Different Types Of Special Diet Foods
Though all dogs have the same basic requirements for protein, fat, and essential nutrients, some dogs have special dietary requirements based on their age, their breed, or some kind of health condition. For example, if you are trying to get your dog to gain weight, you might switch him to a high-calorie or a high-protein diet. There is a dog food out there for every diet!
Here is an overview of the different types of special diets you may come across as you start shopping for the best dog food. Keep in mind that some of these foods are for specific health problems, so check with your veterinarian before switching your dog to one of these special diet foods:
In addition to shopping for the best food based on your dogs unique dietary needs, you can also shop based on his breed size. Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional requirements for dogs of different breed sizes.
Key Differences Between The Worst And Best Dog Foods
- The best dog food will exceed the minimum nutritional requirements Whilst all commercially available foods will reach the minimum required nutritional levels, the minimum is not enough to make your dog fully thrive.
- Protein According to Kate Barrington at Petsumer.com, the best dog food will have over 25% protein. This should be ideally from all animal sources, without using vegetable protein.
- Fat The best foods will have at least 10% fat content.
- Enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
- The first five ingredients on the label should not contain any fillers, by-products, or additives.
What Kind Of Food Is Best For My Dog
This is a subjective question. You must take different factors such as breed, age, gender, body composition, activity level, and temperament of your dog into account before picking up the right option available. But generally, a diet that offers a blend made from quality ingredients is considered healthy and beneficial for your dog.
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Kibbles N Bits Homestyle Grilled Beef & Vegetable
At first glance, this recipe looks alright. Its promoted as having a culinary-inspired formula and is supposed to be loaded with proteins.
The texture crunchy kibbles with soft, meaty bits is also something that would definitely interest a pup. However, if you look closely at the label, youll see that the food is made up of low-quality ingredients.
Its not meat-based. Although its billed as a beef and vegetable recipe, the vegetables come first and there are more of them than necessary.
In fact, the main ingredients of the meal are corn and grains. The meat doesnt come in until the third slot. and its the only meat within the first eight ingredients of the recipe .
We dont usually have a problem with corn or grains, but this many? And its not only that. Theres corn syrup in the food. While corn syrup is not a dangerous ingredient, it has a high sugar content.
Its not necessary in dog food, and manufacturers only add it to enhance the flavor. If your pup is already struggling with obesity, then this sugar product makes the problem worse.
Lastly, were not a fan of artificial colors, and this food has plenty of it. Dogs arent tempted by colored foods, so the artificial hues are really intended to attract pet owners.
Recall Info: No food recall for this specific recipe although Kibbles n Bits has been involved in a recall for its canned foods back in 2018.
Are There Any Ingredients Which Should Be Avoided
Yes. Ingredients which are not recommended under any circumstances are preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary butylhydroquinone and ethoxyquin, artificial dyes and any meat source which has not been properly identified on the label. However, due to tight UK and EU regulations, you should never find any foods which contain these on the shelves.
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What Is The Best Diet For An Overweight Dog
Buy foods that have meat beef, chicken, lamb, or turkey as the first ingredient and rice as the main grain in the formula. Limit table scraps and treats. Dogs love treats, but they should only constitute about 5 percent of their total dietary intake. The rest should come from nutritionally complete dog food.
Best Dry Dog Food For Puppies
If you’re wondering whether your puppy really needs a special food just for younger dogs, the answer is yes! Puppies need more calories, more fat, and a different vitamin and mineral balance to support healthy growth, Shepherd explains. Typically, puppy food is made for dogs under 1 year of age.
Though there aren’t any official AAFCO nutrient standards specifically for small and large breeds, some puppy foods are made specially for dogs of different sizes. “Balancing the nutrient needs of dogs given their wide size variety and ages is wise and common sense,” says Dodds. For instance, large breed puppies need a special ratio of calcium to phosphorus for their growing big bones, and they can benefit from supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep their joints healthy, according to Shepherd. On the flip side, puppy foods for smaller breeds often have smaller kibble pieces for smaller mouths. They may also be a bit higher in calories, since smaller breeds can have higher metabolisms.
If you want to make sure a food is appropriate for puppies, check the label for an AAFCO complete and balanced statement that says it’s intended for growth for all life stages. Some foods might also specifically state that they’re for younger dogs. Keep an eye out for any food that says “maintenance” on the package. These are meant specifically for adult dogs, so they won’t be right for a puppy.
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Zignature Zssential Formula Grain
Best Wet Food Sometimes the best dog food to buy for a dog is a wet food. If your dog prefers canned food, Zignature Zssential Formula is a great option. Made with a blend of premium animal proteins like turkey, duck, and lamb, this recipe is incredibly rich in protein while being low in saturated fat. It features grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and peas with turkey broth for both natural flavor and moisture. This recipe is also supplemented with essential nutrients including chelated minerals and contains fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for essential nutrients as well.
- Pros: Very high in protein, protein from numerous premium animal sources, grain-free digestible carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals
- Cons: Very expensive, some dogs are sensitive to poultry ingredients like turkey
American Journey Dog Food
Our Most Affordable: Produced and sold by Chewy, the American Journey brand of dog food is an affordable option that still offers good quality which makes it one of the best foods if youre on a budget. American Journey offers a wide variety of products, including grain-free options made with digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes. Their chicken and brown rice recipe is one of their most popular, made with high-quality and nutritious ingredients like deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, and fresh fruits and vegetables. It also contains chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption.
- Pros: Affordable but high in quality, rich in protein and healthy fats, made with nutritious ingredients, fresh fruits and vegetables, digestible whole grains, chelated minerals
- Cons: Some recipes are not grain-free, no probiotic supplements
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What Is The Best Dog Food Recommended By Vets
The dog food which vets tend to recommend is Hills Science, Royal Canin, Arden Grange. However, this recommendation can vary from one practice to another and should be taken with a grain of salt. The PDSA give guidelines on what to look for which is similar to the contents of this page but do not specify any particular brand.
How Important Is Fat In A Dogs Diet
All dogs require a certain amount of fat in their diets to maintain health and strength. In fact, a dogs fat requirement is much more than humans, and since dogs do not suffer from the hardening of arteries or atherosclerosis, the fat content doesnt pose threats to your dogs health. They need fat to gain the energy they require to run and play.
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Just goes to show that with Salters THE MONEY IS IN THE BAG NOT THE BANK!!
Mr and Mrs Melville, Luton
Having heard of Salters some ten years ago I changed Rustys food to Salters Maintenance, I noticed his coat became much softer and glossy, his stools are always good and at nineteen he still munches through Salters Senior.
Karen Fox, Suffolk
SALTERS was recommended to me seven years ago when I picked up my first Labrador gun dog. Over the years I have been very happy with the food, the dogs thrive on it. I have been commended on the well being and shape of the dogs.
R Morrison, Hertfordshire
What You Should Know About Dry Dog Food
While quality dry dog food is healthy and maintains all the nutrients dogs need, some picky eaters may not find it very interesting.
Dry dog food is typically the least expensive dog food you can find for Fido. While lots of lower quality dry dog food is processed and could contain fillers and additives, you can find a number of varieties that are quite healthy. Is dry dog food the healthiest dog food for your dog?
Lets take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Dry Dog Food
- Dry dog food is usually the cheapest dog food
- Dry dog food can aid in overall dental health
- Dry food is one of the most effective ways to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs in his diet
- Dry dog food has a long shelf life
- It is easy to travel with and simple to store
- Because it is generally an adequate source of all the nutrients your dog needs, your dog will generally feel full and satisfied for longer after eating.
Cons of Dry Dog Food
- Dry dog food has a higher chance of containing animal by-products and meat meal
- Lower quality dry food may contain artificial dyes and flavors
- Dry food can cause digestive problems for food-sensitive dogs
- Dry dog food is not the best food for dogs with food allergies and skin issues
- It is not as palatable as wet or raw dog food and may not be ideal for dogs with poor appetites
What To Look For In The Healthiest Dry Dog Food
Dogs Who Will Thrive On Dry Dog Food
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Eagle Pack Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Eagle Pack Power Adult is one of 7 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, large and giant breed, lamb, pork and more
- Price: $
- See all 7 available recipes
This Eagle Pack recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and pork meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A superior kibble at an affordable price. Made by the same trusted company that also produces Wellness. Exceptional value. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewShe seems to be shedding much less on Eagle Pack, and her coat condition is much better than it was. She has always been prone to itches and allergies, and she is no longer scratching herself all the time and gnawing the hair off of her paws. Im happy that this is a food that agrees with her. I wonder why I hadnt heard of Eagle Pack earlier, as I feel that it is a great food at a much more affordable price than other popular high-quality brands.
This Wellness Core formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey, as well as turkey and chicken meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Healthiest Human Foods You Should Be Feeding Your Dog
Posted by PUP on Mar 10, 2018 in Puppy Up! Blog
A young black labrador retriever puppy carries a freshly picked carrot in his mouth.
Providing good nutrition is a proactive way to help your dog maintain a strong immune system. Its certainly no guarantee he or she will not get cancer, but it helps in the fight. And maintaining good nutrition while a dog is fighting cancer will help in the battle against the disease.
We found this article by Simi that might help you in deciding to broaden your dogs diet, and what youd be comfortable adding. As with everything The Puppy Up Foundation publishes, we encourage you to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. Every dogs digestive system is different, and different dogs will respond differently to each item below. For example, collies are known to have trouble digesting some foods, like rice, so that might be something youd not want to add to their food.
As with anything, please check with your vet.
Dogs are mans best friend. They are loyal, loving and provide us with endless amounts of entertaining stories. While your dog may be only a part of your life, to them you are everything. You are their entire world. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to ensure the health and safety of your furry friend.
1. Carrots
2. Eggs
3. Green beans
4. Salmon
5. Yogurt
6. Chicken
7. Pumpkin
8. Peanut Butter
9. Coconut
10. Oatmeal
11. Certain Berries
12. Pineapple
13. Green Peas
14. Sweet potatoes and Potatoes
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Organix Castor & Pullux Wet Dog Food
Organic dog food is always going to be some of the healthiest dog food because it is not going to contain artificial dyes, flavors, additives, etc. The above dog food by Organix is an organic wet dog food that is available for dogs in a number of flavors and recipes.
It can be specified for your dogs age and weight and even includes superfoods like blueberries, coconut flour and flaxseed.
Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Grain
Overall Rating:
Ingredients List: Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat , Egg Product, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison, Beef, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate , Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride , Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin , Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live , Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
Price: You can buy a 28-lb bag from PetCo for around $48.99. There are also 5 and 14-lb options available.
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Is Merrick Considered A Healthy Dog Food
All Merrick dog foods meet dog food nutrient guidelines published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Each recipe is considered complete and balanced for specific life stages according to nutrient standards posted by the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science in Washington, D.C.
Why Do Vets Recommend Science Diet
Vets see an improvement in pet health when they are transitioned to Hills Science or Prescription Diet products. Pretty convincing evidence, wouldnt you agree? An animal comes in with an illness and poor blood results, and a few weeks after the transition in diet their blood results show an improvement.
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Faqs About The Healthiest Dog Food
What dry dog food do vets recommend?
Theres not a consensus amongst vets on what is the healthiest dog food. In fact, most vets only do a couple of days worth of nutritional training as veterinary degrees focus more on surgery and intervention than how their bodies process different ingredients.
Some vets sell certain brands which have been positioned as medically-suited dog foods, however as youll see when you compare dog food, they generally treat the symptom and not the cause and arent good value in our opinion. Were a little biased though
What is the best dog food for Aussies?
The Australian dog food market is so fragmented that its almost impossible to pick a healthy food for dogs, with nearly a hundred options across wet, raw, fresh and dry dog food. Scratch has the best dog food reviews in Australia, with 4.9 out of 5 average rating after feeding over 20,000 dogs.
Why is Scratch the best dog food?
Our 3 kibbles are on the super-premium side of things, but with premium prices. We use just about as much meat as anything out there, and its all sourced from the human-grade supply chain rather than the bits and pieces the pet-food supply chain uses.
The other key reason people switch to Scratch is trust. We dont want to be the biggest but were hellbent on earning the privilege of being Australias most trusted dog food. It all comes back to why we started it, so weve launched a few things that we think all dog foods should do: