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Health Food for Dogs: A Look at Commercial Formulas

Dogs > Health Care > Health Food for Dogs: A Look at Commercial Formulas

Commercial health food for dogs is not always all that nutritious when it comes to ingredients. Owners should look for quality ingredients that mostly come from protein, with limited carbohydrates and grains.

Ingredients Detrimental to Dog Health

Healthy dog food is meant to have higher quality ingredients like whole vegetables and real meat wihout meat by-products, while lacking additives, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavors and coloring. Be wary of these ingredients that have little nutritional value and possible health side effects:

Propylene glycol
Animal digest
BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin
Corn syrup, fructose, sugar, sorbitol
Nonspecific meat and bone meals or by-products, like 'poultry meal'
Animal fat and vegetable oil
Corn cellulose, corn bran, brewer's rice, corn and wheat glutens

Foods Necessary for Dog Health

Ingredients that should be in health dog food include named proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, including:

Chicken, lamb, and beef and specific meals, like 'chicken meal' as the first ingredient
Named fats and oils, such as 'chicken fat' or 'flax oil'
Rice, barley, oats, sweet potatoes
Proteinates, amino acid chelates or complexes, polysaccharide complexes
Ester C, calcium ascorbate, tocopherol

Commercial foods that contain the phrase "complete and balanced" are guaranteed by the AAFCO, or Association of American Feed Control Officials, to have the minimum nutrients required for healthy nutrition levels.

Any commercial dog foods labeled as 'natural' or 'organic' are not bound by any FDA guidelines when it comes to ingredients and how plants are grown or animals raised, so be sure to check the label for proper nutrients.

also see Identifying Important Dog Nutritional Vitamins

also see Why Cheap Dog Food Gets What You Paid For

also see Choosing the Best Natural Dog Food

also see Best Foods for Pregnant Dogs

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also see Encyclopedia of Canine Veterinary Medical Information