional dog treat. Simply put, dogs deserve to eat well in fact, appropriate food is fourth in the American Veterinary Medical Associations Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership. And with currently underway, you can find savings on many top-rated pet products.
SKIP AHEAD How to shop for dog food
Aiming for the best food for dogs gives them distinct health advantages, too, said Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian and pet care expert at PetSmart. Premium dog food will include meat for protein, vitamin-packed vegetables and fruit, and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, Freeman said, adding its also likely to have fewer fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy.
Read Also: How To Soften Cat Food
Buy Small Bags Of Dry Kibble
If you are feeding dry kibble, buy a bag of kibble you can use within three weeks. Kibble is sprayed with fats for nutrition and taste, but those fats will oxidize quickly and become rancid, which can cause pancreatitis and inflammation in your pet, Dr. Morgan cautions. When you open the bag and expose it to air and light, it further oxidizes and heat can also create oxidation. To store it properly, keep the food in the bag in a sealed container and roll it down tightly after each use. As with all food, you should also check the expiration date.
American Journey Chicken And Sweet Potato
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal , Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
You need to make sure that your English Bulldog gets plenty of vitamins and minerals along with lean protein, and this option from American Journey delivers. The sweet potato is not a common source of allergens, and it contains macronutrients, including complex carbs. Chicken is a great source of lean protein for your English Bulldog as well. Even though this is a bit more expensive than some of the other choices, it is a great one for your furry friend.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Dog Food On Food Stamps
Best Wet: Merrick Grain
Merricks Grain-Free wet dog food is available in an impressive 33 different recipes, including two designed exclusively for puppies. These recipes range from the standard real chicken dinner to the more fun and creative sweater weather supper seasonal recipe. Regardless of the recipe, however, all of these wet food options are grain-free and made with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
With the real chicken dinner recipe, for example, the food is 96% protein from animal sources, with chicken as the first ingredient. This wet food also contains chicken broth, chicken liver, salmon oil, and other ingredients to provide the vitamins and minerals dogs need.
Plus, this variety of Merricks Grain-Free wet dog food has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or by-products.
Of course, the specific ingredient list will vary based on the recipe, but all of these grain-free Merrick wet food options are great as an add-on to kibble or as an alternative for dogs who dont like or cant eat dry food.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet With Salmon
Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
Another choice that you might want to consider is this one from Wellness. This limited-ingredient diet includes plenty of nutrients despite only having a single source of protein, salmon. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with plenty of lean protein. This highly digestible formula also minimizes the chances of an allergic reaction developing in your bulldog.
Recommended Reading: Can You Buy Dog Treats With Food Stamps
Best For Small Breeds: Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food
Nulos Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food is designed to meet the unique dietary needs of smaller dogs, accounting for their higher metabolism and increased energy levels. This food contains high quality protein from turkey, lamb, and salmon, as well as other ingredients such as red lentils, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, blueberries, tomatoes, carrots, and apples.
This Freestyle recipe is grain-free, with no white potatoes or tapioca, has no egg or chicken proteins, and is low in carbohydrates. Beyond its protein, fruits, and vegetables, this food supports the growth and activity level of small breed dogs with probiotics, amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E.
Nulo also formulates the Freestyle blend with a smaller kibble size to promote proper chewing in smaller dogs.
Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula
Top 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein
If you have a bulldog puppy at home, then you need extra calories to help your bulldog grow stout and strong. This recipe from Taste of the Wild provides everything a growing bulldog puppy needs without using grain. It contains lean protein sources with added vitamins and minerals to support the growth of your bulldog puppy.
Don’t Miss: Is Dog Food Covered By Food Stamps