When it comes to making a thorough dog food comparison, to choose the best value and nutrition for your dog, you may find the process a bit confusing and in some cases even overwhelming. Commercial dog food labels provide a large amount of information, but it is usually difficult to understand and sometimes down-right misleading, which makes a comparison of different dog foods difficult at best.

Here is a brief summary of the items you will normally find mentioned on commercial dog food labels and some guidelines to help make comparing different dog foods less difficult whether they be regular dog food, organic dog food, hypoallergenic dog food or diabetic dog food.

The Product Name – Manufacturers want you to buy their product so they are very adept at using names that conjure up certain images or assumptions on the part of the consumer. The name may not even describe the actual main ingredients of the product. For example, in the United States a product named “Product X With Real Chicken and Rice” could contain as little as 3% Chicken and Rice, and a product name that includes the word ‘flavored’ or ‘flavor’ will likely have only minute traces of the ingredient according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center For Veterinary Medicine. Frankly, it doesn’t matter what the name of the product is, all that matters is what is inside the package.

The Net Quantity Statement – When comparing the price of different dog food containers it is important to know the actual quantity contained. The packages may be vastly different sizes, or they may look the same size but actually contain differing amounts. A more concentrated food may also require less food per meal to satisfy your dog’s needs, so you must make a more thorough analysis of the ingredients (which we will discuss later). To compare products with different moisture content you need to convert percentages for both products at equal moisture content. A food that has higher moisture content means you are paying for more water and less actual food.

The “Manufactured by” Statement - This statement identifies the party responsible for the quality and safety of the product and their location. If the label says “manufactured for…” or “distributed by…,” the dog food was actually manufactured by an outside manufacturer, however the name on the label still designates the party that is responsible.

The Ingredient List - The ingredients of any dog food sold in the U.S. are “Listed in order of predominance by weight” before processing. Meaning that an ingredient (such as meat) that is high in water content when added to the mixture, but constitutes a small amount of the actual finished product after the water is removed during processing could still show up as the main ingredient. It also means that a manufacturer could slip in poor quality ingredients in dehydrated form and better quality ingredients that are fully hydrated to make the ingredient list look better than it really is when it is compared to other dog foods.  Typically, if you will look for the first listed fat source, anything listed before and including it will be the main ingredients and anything listed after will make up a much smaller part of the overall product.

A manufacturer can also make a list of ingredients look better than it is by using ingredient names that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), but are uncommon to the average consumer. For example, “meat” is defined by the AAFCO as the “clean flesh of slaughtered mammals and is limited to…the striate muscle…with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh.” On the other hand, “meat meal” is “the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents.” Thus, in addition to the processing, it could also contain parts of animals one would not think of as “meat.” Meat meal may not be very pleasing to think about eating yourself, even though it’s probably more nutritious.

The word “byproducts” is often used in conjunction with an ingredient source such as “chicken byproducts” or some variation of the name. This is usually a much less desirable source of nutrition, as you may imagine.

The Guaranteed Analysis – A pet food label must state the minimum amounts as a percentage of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. The term “crude” has reference to the specific method of testing, and does not refer to the quality or digestibility of the nutrient itself. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to determine the true quality and nutritional value based on this information. Some producers also state guarantees for other nutrients such as minimum percentages of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and linoleic acid are found on some dog food products.

The Nutritional Adequacy Statement - All a manufacturer has to do to claim that a dog food is a “complete and balanced” pet food is contain ingredients formulated to provide levels of nutrients that meet a profile established by the AAFCO or alternatively have the product tested following the AAFCO Feeding Trial Protocols. This means that the product itself, or “lead” member of a “family” of products, has been fed to dogs under specific guidelines and found to provide proper nutrition. It does not guarantee the quality of the food, but simply means that it has the minimum nutrition to keep a dog alive and that the dog can survive while eating the food.

Feeding Directions – Directions for the quantity to feed should only be used as a general guideline. You must take into account whether your dog is active or inactive, needs to gain or lose weight, age, breed, metabolism, environment, etc.

The Calorie Statement – Manufacturers may provide a calorie statement on a voluntary basis. If a calorie statement is made, it must be expressed on a “kilocalories per kilogram” basis. Kilocalories are the same as the “Calories” most consumers are familiar with on food labels. A “kilogram” is a unit of metric weight measurement equal to 2.2 pounds.

Calorie statements can be shown using three different values, namely: Gross Energy, Digestible Energy and Metabolizable Energy. To make sure you are using an “apples to apples” comparison you will want to use the same value for each food (preferably the Metabolizable Energy value). Make sure to make this comparison based on weight and not volume, since some foods may be puffed up with air, while others are denser.

Other Label Claims - Products labeled as premium, super premium, gourmet, etc. are not required to contain any different or higher quality ingredients, nor are they held up to any higher standard of nutrition than any other “complete and balanced” dog food products. The term “natural” does not have an official definition either. For the most part, “natural” can be construed as equivalent to a lack of artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives in the product. In other words, when doing a dog food comparison, don’t be taken in by the use of such claims without fully analyzing the ingredients.

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The challenge of making a dog food comparison varies depending on the source. Making a comparison of different ingredients when making your own homemade dog food is a relatively simple task, on the other hand, drawing comparisons between different commercially prepared dog foods can be challenging at best. Our goal is to make that rating job easier and help you compare foods and create a healthy diet for your canine companion.

The generally accepted source for setting the standards when making comparisons and recommendations is the Association Of American Feed Control Officials, Inc. official definitions of food ingredients.

Food formulations for dogs with special needs such as dogs with diabetes or allergies to dog food ingredients such as wheat, corn, beef, or brewer’s yeast must be investigated separately since hypoallergenic dog foods and foods for pets that are diabetic are formulated under a different set of circumstances.

When making a commercial dog food comparison it is important to weigh the pros and cons between using dry dog food (kibble) and canned dog food or a combination of the two.

One then needs to determine the ingredients in each food, evaluate the quantity and quality of each food ingredient and find out any other relevant product information to choose acceptable alternatives.

Major Ingredients to be compared include:

Protein – The most important component of a dog’s diet, should be provided in the form of quality meat ingredients

Fats and Oils – Dogs need these for skin and coat health, as well as for proper brain development and other critical processes.

Carbohydrates – If generated from properly cooked ingredients carbohydrates provide a valuable source of energy.

Fiber – According to Sabine Contreras, Canine Care & Nutrition Consultant, most commercial dog foods are 40-50%.fiber. Some levels of dietary fiber are required to make a highly processed food source like commercial kibble “work”, since a dog’s digestive tract is not designed to process a diet with such high levels of carbohydrates.

Fruits & Vegetables – Are not necessary and typically are included in insignificant amounts.

Flavorings – High quality foods don’t need flavorings.

Preservatives – Unfortunately there is almost always a chance of food products containing hidden preservatives and additives, because manufacturers are only required to declare ingredients that they have added themselves. If suppliers have already added preservatives to the ingredients they do not have to be listed.

Dyes & Sweeteners – Dye and sweeteners have no place in dog food products.

Supplements – Dog foods are required to meet certain nutritional standards, so manufacturers must add certain minimum amounts of vitamins and minerals. Like all other ingredients, these vary in quality and in how well the body can absorb them.

Once a full dog food comparison has been made of the various foods available to you and a conclusion has been reached as to the acceptable choices, your dog will have the final say. You will need to test the foods to make sure that your dog will eat them without having any adverse reactions.

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Salmonella in pet foods and treats can cause serious infections in your pets and in people too, especially children, older people, and those with compromised immune systems. Salmonella can inadvertantly be transferred to people handling the contaminated products.

Pet owners and consumers can also help reduce the likelihood of infection from contaminated pet foods and treats by following safe handling instructions:

Buying

- Purchase products in good condition, without signs of damage to the packaging such as dents or tears.

Preparation

- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap before and after handling pet foods and treats.

- Wash pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use.

- Do not use the pet’s feeding bowl as a scooping utensil—use a clean, dedicated scoop or spoon.

- Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe manner, such as in a securely tied plastic bag in a covered trash receptacle.

Storage

- Refrigerate promptly or discard any unused, leftover wet pet food. Refrigerators should be set at 40º F.

- Dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place—under 80º F.

- If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.

- Keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.

- Keep pets away from garbage and household trash.

Important Information About Feeding Your Dog

Dog Food Comparisons

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In February a woman from Indiana found her 10 year old dog was lethargic and dehydrated.  She quickly took her to the vet where her condition worsened and she began to have seizures and going into cardiac arrest.  Her Dog, Abbey soon died.She asked the vet if it could be the Pedigree dog food that she had been feeding her dog and the vet said that he didn’t theink it was the cause.  Her Dog Abbey soon died.

Three weeks later she got a new puppy and fed her the same exact food.  The same thing happened to the puppy and she was rushed to the vet.  This time the vet listened when she told him she had fed her the same food and they immediately put her on IV’s and antibiotics.  Fortunately the puppy recovered.

Later she found that the Pedigree dog food she had purchased in February at a discount store because she couldn’t find it any where else had actually been recalled in August the previous year.

She stated “If when they had a recall they just set a little tag out where the food used to sit on the shelf why its not on there I never would have bought this.”

The vet bill for her two dogs came to $1400

Dog Food Comparison

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http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/news/2009/apr/13/county-shows-its-humane-side/

More and more as people have financial troubles the pets are the ones suffering first.  If you have the means I would encourage you to donate in ways that will also benefit pets that are in need.

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That recall recently has been renewed and expanded. Currently, the following pet food products are on a recall list:

- Berkley & Jensen Bistro Blend Premium Cat Food

- Berkley & Jensen Small Bites and Bones Dog Food

- Ol’Roy Complete Premium Dog Food

- Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete Premium Dog Food

- Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food

- High Performance Premium Dog Food

- Meaty Chunks & Gravy Premium Dog Food

- ShopRite Crunchy Bites, Bones & Healthy Squares Dog Food.

Additionally on recall are these cat foods made by the Mars Company:

- Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food

- Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food

- Kitten Premium Cat Food

All of the above listed products were manufactured at the Mars Petcare plant in Allentown, Pa. They were sold in BJ’s Wholesale Club, ShopRite Supermarkets and Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire, plus other eastern states.

Mars Petcare also announced that they have a new state-of-the-art testing facility in the works that should be open sometime in mid-2009. Theoretically, once this facility is online, the danger of recalls will be greatly reduced – Again, that’s Theoretically.

Meanwhile, the cause of this ongoing recall is a finding of Salmonella in tests done by the United States Food and Drug Administration. So far there have been no cases of human or pet illness caused by Salmonella associated with these products, but the risk continues.

According to the FDA, there are steps one can and should take whenever dealing with prepared pet foods. While dogs and cats are at risk of Salmonella infections, certain people are at greater-than-usual risk also. Those particularly at risk include children and the elderly, as well as anyone whose immune system has been compromised by disease or some underlying condition.

To reduce your risk, the FDA suggests that you follow these procedures:

- Wash your hands with hot water for at least 20 seconds both before and after handling any pet foods.

- Wash pet food bowls, dishes and implements with soap and hot water after each use.

- Do not use the pet’s bowl as a scooping device, rather, use a clean spoon or scoop that is kept only for this use.

- Dispose of any old or spoiled pet food in a safe manner, such as in a securely tied plastic bag that is then placed in a covered trash receptacle.

- Do not flush it down your toilet or throw it outdoors.

Storage of pet foods is also important. The FDA recommends that any leftover canned food be stored in a refrigerator. It’s probably best to pick up any leftover canned food after 20 minutes.

All dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place. The best way to store dry pet foods is in their original paper container, rolled down to eliminate air as much as possible, then placed into a plastic container with a tight-fitting top. This method has the additional advantage of helping to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the food.

Dog Food Comparison

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Home Made Dog Food – Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps?
By C. J. Burke

Many people confuse a complete homemade dog food diet with table scraps. Although many holistic veterinarians generally favor table scraps they urge you to make sure they are nutritionally wholesome and they are plain. A dog’s digestive tract is geared for simpler food than we eat.

So you can feed your dog table scraps but first try sharing a little of what you are having each day with your pet, along with the food you are already feeding them. This will give them a little variety and help you determine if you want to switch to a totally homemade diet. Always decrease the volume of commercial food you feed by the amount of table scraps you are adding to their diet. Once you determine if you want to switch over to a total homemade diet for your dog then you should learn as much as you can about proper nutritional levels.

But for now, if you want to start adding some natural food to your pet’s diet these are a few things to be aware of:

5 Foods to Avoid:

1.)Onions are toxic to dogs. No onions whatsoever.

2.)Left over fat and remnants. No Bacon or bacon grease. There are high levels of nitrates in bacon and the high heat used to cook bacon creates many other harmful compounds.

3.)Stay away from rich foods like ham, sauces, and limit the cheese you feed your dog.

4.)No spicy, salty or fried foods. No spicy chili, pepperoni or luncheon meats.

5.)NO sweets, cookies or cakes. Definitely NO CHOCOLATE. Certain compounds in chocolate like theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing ,weakness and seizures/

6 Foods You Can Feed Your Dog:

1.) Almost all vegetables are good, especially carrots and anything in the broccoli family, green beans, alfalfa sprouts, and leafy greens. Dogs like to chew on raw carrots and that helps to keep down the tartar on their teeth. Asparagus is also good and sometimes dogs will eat these like they are treats. You can add some potatoes to their diet and lentils and split peas are an excellent choice.

2.) Fruits are very healthy. Try different types and see which ones your pets like. AVOID GRAPES. Although grapes may not be toxic to all dogs there is no definitive information to enable us to tell which dogs will get sick and die after eating grapes.

Vegetables and fruits can be pureed in a blender then let them sit a day or two before feeding.

3.)Pasta is O.K. but WITHOUT the spices and tomato sauces.

4.)A little bit of good olive oil is O.K. It’s actually good for your dog’s skin.

5.)Low-fat, plain yogurt. You can give 1 tablespoon per twenty-five pounds of weight. You can feed it two to five times a week. Just like for us yogurt has beneficial bacteria known as acidophilis.

6.) Eggs are an excellent source of protein. You can add an egg or egg yolk twice week for each 25 pounds of weight. Dog’s seem to like lightly scrambled eggs added to their meal.

Remember that all animals are individuals, with individual tastes and sensitivities. Make sure that what you are feeding your pet is not causing allergic reactions. Always check with your veterinarian before adding table scraps to your pets diet.

If you are ready to learn more ways to feed your dog the best possible diet then start by reviewing some of the best sources to give your dog a [http://www.naturallypets.info ]complete and nutritious homemade diet

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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Since March 16, 2007, more than 150 brands of pet food have been voluntarily recalled by a number of companies. Types of pet foods recalled include:

• moist (packaged in pouches) dog food & cat food

• canned dog food & cat food

• dry dog food and cat food

• dog treats

• dry ferret food

For a full listing of recalled pet food products, see www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/petfoodrecall/

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These 10 most common health problems for dogs in descending order of frequency are:

Ear infections

Skin allergies

Pyoderma (hot spots)

Stomach upsets

Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea

Bladder disease

Eye infections

Arthritis

Hypothyroidism

Sprains

When it comes to feeding your dog, the quality of the food is more important than most people think.  Many people try to economize by feeding their dog the most inexpensive food they can find.  Unfortunately for you and your dog this is a false economy.  The problem with this is that a dog needs certain proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to have optimum health.

Without these nutrients you dog will likely have health problems and you will end up spending all the money you saved on dog food (and more) on veterinary bills instead.  And you and your dog will have to suffer the effects of his or her poor health.

Take the time to compare ingredients and make sure your dog is getting the best quality dog food possible.  (See the post on comparing dog food ingredients for how to make comparisons of various dog food brands.)  Do your dog and yourself a favor by making sure he is getting the nutrition he needs to live a long and healthy life.

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A double whopper with cheese or Timberwolf Organics, mmmm timberwolf organics.

It depends on the ingredients. If it's cancer vs heart disease, it's a tough call. We all know fast food isn't good for us on a daily basis, yet we give our dogs the same stuff every day. Better make sure its good.