A Guide to Choosing the Right Food for Dogs
With so many different foods on the market at different price points, how do you choose a food? There are many well-formulated dog foods to choose from today, and here are some guidelines to follow.Consider your dog's activity level and weight
Although many foods on the market today are "all life stage", you may need to choose a food that is designed to meet specific requirements. As an example, an overweight dog may need a food with fewer calories, particularly if lessening the existing food is not an option. In this case, you may feed the same volume, but your dog will be getting less calories.
Select a protein source
Lamb. Chicken, fish, which one do you choose? Although lamb has gained popularity as a "hypoallergenic" diet, dogs acquire allergies based on exposure. In choosing a food that is suitable for allergies, choose a protein source that the dog has not eaten before. If you are not sure, go with something obscure, such as salmon. Any protein source for the non allergic dog is suitable, provided it is a meat-based protein source, such as chicken. Below we discuss the quality of proteins based on their "biological value".
Look at the ingredients
Government certified ingredients are essential for a healthy food. Some economy brands of dog food are made from inexpensive ingredients, and therefore, may not be easily digested, due to possible degradation of protein sources, or oxidization of fat sources. They do not provide the best nutrition. While they may technically meet the legal specifications for percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc., these foods have lower energy values and lower-grade proteins. Because of this, many health-building nutrients may pass right through your dog's system without being absorbed. It also means that you have to feed larger amounts of that lower quality food to provide your pet with the same nutrition as a smaller amount of premium food. When you compare the cost of these foods on a per-serving basis, and realize how quickly you go through a bag, economy foods may actually cost more in the long run.
When you are looking for a healthy food for your dog, reviewing the list of ingredients on the back of the bag is a good place to start. By law, pet food labels must list their ingredients by weight. Look for a species specific meat or meal as the first ingredient, ie turkey meat or meal, salmon meal, or de-boned salmon. These ingredients all have a high biological value, which means they have a high percentage of protein in the form of digestible, usable amino acids.
Extras to look for
Always choose a food that has a balanced Omega 3/6 ratio. Look under the guaranteed analysis for this information, or somewhere on the packaging. Some examples of great Omega 3 sources are Salmon Oil, Flax Oil, and Canola Oil.
There are many ways to preserve a food naturally. Look for Rosemary as a natural preservative.
Although many foods on the market today are "all life stage", you may need to choose a food that is designed to meet specific requirements. As an example, an overweight dog may need a food with fewer calories, particularly if lessening the existing food is not an option. In this case, you may feed the same volume, but your dog will be getting less calories.
Select a protein source
Lamb. Chicken, fish, which one do you choose? Although lamb has gained popularity as a "hypoallergenic" diet, dogs acquire allergies based on exposure. In choosing a food that is suitable for allergies, choose a protein source that the dog has not eaten before. If you are not sure, go with something obscure, such as salmon. Any protein source for the non allergic dog is suitable, provided it is a meat-based protein source, such as chicken. Below we discuss the quality of proteins based on their "biological value".
Look at the ingredients
Government certified ingredients are essential for a healthy food. Some economy brands of dog food are made from inexpensive ingredients, and therefore, may not be easily digested, due to possible degradation of protein sources, or oxidization of fat sources. They do not provide the best nutrition. While they may technically meet the legal specifications for percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc., these foods have lower energy values and lower-grade proteins. Because of this, many health-building nutrients may pass right through your dog's system without being absorbed. It also means that you have to feed larger amounts of that lower quality food to provide your pet with the same nutrition as a smaller amount of premium food. When you compare the cost of these foods on a per-serving basis, and realize how quickly you go through a bag, economy foods may actually cost more in the long run.
When you are looking for a healthy food for your dog, reviewing the list of ingredients on the back of the bag is a good place to start. By law, pet food labels must list their ingredients by weight. Look for a species specific meat or meal as the first ingredient, ie turkey meat or meal, salmon meal, or de-boned salmon. These ingredients all have a high biological value, which means they have a high percentage of protein in the form of digestible, usable amino acids.
Extras to look for
Always choose a food that has a balanced Omega 3/6 ratio. Look under the guaranteed analysis for this information, or somewhere on the packaging. Some examples of great Omega 3 sources are Salmon Oil, Flax Oil, and Canola Oil.
There are many ways to preserve a food naturally. Look for Rosemary as a natural preservative.
Protein Requirements in Dog Food
Protein is used in the body for two different reasons.First for the essential amino acids in the protein, and secondly for energy. Historically the type and quality of protein was limited to cheaper forms of meat and plants that were not government inspected, or "leftovers". The digestibility and utilizability of these sources were limited, consequently the body suffered by exhibiting such issues as dry coat, dull eyes and lack of muscle. Pet owners also had volumes of feces to pick up in the yard.
Changes in manufacturing have now allowed us to make higher meat inclusion products such as GO! Fit and Free Dog Food. These diets contain superior protein sources such as Low Ash Chicken Meal, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal and Turkey Meal. These diets are increased in protein, from exceptional sources, that are cage-free, antibiotic free, and hormone free.
In the case of GO! Fit and Free Dog Food, energy will come from fats, oils and protein (only a portion) rather than carbohydrates. This is called glucogenesis, and although not as efficient as using carbohydrates for energy, this works well in the case of a grain-free diet where carbohydrates are limited.
Changes in manufacturing have now allowed us to make higher meat inclusion products such as GO! Fit and Free Dog Food. These diets contain superior protein sources such as Low Ash Chicken Meal, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal and Turkey Meal. These diets are increased in protein, from exceptional sources, that are cage-free, antibiotic free, and hormone free.
In the case of GO! Fit and Free Dog Food, energy will come from fats, oils and protein (only a portion) rather than carbohydrates. This is called glucogenesis, and although not as efficient as using carbohydrates for energy, this works well in the case of a grain-free diet where carbohydrates are limited.
Feeding Your Dog A High Protein Diet
Understanding how protein works in your dog's body is the key to understanding a higher protein diet.Typically when dogs eat a commercial dog food, carbohydrates and fat are utilized for energy. Conversely when a dog is fed a higher protein, lower carbohydrate diet, the protein (and fat) is utilized for energy. Making protein available for energy happens through the body's process called glucogenesis, where the protein is turned into glucose. The residual protein will then be excreted in the urine.
Traditionally if an animal is kidney compromised, typically it would be put on a lower protein diet, as this lower protein would produce less nitrogen-a component of protein. The conclusion derived from this would be that a higher protein causes kidney issues and utilizing lowered protein is thought to be the remedy. Studies show that this is simply not the case. CANINE AND FELINE NUTRITION Case, Carey and Hirakawa 1995 states:
"There is no conclusive evidence showing that protein intake actually contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction in healthy animals."
However, one option utilized frequently is the use of highly digestible proteins, not necessarily lower in quantity, but certainly less nitrogen producing. As an example CANINE AND FELINE NUTRITION Case, Carey and Hirakawa 1995:
"In general, high-quality animal source proteins provide superior amino acid balances for companion animals, compared with the amino acid balances that are supplied by grain proteins."
This works well, particularly in the case of older animals, as their ability to utilize protein decreases. As stated in NRC Wannemacher and McCoy 1996:
"Older dogs appear to require somewhat more crude protein to maintain labile protein (so called protein reserves) perhaps as much as 50% more."
As this happens digestibility needs to increase through the use of exceptional protein sources such as chicken meal, salmon meal etc.
Unless is it determined that your dog requires restricted protein due to severe kidney problem, restriction is not required. As well, restricting will not "save" the pet's kidneys by feeding a low protein. Kirk's Veterinary Therapy XIII, Small Animal Practice Finco, Brown, Barsanti and Bartges states, "...restriction of protein intake does not alter the development of renal lesions nor does it preserve renal function. Considering these (research) findings, the authors do not recommend reduction of dietary protein in dogs with renal disease or reduced renal function in order to achieve renoprotective effects."
Although feeding your pet is a personal choice, understanding the pros and cons of feeding various diets, goes a long way in the decision making process. As in all cases regarding your pet, always check with your veterinarian regarding health, or any other issues, including food choices.
Traditionally if an animal is kidney compromised, typically it would be put on a lower protein diet, as this lower protein would produce less nitrogen-a component of protein. The conclusion derived from this would be that a higher protein causes kidney issues and utilizing lowered protein is thought to be the remedy. Studies show that this is simply not the case. CANINE AND FELINE NUTRITION Case, Carey and Hirakawa 1995 states:
"There is no conclusive evidence showing that protein intake actually contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction in healthy animals."
However, one option utilized frequently is the use of highly digestible proteins, not necessarily lower in quantity, but certainly less nitrogen producing. As an example CANINE AND FELINE NUTRITION Case, Carey and Hirakawa 1995:
"In general, high-quality animal source proteins provide superior amino acid balances for companion animals, compared with the amino acid balances that are supplied by grain proteins."
This works well, particularly in the case of older animals, as their ability to utilize protein decreases. As stated in NRC Wannemacher and McCoy 1996:
"Older dogs appear to require somewhat more crude protein to maintain labile protein (so called protein reserves) perhaps as much as 50% more."
As this happens digestibility needs to increase through the use of exceptional protein sources such as chicken meal, salmon meal etc.
Unless is it determined that your dog requires restricted protein due to severe kidney problem, restriction is not required. As well, restricting will not "save" the pet's kidneys by feeding a low protein. Kirk's Veterinary Therapy XIII, Small Animal Practice Finco, Brown, Barsanti and Bartges states, "...restriction of protein intake does not alter the development of renal lesions nor does it preserve renal function. Considering these (research) findings, the authors do not recommend reduction of dietary protein in dogs with renal disease or reduced renal function in order to achieve renoprotective effects."
Although feeding your pet is a personal choice, understanding the pros and cons of feeding various diets, goes a long way in the decision making process. As in all cases regarding your pet, always check with your veterinarian regarding health, or any other issues, including food choices.
Carbohydrates in Dog Food
Carbohydrates in some form are necessary in commercial dog foods. However the type, and amount may vary. In the past, it would not be a surprise to find a dog food with upwards of 70% carbohydrates, with the remaining ingredients being plant based proteins and fiber.However currently you have many choices regarding the level of carbohydrate in the food you choose.
There are three types of carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates supply energy equal in value to protein, but are a more easily accessible energy source. If these carbohydrates are not available, fats will be used, and in some cases such as a "no grain" diet, protein be used. Carbohydrates not used for energy will be stored as fat in the body.
Digestibility of carbohydrates depend on varying factors, one being quality, the other being processing. There is little distinction between the digestibility of different carbohydrate sources, however decreasing the size of any given carbohydrate to a fine grind increases digestibility.
In using extrusion as a cooking process of carbohydrates, this allows for digestion to occur in the upper gut, instead of traveling farther where digestive upset may occur.
The latest development in the pet food industry is the ability to make pet food using carbohydrate sources that are not grain, but rather legumes, potatoes, pumpkins etc. This is particularly beneficial with food allergies where the grain source has not been identified, and possibly in the case of diabetes.
There are three types of carbohydrates:
- Starch ( also known as complex carbohydrates)
- Sugar
- Fiber (sometimes referred to as filler)
Carbohydrates supply energy equal in value to protein, but are a more easily accessible energy source. If these carbohydrates are not available, fats will be used, and in some cases such as a "no grain" diet, protein be used. Carbohydrates not used for energy will be stored as fat in the body.
Digestibility of carbohydrates depend on varying factors, one being quality, the other being processing. There is little distinction between the digestibility of different carbohydrate sources, however decreasing the size of any given carbohydrate to a fine grind increases digestibility.
In using extrusion as a cooking process of carbohydrates, this allows for digestion to occur in the upper gut, instead of traveling farther where digestive upset may occur.
The latest development in the pet food industry is the ability to make pet food using carbohydrate sources that are not grain, but rather legumes, potatoes, pumpkins etc. This is particularly beneficial with food allergies where the grain source has not been identified, and possibly in the case of diabetes.
Food Allergies and Intolerances in Dogs
Food allergies account for about 10% of all the allergies seen in dogs and it is the third most common cause after flea bite allergies and atopy (inhalant allergies). With the advent of lamb and rice diets, many people feel that they are preventing or treating food allergies. The entire process of a dog being sensitized to a particular agent in food, and the complicated antibody response that occurs in the intestinal tract of the dog with food allergies, are not very well understood.Despite the lack of understanding of the actual disease process, there are many things that we do know including the symptoms, how to diagnose food allergies, and also how to treat them.
Food allergies affect both dogs, and less so, cats. They can show up as early as five months and as late as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between 2 and 6 years. Many dogs with food allergies also have concurrent inhalant or contact allergies.
The symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of most allergies seen in dogs. The primary symptom is itchy skin. Symptoms may also include chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that respond to antibiotics but reoccur after antibiotics are discontinued. There is evidence that dogs with food allergies may sometimes have an increased incidence of bowel movements. One study showed that non-allergic dogs have around 1.5 bowel movements per day where some dogs with food allergies may have 3 or more per day.
In order to determine a food allergy, a food trial consists of feeding your pet a novel food source for 12 weeks. A novel food source would be a protein that your pet had never eaten before. An example would be GO! Sensitivity and Shine Salmon or Duck. Regardless of the diet used, it must be the only thing the dog eats for 12 weeks. This means no treats; absolutely nothing but the special food and water.
Food allergies affect both dogs, and less so, cats. They can show up as early as five months and as late as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between 2 and 6 years. Many dogs with food allergies also have concurrent inhalant or contact allergies.
The symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of most allergies seen in dogs. The primary symptom is itchy skin. Symptoms may also include chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that respond to antibiotics but reoccur after antibiotics are discontinued. There is evidence that dogs with food allergies may sometimes have an increased incidence of bowel movements. One study showed that non-allergic dogs have around 1.5 bowel movements per day where some dogs with food allergies may have 3 or more per day.
In order to determine a food allergy, a food trial consists of feeding your pet a novel food source for 12 weeks. A novel food source would be a protein that your pet had never eaten before. An example would be GO! Sensitivity and Shine Salmon or Duck. Regardless of the diet used, it must be the only thing the dog eats for 12 weeks. This means no treats; absolutely nothing but the special food and water.