The Dog Food Comparison Blog

How and what you feed your dog has a big effect on you’re his/her health and over-all behavior. There are so many commercial dog foods to choose from that making the right decision can seem impossible. But let’s tackle the problem nonetheless.

Look beyond the marketing and advertisements and look into what exactly your dog food contains. A partial list follows to help you find out if your dog is getting what he needs in the right quantities.

If your dog has large, smelly stool, has a lot of gas, burps often, sheds constantly, is prone to ear and skin infections, is lethargic or hyperactive and if his immune system is weak,  your pet’s diet may be the problem.  Although any of these symptoms may occur occasionally, having them recur often is a cause for concern and reviewing your pet’s diet is one of the first things you should consider.

Your dog needs 45 nutrients to maintain his health.  Major groupings for these nutrients are protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and of course water. These nutrients need to be in the right amounts and combinations to be properly digested and absorbed by the body.

Protein
Like it or not, your dog is a carnivore, meaning his body mainly uses meat.  It also means that vegetables and grains are not meant to be a major contribution to your pet’s diet.

The amount of protein in a commercial dog food is indicated on the package.  But knowing out how much protein is in the food is not as important as knowing what source the protein came from.

Dog food manufacturers have a wide choice of protein sources to choose from. Aside from meats (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.), plants and grains like corn, wheat and soy are used as sources.

To find what sources have been used most in the package you’re buying, look at the ingredients list. The largest amount of ingredient used is listed first and others follow in decreasing amounts. You should see at least three meat sources on the first 5 items mentioned. Any less than that and you may not be giving your dog the proper protein for his diet.

Carbohydrates
Your dog needs carbohydrates primarily for energy. But dogs do not need a lot of carbohydrates to be healthy. A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates is ideal.

Since dogs are meant to be meat-eaters, diets that are high in carbohydrates will take a long time for your pet to digest and result in large, smelly stool and gas. The gums can also grow sore from excessive chewing and his breath can develop a bad smell.  Your dog’s diet should only use a small amount of a carbohydrate source such as grains.

Fats
Two kinds of fat exist; saturated (animal fat) and polyunsaturated (vegetable fat). Your dog needs both and taken together these fats supply essential fatty acids (EFA) needed to maintain good health.

Not having enough fat in the diet can cause your dog to have low energy levels, heart problems and dry skin. Don’t get carried away though.  Too much fat can cause obesity, tumors and cancer.  Look for products that have a good balance between animal and vegetable fats.

Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary to release nutrients from the food that the body can use. Your dog needs two types of vitamins: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins B and C are water-soluble. Having too much of these will not harm the body much since it is urinated out in 4 to 8 hours. This is the reason they need to be in each meal. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble. They are stored in fatty tissues of the body and the liver.

It is important to remember that vitamins are easily lost in the making of manufactured dog food.  They also continue to break down more quickly as soon as you open the package and expose the food to light and air. Vitamins B and C are particularly sensitive.

Vitamin C is needed for healthy teeth and gums and a strong immune system. While dogs can produce their own vitamin C, it is not enough and therefore needs to be part of the diet. Vitamin B is needed for energy and breaking down protein and carbohydrates.

Minerals
Minerals are a critical component of a dog’s diet.  Since more than half of the necessary minerals are lost in manufacturing, adding mineral supplements to your pet’s food is recommended.

Water
Ready access to fresh, clean water is necessary to maintain proper body functions as well as to aid the body in breaking down foods like meat.

Whether you make your own dog food or buy it, it is necessary to make sure the proper nutrients in the correct amounts are given to your dog.  A little effort goes a long way in helping our dogs lead a healthy life.

Technorati Tags: carbohydrates, dog diet, Dog Food Comparison, minerals, nutients, packaged dog food, protien, vitamins

Week in review…

We’ve found some more great blog posts on comparing dog foods you might like to take a look at:

• Dog Information – What You Need To Know – This dog food comparison article informs the reader that there is both misinformation and lack of information on the subject. The author states that some brands sold at local stores are of poor quality and that the Bones and Raw Food …

• Comparing Your Dog Food Options: Because Your Dog Is Worth It. – The price tag is not going to tell you that the food is healthy knowing what to avoid will be one of the keys when you do your dog food comparison. Just like with human food, reading the ingredients is key. …

• Your Dog Trusts Which Food You Put In The Bowl – The price tag is not going to tell you that the food is healthy knowing what to avoid will be one of the keys when you do your dog food comparison. So, read all the ingredients. Are most of them natural? Do they have a lot of additives? …

Technorati Tags: Dog Food Comparison, Dog Food Ratings, dog food review

You can buy diabetic dog food through your vet. I know they make a canned variety and imagine there is a dry type also. It will be pricey but it is important to get the proper food for your dog with a medical condition like diabetes. Good luck!

Technorati Tags: Diabetic Dog Food, dog diabetes, Dog Food Comparison

Many pet owners are surprised to find out that diabetes is one of the more common diseases that veterinarians see in dogs and cats. Just like in humans, diabetes is caused by a deficiency of insulin, insulin is a hormone which is produced by the pancreas and is used by the body to absorb blood sugar. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin the body can’t process the blood sugar, and it increases.

Although diabetes is not completely curable, it is manageable with dietary changes, exercise and in many cases insulin injections. The important thing is to catch it early because left untreated, it can lead to blindness, kidney and liver problems, coma and sometimes even death.

The most common symptoms of diabetes in pets are increased thirst and urination, additional symptoms include cataracts, recurrent infections, weight loss and an increase in appetite.

With proper diabetic dog foods, exercise, blood sugar checks and insulin shots as necessary many diabetic pets can maintain good quality of life for five or six years after diagnosis.

Technorati Tags: Diabetic Dog Food, dog diabetes, Dog Food Comparison

As consumers become more aware of some of the problems associated with feeding their dogs commercially prepared and processed dog food a growing number of them according to Jeanne Huff of the Idaho Statesman are feeding their dogs in the raw (The food that is) including raw meats, fruits and vegetables.

She quotes Rich and Debbie Bennett owners of a new company called In The Raw: “We feel that people who have dogs with bad breath, tarter build-up, allergies, skin problems or other more serious issues such as diabetes, arthritis, obesity, heart disease, cancer, kidney and liver disease – problems which never existed until commercial dog food became the norm in the 1920’s – would greatly benefit from In the Raw,”

Besides that fact that dog’s ancestors use to eat this way in the wild, raw dog food proponents point to the benefits of switching to a raw diet including a more energetic dog, the elimination of fillers that often cause allergic reactions or illness, reduced problems with arthritis, better weight control, reduced number of bowel movements, less gas, less pet odor, shinier coats and cleaner teeth.

Critics (including some vets) complain about the potential for bacteria such as E-coli and salmonella, but proponants state that these types of bacteria are found “in your fridge, your sink, on your floor, in your backyard, in your car, down at the park, and perhaps in your bed! Interestingly, the only cases I have heard of dogs and cats dying from e-coli or salmonella, were dogs fed commercial dog foods.”

“Keep in mind that vets are told very little about pet diet at university. In fact, in some universities, reps from the pet food companies, come and do presentations on pet diet, as part of the curriculum. Many vets get their education on nutritiion by pet food reps. And many vets make a lot of money by retailing pet foods.”

The potential problem is more of a concern for the dog owner since human digestive systems are not as robust as our dog’s, so it is important to be careful when feeding your dog raw meats by washing your hands thoroughly after feeding your pet, just as you would after cutting meat while preparing your own meals.

Another concern is dogs choking on bones.  Proponents claim that this is a myth.  “Raw chicken bones are fantastic for your dog or cat. They are soft enough so that they bend easily, and break well for the pet to digest.  On the other hand, cooked chicken bones can be a problem, and I recommend that you DON’T feed COOKED chicken bones.”

Some people are worried about their dog or cat choking on bones. While such incidents are very rare (far more incidents occur with dogs and cats choking on kibble), I encourage the feeding of bigger portions of meaty bones, or if available, whole carcasses, such as whole chickens or rabbits.”
Rick L. http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977430849

Another negative is the messiness factor.  It is important to clean up after cutting meat and clean the dogs bowl as well as the dogs mouth and beard before letting him nuzzle anything. 

Though there is more and more evidence stacking up against the use of many commercial dog foods one thing is for sure.  This subject will remain controversial for some time to come.

Technorati Tags: Dog Food Comparison, raw dog food

This week in review…

We’ve found some great blog posts on comparing dog foods you might like to take a look at:

• Dog Food Facts – dog food recipes dog food recipe homemade dog food homemade dog food recipe wellness dog food organic dog food dog food allergies dog food nutrition homemade dog food recipes home made dog food dog food comparison free dog food recipes …

• Healthy Nutrition through Dog Food Comparison – It is important for you, as a pet owner to read the pet food label carefully. You must read and understand the label in order to make a dog food comparison so that you can distinguish between the desirable and [...]

• Dog food comparison-What are you feeding your dog? – I’ve also learned that when it comes to dog food comparison, pet owners only compare two things.Price and flavor.If i knew a certain type food could cause my dog to get cancer or any other life threatening illness, price and flavor …

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

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