Call The Company If You Have Questions About Any Protein Listed Among The Ingredients
If you have questions, try to get in contact with the nutritionists of the company. Most of them are passionate about pet health and will help you with what you should know rather than what they want you to hear.
This video explains how to select a good dog food among the many terrible dog foods out in the market. Eric Letendre especially zeroes in on how to read the ingredient label of dog foods.
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.
Chicken Or Other Named Meat Meals
The AAFCO definition for chicken meal is –
dry rendered product from a combination of clean chicken flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from whole carcasses of chicken, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails. .;
The only thing that makes named meat meals a little less healthy is that they are rendered products, and their high-heat cooking method decreases the overall protein and nutritional value of the ingredient. That being said, meals can still deliver a highly concentrated protein source for your pets food.
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Best Protein For Dogs
Is there such a thing as too much protein? Is it better to feed your dog a variety of protein sources, or to stick with just one, single protein source? What’s the difference between plant proteins and meat proteins? Is a vegetarian diet good for dogs? What is the best protein for dogs?
In this article, we discuss the different kinds of protein available for dogs and rank them according to their nutritional value. Since 30-70% of your dogs diet is going to be protein, it may as well come from a healthy, quality source.
Well help you make the right when it comes to the right kind of protein for your dogs individual needs.
Read The Entire Package
Pet food labeling is regulated on two levels: federal guidelines from the United States Food and Drug Administration , which establishes standards for proper identification of ingredients and net quantity statements, as well as other basic rules; and the Association of American Feed Control Officials , which has specific rules that pet food manufacturers must follow.
The term natural is often used on pet food labels, although the term does not have an official definition. According to AAFCO, natural can be construed as equivalent to a lack of artificial flavors, artificial colors or artificial preservatives in the product. Natural is not the same as organic, which refers to food produced through approved farming methods that prohibit the use of pesticides, genetic engineering, added hormones and antibiotics.
But beyond these terms, its important to read the entire package, not just the front of the bag or can, to really understand whats in the food. Almost everythingthe text, the pictureson the front is for marketing purposes. Other than the name, quantity and the brand, there is not necessarily useful information on the front, says Dr. Coger.
To really figure out whats in a pet food, you have to flip over the bag and read the list of ingredients and nutritional analysis, says Dr. Coger.; Thats the useful information.
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Raw Boost Best For Senior Dogs
First Five Ingredients:
This boosted nutrition, the high animal protein includes bites of freeze-dried raw meat. The formula is specially made for senior dogs; to increase their immune system and energy level. The first ingredient is real chicken which is used as the primary nutrient source.
The recipe includes all the nutrients an older canine needs for lean and strong muscles. Also, it contains natural DHA that is excellent for eye and brain health, plus guaranteed levels of phosphorus and calcium for strong bones and teeth. Naturally occurring chondroitin and glucosamine support joints and hips, and L-Carnitine supports a healthy metabolism.
We need to mention that this recipe doesnt contain artificial preservatives or colors, no by-product meal, soy, wheat, corn, potato, or grain. You will not regret purchasing this fantastic product.
Faqs Regarding General Dog Nutrition
- What is the best vet recommended dog food? ;The truth is, there is no real consensus among vets on which food is the best. This is because all dogs are different and unique. There is no one catch-all formula that would be perfect for any dog. We would, therefore, recommend searching for a well-regarded food that is high in protein and fat, and that your dog likes the taste of!
- What foods should dogs avoid? ;There are more foods that dogs should avoid than could ever be listed here. Some common human foods that are poisonous to dogs are chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and sweetcorn. Check with a;veterinary;website before you feed your dog anything that isn’t marketed as canine food.
- Is Grain Free Dog Food Really Better? ;Dogs have been found to have trouble digesting grains and therefore grain-free foods can help aid digestion. A grain-free diet for your dog will also mean that you are likely buying formulas with higher levels of vegetables, fiber, and proteins. This will help the development of your dog’s coat and skin, as well as provide your dog with more energy. A grain-free diet has however recently been linked to a small increase in canine heart disease.
- What dog foods are causing heart problems? ;The FDA has recently begun to investigate how grain-free canine formulas might increase the risk of canine heart disease. It’s still too early to come to any major conclusions, but we will keep an eye out on this story as it develops.
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Wellness Core Natural Best Grain Free
First Five Ingredients:
This quality dog food is designed from a fantastic combination of ingredients. Right at the top of this recipe is a deboned turkey as a whole protein, followed by chicken and turkey meal. These are excellent supplemental nutrients.
The grain-free formula also contains sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas which provide carbohydrate content. The minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants featured in this recipe will boost the immune system of your pets. We also need to mention that it is fortified with 4 different probiotics to ensure normal digestion, and chondroitin and glucosamine to help promote joint health.
If you have more than one pet, these best high protein meals are a great option for them. The formula doesnt contain artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, no meat-by-products, soy, corn or wheat.
The Dangers Of High Protein Dog Foods
Choosing what to feed your dog can be an overwhelming decision. Pet food stores are packed with row after row of different brands of food all containing clever marketing slogans to convince you they are the best for your dog. Many of these dog foods boast about containing extremely high levels of protein that claim to satisfy your dogs instinctual need for meat as well as make them healthier and live longer.
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Kibble And Crude Protein
Many complete dog foods of the kibble type all belong in the same category, although the only distinguishing characteristic is the type of grain used in their production.
Regardless of the choice of grain, all such products include an adequate amount of essential amino acids in the form of several essential amino acids in varying quantities and at varying times.
With the available information, a dog food manufacturer can produce a dog food formula from an ingredient list that meets both the nutritional and energy requirements of the dog, which must be balanced against the foods energy density.
Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs and the total amount of protein needed by each is dependent on breed, life stages, size and energy levels.
Always remember to read the dog food label to get an idea of the ingredients and sources of the specific pet nutrition within any dog food you are thinking of feeding.
Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
If you are specifically looking for grain-free canine formula, then you can’t go wrong with this Merrick recipe.
It’s perfect for all breeds, ages, and sizes and is available in a variety of different flavors. We recommend the beef and sweet potato recipe as it is poultry-free .
Containing a whopping 38% protein and 15% fat, Merrick’s philosophy is that these two properties in combination with a host of vitamins and minerals will do wonders for promoting the overall dog’s health.
They are extremely transparent with regards to the ingredient composition, choosing only the best available products and containing no corn, wheat, soy or gluten ingredients.
This helps give us tremendous confidence in recommending the brand. At $60 for a 25-lb bag, this does fall into the premium category.
Whether the exceptional nutritional content is worth the increased price is up to you.
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The Mystery Of Crude Protein: What Is It Really
- Posted on
- Posted in Bloggers, Pet Health, Pet Nutrition, Tracie Hotchner
Read the label on your dogs food, and youll see a section called Guaranteed Analysis. Thats called the ingredient dec in pet food manufacturing lingo. Listed there, along with all the ingredients, youll find percentages for moisture, crude fiber, crude fat, and crude protein.
Given how important protein is to our dogs diet, many people think that crude protein refers to protein in its most basic, crude form. I used to think crude protein meant the total amount of protein the bottom line number that I could be sure was in this food and my dogs could absorb into their systems.
Crude is the confusing wordWhat the term crude actually refers to in pet food is the scientific method used to determine the nutrient content of your dogs food. The protein content is actually determined not by looking at what forms of protein are in the food, but instead by analyzing the levels of nitrogen in the food as the method for calculating protein, just as the fat content is calculated by analyzing levels of lipids . However, the source and quality of the protein is not considered in this number, nor whether it is truly bioavailable to the dogs system for absorption.
Tracie lives in Bennington, Vermont where the Radio Pet Lady Network studio is based ;and where her;12;acres;are;well-used by her 2-girl pack of lovely, lively rescued Weimaraners, Maisie and Wanda.
You Can Still Check The Crude Protein Level On Dog Foods
I thought we just discredited the crude protein in not too few words? Well, yeah, we did. Nonetheless, even with the shortcomings of the crude protein method, there is still some small merit to it, as long as its not considered in isolation.
The best way to use crude protein levels as an indicator is to consider it alongside all the points we listed above.
Generally, shady manufacturers try to drive down production costs by trying not to include enough protein even when its obvious thats theres a shortage of amino acids. This will show up in crude protein levels.
But as we said, you must not consider it in isolation because weve seen that some manufacturers would do anything to increase their crude protein. However, if crude protein is outright low, then you are definitely dealing with a food thats lacking in protein.
So, as long as you use it right, checking crude protein levels can help you pick out good dog food.
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The Right Amount Of Carbs For Dogs
Carbohydrates exceeding the animals energy requirements are stored in the body as glycogen in the liver and muscles, or are converted to fat. This manufactured fat is stored in adipose tissue to be used later, or not, depending on a specific animals needs.
Because carbohydrates are the most readily available source of energy, when low levels of carbohydrates are fed, the dogs body draws more heavily on its protein supply to meet its energy needs. As long as the dogs supply of protein is sufficient, this is probably not a liability.
However, the right amount of carbohydrates in a dogs diet is one of the most hotly contested subjects among canine nutritionists. The National Research Council does not even make a recommendations for a dogs daily requirement of carbohydrates . But some studies have indicated uses for carbohydrates in certain dogs diets; research has shown, for instance, that pregnant dogs perform better with some carbohydrates in their diet, whereas pregnant dogs fed carbohydrate-free diets had problems whelping and did not deliver strong, healthy puppies.
In our June 1999 issue, we discuss how dog food makers have determined their own dog Zone ratios, and how their chosen proportions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates affects our dogs health and well-being.
Sportsmans Pride Professional Formula 30/20
Sportsmans Pride is a dog food line geared towards canine athletes and is billed as supportive of the endurance and energy requirements of working dogs and active pups.
While that sounds good, we need to take a look at the recent recall of one of its products and the ingredients it contains.
On June 3, 2021, the FDA issued an alert regarding one lot of Professional Formula 30/20. Sunshine Mills, Inc., which manufactures Sportsmans Pride and the brands Sprout, Intimidator, and FRM Gold Select , issued a voluntary recall of this recipe for potential salmonella contamination.;
But looking past the recall alert, wed have to say that this recipe doesnt meet our standards either. The main ingredient in this food is chicken byproduct meal, a rather dubious ingredient with regards to quality.;
Chicken byproduct can mean any leftover part of the chicken, and not just its organs. With quality recipes, manufacturers generally state chicken liver, chicken heart, and so on.
When a manufacturer lists byproduct only, that means its probably a combination of a lot of unsavory things that wont sound as good when listed down and specified.
Lastly, this food uses more carbs than protein to supply the energy needs of dogs because there are three grain and corn ingredients within the first five slots.
The potential for contamination was noted after a sample of 5 lb. Sprout Sporting Dog Food product was collected and tested positive for salmonella during routine surveillance.
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What Role Do Amino Acids Play
Amino acids work together, but each plays a different role in the body. Histidine, for example, is an essential amino acid that the body uses to make histamine. Histamine is part of an immune response to protect the body from foreign pathogens like allergens and bacteria. Without it, the body has no first line of defense, leaving your pet susceptible to many illnesses and infections. Histidine also helps make Hemoglobin, which carries oxygen through the bloodstream.
Another commonly known amino acid is Lysine, which is necessary for collagen production. Collagen is the basic makeup of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is also necessary for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Lysine encourages the production of carnitine, which regulates the metabolism and helps the body burn off fatty deposits and build muscle mass.
The rest of the essential amino acids assist in maintaining all functions of the body from healing minor skin abrasions to regulating systems like digestive health, cognitive function, and hormone release.
Crude Protein & Amino Acids In Dog Food
Crude protein is an excellent source of amino acids and is much more digestible than protein found in fruits, vegetables or grains.
Its easy for the dogs to convert the crude protein into its individual amino acids.
Human and pet nutritionists often refer to it as the gold standard of protein.
Sometimes processed, non-meat proteins are also included as a protein source in dog foods. They are often very high in calories, carbohydrates and fats and not terribly digestible by dogs.
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When Feeding Fresh Foods:
When feeding a home-prepared diet comprised of fresh food ingredients, it can be a bit more challenging to calculate some of the nutrient values that youd like to know when feeding a diabetic dog.
-To calculate the caloric content of the food, look up the ingredients or enter a recipe on NutritionData.com. The number of calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates, along with the total calories, are given in the calorie information section, and the calorie percentages are shown in the caloric ratio pyramid.
-To calculate the grams of protein, fat, etc., per 1,000 calories, divide grams of any nutrient by total number of calories, then multiply by 1,000 to get grams per 1,000 kcal. For example, raw skinless chicken breast contains 6.5 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, and 30.8 calories per ounce:
6.5 ÷ 30.8 x 1,000 = 211 grams of protein per 1,000 kcal
0.3 ÷ 30.8 x 1,000 = 9.7 grams of fat per 1,000 kcal