Why is natural dog food better
Why Homemade All Natural Dog Food Is Better Than Store-Bought Natural Dog Food
With the recentdog food recallsand the dog food scaresbefore that, its no wonder that pet owners are looking for healthy and safe food alternatives for their dogs these days.
Many dog owners have decided to go the natural dog food route.
However, as with any choice, there are advantages and disadvantages to this option.
Not only do you, as a dog owner, have to choose whether or not to feed natural dog food to your pet (a no-brainer as far as Im concerned), but you also have to determine whether you will buy a commercial natural dog food or make your pets meals yourself.
Commercial Natural Dog Food
Lots of pet owners tout the advantages of natural dog food that you can buy in the store, stating such things as:
- loss of weight (because the dog doesnt eat as much)
- fewer digestive problems
- shinier coats
- reduction (or elimination) of skin problems
- fewer allergies (if any)
- a longer and better quality of life
While these are all great reasons to go natural with your dogs food, one thing that is often overlooked is the fact that there are no real government regulations when it comes to what dog food manufacturers can say is in commercial natural dog food.
Most states follow pet food guidelines published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. These regulations touch on everything from labeling to contaminant testing to nutritional requirements. But the guidelines are only suggestions, and AAFCO itself has no regulatory authority. Most of the routine day-to-day pet food regulation is performed by the states, explains AAFCO Pet Food Committee chairman David Syverson, and state laws and enforcement programs vary. At the federal level, the FDAs Center for Veterinary Medicine requires that animal feed be pure and wholesome and safe to eat, but theres currently no requirement that pet foods have FDA approval before they hit store shelves.
~ Source
Do You Really Know Whats In Your Dogs Food?
Ingredients In Store-Bought Natural Dog Food
So, how can you know what is really in your dogs commercial natural dog food, and if its truly good for your pet?
Well, one way is to become very adept at reading dog food labels. You want dog foods that have whole meats such as pork, chicken, beef or turkey as the main ingredient (listed first in the list of ingredients). Avoid dog foods that list the meat as a by productbecause that could be anything from ground up sick animals, to chicken beaks and feet.
The next item on the ingredients list should be some sort of vegetables, although you do not want to buy dog food that lists corn or beet pulp as these are just fillers and not good for your dog.
Finally, take a look at the preservatives which should be the last items in the list of ingredients. Look for preservatives such as Vitamin E and or Vitamin C. If the dog food has anything else particularly chemical names you cant easily pronounce dont buy it, as it will not be healthy for your dog.
Homemade Natural Dog Food
Now my personal choice for natural dog food is to make it myself. In my mind, that is really the only way to ensure your dog does not wind up ingesting a pesticide or some other chemical and possibly dying or living a shorter lifespan because the food he is eating is not healthy or safe for him.
Granted, there are some drawbacks to making your dogs meals yourself such as:
- Having to take the time to prepare those meals.
- Educating yourself on what kinds of foods are safe for your dog to eat (some foods like grapes, avocados, and chocolate can be fatal if your dog eats them).
- Learning about recipes for dog food and finding ones your dog will eat.
- Finally, it is very important that your dog eat a balanced diet as well in order to stay healthy. So its also necessary that you learn about what constitutes a balanced diet for your dog.
But the advantages to making your own dog food far outweigh the disadvantages, in my opinion.
Feeding your dog your own homemade dog food means never having to worry that the food youre feeding him is going to turn out tainted by some pesticide or harmful chemical.
It also means you know exactly what your dog is eating. Theres no need to wonder if your dog is actually eating another dead dog that has been euthanized, which apparently happens.
Other advantages are:
- a longer life span
- a dog that is less tasty to fleas and other bugs
- a shinier coat
- fewer skin problems
- more energy
- easier to maintain a healthy weight
Switching Your Dogs Food? Do It Slowly!
One thing to keep in mind when starting to make your own dog food are that dogs need to gradually switch diets. Otherwise, they may experience digestive problems.
So, you may have to continue feeding your dog whatever food he is used to by mixing some of it in with the homemade natural fooduntil he gets used to the new food. That way, you can mix less and less of his old food in with his new food until he is just eating the new all-natural dog food.
I realize this is a concern since we now know how toxic some commercial dog foods can be, but switching your dogs diet too quickly can cause him to have diarrhea and other digestive problems.
More Healthy Dog Food Choices
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and life with dogs. When Im not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
Best Natural Dog Food
The Farmers Dog Beef is one of 4 natural recipes included in our review of The Farmers Dog product line.
The example recipe here gets the lions share of its animal protein from USDA beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 29% fat and 24% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 73%.
The full product line has been designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. While each recipe includes human-grade ingredients.
Every Farmers Dog formula is 100% complete and balanced and suitable for puppies, adults or seniors. A healthy feeding option for those who can afford the brands premium price. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 39 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Lamb Dish with Cranberries is one of 4 natural recipes covered in our review of the Ollie product line.
This Ollie recipe draws most of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 30% fat and 25% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 82%.
A veterinarian-designed meal tailored to your dogs age, weight, breed, activity level, and allergies. Made entirely of human-grade ingredients.
A complete and fully balanced formula. Fresh-made and recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 37 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Leia has a sensitive tummy and used to not eat (or throw up) her dry kibble. She literally jumps for joy when we pull Ollie out of the fridge. What a huge difference Ollie has made in our dog's life."
Raised Right Adult Pork is one of 11 fresh recipes evaluated in our review of the Raised Right product line.
This Raised Right recipe obtains a better part of its meat protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 57% protein, 23% fat and 12% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
Each limited ingredient diet is created from a single source of animal protein. Which makes it easy to zero-in on possible food sensitivities. The entire product line is safety tested for disease-causing bacteria before shipping.
And the company posts full test results for each batch, which makes it simple for clients to verify before purchase.
One of the best fresh, high-protein dog foods on the market. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, pork heart, pork liver, carrots, blueberries Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 57 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"I had been using gently cooked dog foods for a while when I came across Raised Right. I was astonished at how much higher in protein it was over all the other foods. I switched over and noticed right away why. It has absolutely no fillers in it. I'd never go back to anything else."
Nom Nom Turkey Fare is one of 4 natural recipes analyzed in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line.
This Nom Nom recipe draws much of its animal protein from ground turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
We also note the inclusion of zinc gluconate and 3 other chelated minerals, costly components typically found only in better quality pet foods.
An affordable (but not cheap) fresh-made option. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
Turkey Pawella is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the A Pup Above product line.
This particular example recipe obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 22% fat and 27% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
A fully-balanced, fresh food formula that meets 100% of AAFCO nutrient profile requirements for adult maintenance. Designed by a team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Each professional has more than 10 years of clinical experience in veterinary medicine.
A top natural dog food selection. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey liver, tomatoes, carrots, green peas Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 43 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at APupAbove.com"Mealtime is so much more fun with A Pup Above! Grizzly can sometimes be a picky eater, but watching him chow down his food when I add this to his meal is just so satisfying. Thanks for making mealtime so easy and delicious for us!"
Unkibble Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Spot and Tango product line.
Spot and Tango Unkibble derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs [producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
The quality of fresh ingredients just dry. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Spot and Tango UnKibble Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 26 AAFCO Standards All Life-Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at SpotAndTango.com"I always worry that the regular dry kibble isnt enough nutrition for Hoagie. This is a good alternative that doesnt require me feeding him a full meal of raw food (which gives me sticker-shock and I worry if I dont feed it to him fast enough for it to still be fresh)"
Carved Turkey Dinner is one of 5 wet recipes evaluated in our review of the Castor and Pollux canned product line.
Castor and Pollux Organix Butcher and Bushel gets the dominant portion of its animal protein from fresh organic turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 42% protein, 21% fat and 29% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
This USDA certified organic product is made with minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Its also a quality source of antioxidants and balanced minerals. Readily recommended.
Read our review of the full Castor and Pollux Organix Butcher and Bushel Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Organic turkey, organic chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken, organic chicken liver Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 42 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Beef, Potato and Green Bean Recipe is one of 10 wet formulas covered in our review of the Purina Beyond product line.
Purina Beyond Natural Pate recipes draws most of its meat protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
This high-protein wet dog food is made with real Texas beef. Contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The pate consistency makes it ideal for use as a tasty topper. Adds real flavor and life to any processed dry kibble.
Budget-priced. A solid natural option. Easily recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Beyond Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, chicken, liver, potatoes, green beans Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My two dogs love this can food because it is ground, NOT in chunks like most can dog food. It works GREAT when mixing with dry food or when mixings with meds."
Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice obtains the better part of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
This fully balanced, grain-free formula is also an ever-popular member of our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food list. A top choice for those looking for exceptional value. A perennial favorite with value-conscious dog parents. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, white rice Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Orijen Original is one of 9 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Orijen product line.
Orijen Original receives the better part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Formulated with 85% premium animal ingredients including poultry and fish, for a complete and fully balanced mixture of essential protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Freeze-dried coated delivers a burst of raw flavor. An ever-popular brand. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Whole Grain Chicken is one of 8 dehydrated recipes included in our review of The Honest Kitchen product line.
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken acquires much of its animal protein from dehydrated chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 15% fat and 50% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Made with real human-grade (not feed-grade) ingredients. Complete and fully balanced nutrition for adults and puppies of all breed sizes.
Add warm water and the product rehydrates to 4 times its packaged weight. Ideal as a topper for dry kibbles. A 10-pound box makes 40 pounds of fresh dog food. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, organic oats Texture Dehydrated Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is a great product that my dog loves. She sees the box and gets excited. Great nutritional value and my dog loves it."
Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 10 dry recipes rated in our review of the Canidae product line.
This Canidae recipe draws the better part of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 16% fat and 41% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
A limited ingredient design thats made with just 8 real ingredients. Complete and fully balanced nutrition contains no soy, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
A top natural dog food pick. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, lentils, sweet potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dogs are very picky eaters. I have a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. I typically buy separate food for them but both Dogs LOVE this! I would highly recommend."
