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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The following dry pet food products are included:

Product Name    Version    “Best-By” Dates    UPC Codes
Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas    All dry sizes and varieties    01Jul10 – 01Dec11    All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Naturally Wild    All dry sizes and varieties    01Jul10 – 01Dec11    All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Pure    All dry sizes and varieties    01Jul10 – 01Dec11    All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin    All dry sizes    01Jul10 – 01Dec11    All UPC Codes
     

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com9.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

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The “Beef Filet Squares” & “Texas Hold’ems” were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” & “Texas Hold’ems” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT

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Affected Products:

Chicken Medallions – 3 Lb Package – Use by date: 11/10/10
Chicken Patties – 6 Lb Package – Use by date: 11/10/10
Chicken Chubs – 2 Lb Package – Use by date: 11/10/10

Details of the Recall:

“The Nebraska company issued the voluntary recall Thursday of its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a ”Best If Used By ” date of 11/10/10.

Included in the recall are 3 pound packages of chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2); 6 pound packages of chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3); and 2 pound packages of chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0.

No human or pet illnesses have been reported in connection with the products, the company said on its Web site.

Consumers who have purchased the products should return the unopened product to the retailer for a full refund or replacement.

If the package has been opened, the company advises consumers to dispose of the raw food in a safe manner and bring the receipt or empty package in a sealed bag to the retailer for refund or replacement.

Consumers can also contact the company’s Customer Care line at 800-374-3142 for more information.”

Source Article: Beacon Journal

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“I have a 6-year-old Lab/beagle mix who has had many problems — the latest being two mast-cell tumors. The tumors were removed on separate occasions, and the surgeries were successful; however, we were told that we needed to be diligent about checking for lumps.

“Our veterinary oncologist has recommended that the dog be put on 4,000 milligrams of fish oil and 10 milligrams of Pepcid. She suggested Pepcid because dogs with mast-cell tumors tend to get ulcers, and the fish oil helps discourage the return of the mast cells.

“Also, a friend of mine in Florida said that her holistic vet uses food-grade liquid aloe in diets for dogs that have had cancer. Neither my vet nor vet oncologist have heard of this before, but from what I’ve read on the Internet, it makes sense. What do you think of using food-grade aloe as a supplement? And how much should a 45-pound dog drink?

Answer from Dr Michael Fox: “There are many treatments that can be integrated into a holistic therapeutic regimen for your dog’s cancer.

“I concur with what the two veterinarians recommend: You can give 1 tablespoon of aloe vera in your dog’s food twice daily. I would also recommend New Chapter’s anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor Zyflamend and anti-cancer Immortal Mushrooms combination of beneficial fungi. Daily treatment with a mild antihistamine may also be beneficial, along with a super-antioxidant supplement such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine and alpha-lipoic acid. Above all, avoid any treatments that may compromise your dog’s immune system, such as “booster” vaccinations and spot-on anti-flea drugs. Feed your dog a whole-food diet rather than manufactured dog food, good nutrition being the first medicine.”

You can read the full article here:
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100207/FEATURES/2070342/-1/NEWSMAP

Important Information About Feeding Your Dog

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Jennifer White in K9 magazine suggests the use of Arnica supplements for your dog during times of stress.  she says that you can give your dog a homeopathic remedy called Arnica Montana orally at a dose rate of 30C – three doses every four hours for two days. Apparantly Arnica Montana is a very well known remedy and is often used when there is some kind of emotional or physical trauma.

It can also be used for muscle aches, sprains, strains, and injuries. Arnica is sometimes given to patients prior to their coming to surgery for an examination or operation.  As always the vet should be told of any drugs your dog has had. Arnica will often result in a calmer dog that settles down quickly and is less anxious ane is especially good for highly strung dogs.

Important Information About Feeding Your Dog

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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

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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

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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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