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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