How to Choose Quality Dog Food
13 Sep 2008
When searching for quality organic dog food it is vital that you read the label and have the knowledge to understand and interpret the information you find. When reading the label, look for the first fat or oil that is listed. All items placed above the first fat source are considered to be the main ingredients along with the first fat source. The other items shown on the label are typically added to the dog food for flavor, as preservatives, to aid in the processing of the food or for health benefits such as minerals or vitamins.
To determine the nutritional value, make sure to check the ingredients. It can be difficult to research the food substances due to the manufacurers choice of food sources. It is difficult to know what quality grade of food items they are placing in the foods as well as the quantity of the ingredients.
Surf Manufacturer’s Websites
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) does not allow dog food manufacturers to place information on the labels regarding the quality of the food substances. It is important to read the information that is available on the websites of the various pet food companies and carefully read the information they provide about the quality of the ingredients they use in their products.
Protein
Protein is the most vital substance in your dogs diet and you want to make sure the food you serve your pet uses quality sources of protein. Quality dog foods usually have a meat meal listed as the first ingredient on the label or a meat with the second ingredient being a meat meal substance. Meat by-products are not high quality protein sources. If the label mentions a specific type of meat meal, such as chicken meal this type of protein source is not inferior to whole meats. Avoid products that do not mention the specific animal the meat source comes from.
Regarding fats look for chicken fat, herring oil canola oil, sunflower oil, flax oil and other fat sources with specific names. See if the quality fats such as Omega three and Omega six are on the label. Try to avoid foods that contain ingredients like poultry fat, animal fat, and other non specific sources of fat.
Look for whole grains which may also be categorized as meal or ground and also look for fresh vegetables. Avoid products that are filled with too much grain fragments and flour. Also the performance dog food are typically preserved with natural substances such as vitamins. Always read the label provided to ensure you’re buying a good product.