The Dog Food Comparison Blog

Technorati Tags: comparing dog foods, Dog Food Comparison, dog food ingredients, dog food labels

Technorati Tags: Dog Food Comparison, dog food formulations, ingredients

The trend towards more natural whole foods seems to finally be expanding to our pets.  According to the Market Wire, a new store will be opening in the Redmond, WA area called Paws Café.  This will be the area’s first pet food store to offer all natural dog and cat food made fresh daily.

According to store owner Shelly Fuller, Paws Cafe’s pet food recipes are rich in natural, whole food nutrients.  The store’s freshly-made meals are formulated to meet the nutrient requirements recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).   This is a departure from most of the frozen or raw pet foods available today,

The Cafe uses a combination of ground muscle and organ meat from healthy, sustainably-raised animals.  They also use a blend of nutrient rich organic fruits and vegetables, human-grade bone meal, and unrefined cold-pressed oils to create fresh balanced meals without the need for additional supplements or fillers.

“Most of the commercial foods available today contain questionable meat and by-product sources — many of them from meat not suitable for human consumption,” said Paws Cafe owner Shelly Fuller. “They also contain cheap grain fillers, which are common allergens, as a means to bulk up their meals. Cheap filler ingredients introduce safety issues, such as the widely publicized melamine poisoning in 2007. The effects of commercial foods on our cats and dogs is staggering. The obesity rates are now said to be around 50 percent and with that comes a host of chronic health issues such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.”

The store has also incorporated many features designed to be more earth-friendly, including the use of recycled building materials, recycled tires for the Paws Corral area mats, bamboo flooring in the retail area, energy efficient refrigeration units and freezers, LED sign lighting, the use of retail bags and boxes made from 100 percent recycled paper products, and food packaging using clear, deli-style containers made from a corn-based material called PLA, which composts in about 30 days.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/paws-cafe-areas-first-store/story.aspx?guid=%7B6BECA7FA-8A2C-44C2-A502-AB4267D0D0BC%7D&dist=hppr

Technorati Tags: Dog Food Comparison, Hypoallergenic Dog Food, natural dog food

According to the New York Times, Ol’Roy, Walmart’s private label dog food is the top selling dog food in the country by as much as 20%. Pedigree Dry Food is presumed to be in second place, shipping 214,000 tons annually.

When reviewing the opinions of many canine nutritional experts this is a bit disturbing based on the ingredients shown on the label:

~Review of Ingredients~
Ground yellow corn, soybean meal, ground whole wheat, corn syrup, poultry fat, Meat and bone meal (Animal Fat Preserved with BHA and Citric Acid), Chicken by-product Meal, Rice, Animal Digest, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin D and E Supplement, Niacin, Copper Sulafate, Manganous Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Meadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex Source of Vitamin K, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid
Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070331111958AAZ7D2R

Their first question is where is the meat? Ingredient labels must show ingredients from first to last based on their wet weight. Based on a review of the ingredients this dog food is mostly grain. The majority of which is corn a known allergen to many dogs with little actual nutritional value.

The only protien sources are unspecified fat and meal sources which according to my review of much of the literature often proves to be undigestable and could come from any number of sources such as euthanized and diseased animals, including cats and dogs. The one specified animal source in this dog food is shown as a by-product which generally means everything but the meat. The food also contains the toxic preservative BHA, which is a know carcinogen.

Frankly it is a sad state of affairs when the top selling dog food in the country is of this low quality compared to many other brands.

Organic Dog Foods

Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

Diabetic Dog Foods

Technorati Tags: Dog Food Comparison, Dog Food Ratings, Dog Food Reviews

Yet another reason to prepare your dogs food or find a reliable source for quality nutritionally balanced dog food. According to the Union Tribune in San Diego, Pedigree Pet Food is recalling a bag variety of Pedigree pet food sent to some Albertsons and Costco stores because of possible salmonella contamination.

The variety being recalled is Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The problem is that Salmonella can cause serious or even fatal abdominal illness, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, in both people and animals.

And even though the problem is in dog food, people who fail to adequately wash their hands after handling the contaminated dog food could expose themselves to salmonella. Yes, you can get salmonella just from handling a contaminated material and not washing your hands afterwards.

Also, animals that show no outward symptoms of the disease can still spread it to other animals and even people, so if at some point in time you think your dog may have been exposed to Salmonella it is important to watch for any of the symptoms described above and see a Vet immediately if you notice any such behavior.

This is just one of many reasons that people should pay more attention to their dog’s diet and health needs. Other reasons to avoid, or at least thoroughly investigate, commercial dog foods include poor quality ingredients, poor nutritional value, ingredients that may be toxic or cause allergic reactions, additives and preservatives that may be toxic or cause allergic reactions, and the lack of vitamins and other nutrients necessary for your dog’s overall health and vigor.

Souce: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080812-1748-bn12recall.html

Technorati Tags: Dog Food Comparison, Dog Food Ratings, Dog Food Recalls, Dog Food Reviews

I was pleased to see that Freshpet(R) is Hosting the First-Annual Fun Run to Help Benefit Canine Cancer Research. (According to PRNewswire)

Bark for the Cure(TM), an organization created by Freshpet(R), is doing fundraising specifically targeted towards canine cancer research, which is the number one natural cause of death in older dogs according to the Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center.

This research may also help produce breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment and cures of human cancers — in particular childhood cancers.

According to Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM more than 50% of dogs and cats that are over the age of ten will develop cancer.

Signs that your dog may have cancer include, a firm lump that grows and does not go away, increased appetite with continued weight loss, respiratory problems and overall weakness (if they are becoming anemic).

The exact causes of cancer are still not clear. There is a genetic correlation which is shown by an increased incidence in certain breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Boxers.

Exposure to smog, herbicides, and insecticides also play a role as contributing factors.

Of utmost importance is Dog Food – preservatives and other chemical additives may also cause cancer.
On the other hand, when the body is provided with food that is nutritionally rich and free from harmful additives it is then supported with the building blocks needed to maintain healthy cells and repair the damaged ones, and healing from within can occur.

Just like your own body, the most important step you can take towards creating health and vigor in your dog is to consider carefully what goes in his/her mouth.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/las-dogs-unite-bark-cure/story.aspx?guid=%7B2F864530-74B1-44B7-AEC2-B0CF592A4E91%7D&dist=hppr

Technorati Tags: canine cancer, Dog Food Comparison, dog nutrition, health

A recent report on CNN told about a lady in Atlanta, Ga., who opened a food bank for pets. Apparently, foreclosures in the area had become so bad that many pet owners had to give up their pets to animal shelters or foster care organizations. The Help Save Our Pets Food Bank had helped 1,500 needy pet owners in just its first few weeks of operation.

In light of this terrible situation I did a little research and came up with a few ideas for saving money on caring for you dog.

Saving Money on Dog Expenses

Save on Dog Food – making food for your dog yourself is not only better for your pet but can also be cheaper if you use fresh, “bargain-priced” ingredients. There is no doubt that it takes more effort but it can save you a bit from what you would typically spend on any of the better known brands of dog food and it will likely save on veterinary costs down the road and your dog will be healthier and happier.

You also may be able to buy some ingredients in bulk (freezing them is necessary) which will create a bigger discount and reduce the number of trips to the store.

Save on Your Dog’s Health Care – Prevention is always the best way to save on health care whether for dog or human. Again, food is the number one health factor so it should be high in quality and nutrition. Next make sure your dog gets exercise and has proper living conditions.

Checkups and vaccinations: Not all vaccinations are necessary, so you can save some money by only allowing vaccinations for diseases that are common to your area. According to many veterinarians boosters do not need to be given as often as is custom. In fact they can often harm your dog’s health, so question your vet persistently to make sure your dog is not getting any shots that are unnecessary.

If you have multiple pets you can normally get a discount at the vets if you take them in at the same time.

Having your dog spayed or neutered will also reduce the risk of several diseases and cancers. Check with county animal shelters and rescue shelters to get the best price for these procedures.

Save on Grooming – Brushing teeth, bathing and nail trims done at home can save money. Resist buying accessories, toys, etc. that are just passing fancies and focus on the basic needs of your pet. Keep it simple and you will both be better off.

If you have additional ideas on how to save money on dog expenses that you would like to share feel free to comment below.

Technorati Tags: dog expenses, dog food, save money

There is a lot of talk in the news these days of the problems with processed foods. The processing, canning and preserving process often leaves the food with little or no real nutritional value. The end consumer ends up with nothing more than empty calories and chemicals that are often toxic over time. This problem is even more prevalent when it comes to feeding our pets.

According to Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM, “commercial pet food does not always provide all of the nutrients that some dogs and cats need to be healthy at different times in their lives. This food also contains things that your pet doesn’t need, such as chemical additives and preservatives.

“An example of a preservative that is commonly found is propylene glycol. It is used to keep moist pet foods fresh. It has been linked to anemia and bloat. One of the single most important things you can do for your pet’s health is to feed a more natural diet. I have seen natural diets improve allergies, arthritis, diabetes, chronic vomiting and diarrhea.”

Unfortunately many dog owners think that any commercial dog food they buy will be good for their pet. They also fail to realize that many of the health and behavioral problems that they experience with their dog are likely caused (or are compounded) by poor nutrition, reactions to chemicals, and/or food allergies.

This is not surprising, because most people ignore the signals their own bodies are giving them when they eat poor food, why would they recognize the signs their dog is giving them as a reaction to poor food. By paying attention to what you are putting in your dogs mouth and his/her reaction to it you may be able to solve a lot of problems or avoid future problems, just the same as you can by paying attention to what goes in your own mouth.

Technorati Tags: additives, commercial dog food, pet food problems, preservatives

Is Your Dog Having Health Problems or Acting Strange? It Could Be A Food Allergy and your pup may need a hypoallergenic dog food.

Like the rest of us, dogs can suffer from all types of allergies. In fact, 1 in 5 dogs suffer from some type of allergy, such as flea allergy, food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and inhalant allergy.

Let’s focus on food allergies.

The more common symptoms are discharges from the eyes and nose, constant scratching, tail-chasing, coughing and wheezing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, chances are that he/she is suffering from an allergy or allergies. Other symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes, even changes in behavior.

Food allergies are probably the most difficult to diagnose because they can mimic any of the other allergies such as fleas, pollen from trees, grass, and flowers, dust mites and molds.

How to determine the problem food

First, remove all possible allergy causing ingredients from your dog’s diet. You can do this by using homemade meals of a protein and starch source your dog has never had before. Check the ingredients of any dog foods you have been using and make a list of the home made foods you feed your dog.

You may be able to use foods such as lamb and rice, assuming your dog has not had these items before. Gradually add more ingredients to your dog’s diet (one at a time for about a week for each new ingredient). This is why you will need to make this food yourself – so that you can add one ingredient at a time. If your dog’s symptoms return after adding a particular ingredient, there is a good possibility that you have identified the allergen.

Allergic reactions may take a week to appear so be sure to confirm your findings with your vet. Of course, once the offending ingredient has been verified, you will need to keep your dog from consuming that item.

Main Problem Foods

According to several studies some of the main ingredients that are more likely to cause food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, chicken eggs, corn, and soy. These items are typically the most common ingredients in dog foods, unfortunately. This correlation is not coincidental since many proteins are similar in form and it is likely that the incidence of allergic reactions is related with the amount of exposure (the greater the exposure, the greater that chance of reaction).

Figuring out what allergies your dog has and what is causing them may be a tedious, pain-staking process, but it is worth the effort especially as you see the relief you give your dog translate to a better disposition and mood.

Technorati Tags: Hypoallergenic Dog Food

When making your own dog food ratings, the most important issue is making sure the foods being rated include the necessary componants dogs need for good health.

There are several kinds of nutrients that dogs need to survive, namely: amino acids from proteins, fatty acids from fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and good quality water. First, make sure the foods being compared contain the essentials.

A brief review of these required nutrients follows.

Fatty Acids – Dogs cannot create fatty acids that are necessary to sustain life and must eat enough dietary fats to provide for internal body functions such as, carrying fat soluble vitamins, cell structure and function, skin and coat health, immune system functions, vision and brain function.

Amino Acids from Protein – There are 10 essential amino acids dogs bodies cannot make, thus dogs can’t survive without eating proteins. Quality protein should come from animals rather than from ingredients known as “animal byproducts”.

The National Academy of Sciences suggests that an average size adult dog (weighing 33 lbs.) needs approximately 25 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat on a daily basis. Puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs actually need more than twice that amount.

Carbohydrates – Dogs get some of their energy from carbohydrates. Studies suggest that an adult dog’s diet can include up to 50% carbohydrates with preferably no more that 2.5-4.5% coming from fiber that contributes little by way of energy or nutrition for your dog.

Again puppies require more than twice the calories required by an active adult dog. Pregnant Dogs need between one and two-thirds more calories than an active adult dog. Nursing dogs may require as much as 2-4 times the calories than an adult dog depending on the number of puppies being nursed and the age of the puppies. Older dogs that are less active may need 20% less calories than middle aged adult dogs.

Vitamins & Minerals – Many vitamins and minerals are known to be essential to your dog’s optimal health. They include the following: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1, Riboflavin, Vitamin b5, Niacin, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid and Choline, Calcium, Potassium, Chlorine, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Manganese, Selenium and Iodine.

These provide vital nutrients that are neccessary for strong bones and teeth, nerve impulse transmission, cell signaling and enzymatic reactions, just to name a few.

Once you have made sure that the dog foods you are rating include these essential nutrients you can then focus your efforts on rating the quality and quantities provided by each dog food source.

Technorati Tags: amino acids, Dog Food Ratings, fatty acids, minerals, nutrients, vitamins