How to Choose the Healthiest Dog Food: Ingredients and Nutrients Explained

Choosing the healthiest dog food is crucial for the overall well-being of our beloved pups.

Because of all the modern dog food choices and different marketing claims out there, dog owners often struggle to know what truly benefits their furry companions. This article aims to unravel the complexities of dog food ingredients and nutrients, offering clear guidance to help you choose the best option tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Understanding Dog Nutrition

Many dog owners think their dogs don’t need a “well-balanced” meal like humans do. Many also assume that a balanced dog diet consists of kibble and gravy, and occasional frozen veggies. The truth is, like humans, a healthy dog diet should contain the essential nutrients that support your dog’s overall health – including their physical and mental well-being.

What Nutrients Do Dogs Need?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) states that a complete and healthy dog diet requires the following nutrients and meets specific function and quality of life needs:

• Proteins: Packed with amino acids, protein boosts immunity, improves coat and skin health, strengthens claws, builds muscle, protects cartilage, and manages weight.
• Fats: Aside from adding texture to food, healthy fats, like Omega-3, are amazing energy sources for active dogs while reducing bad cholesterol levels.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are another great source of energy for dogs. They also provide your dog with antioxidants and fiber, which sustains their digestive health.
• Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-complex play crucial roles in strengthening bones and muscles, metabolizing energy, and supporting skin and coat maintenance.
• Minerals: Minerals like calcium build teeth and bones, zinc keeps coat fur healthy, while sodium maintains the nervous, muscular, and cardiovascular systems, 

Bonus: Water! Don’t forget to refill your dog’s water bowl consistently. Water helps their body absorb the above nutrients, regulates their body temperature, and protects their vital organs.

What Factors Play A Role in A Dog’s Dietary Needs?

Each dog’s nutritional requirements are unique, and multiple factors come into play. Several include breed, age, size, gender, activity level, underlying health conditions, whether the dog is pregnant or lactating, and even whether they’re spayed or neutered. 

For example, toy dogs like a 10-pound chihuahua would only need as little as 400 calories a day. Meanwhile, larger breeds, such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands, which can weigh over 100 pounds, could require 2,250 calories daily, sometimes even more.

As they age, puppies require more calcium, proteins, and carbohydrates to support their rapid development. Senior dogs may need a diet lower in fats and containing minerals like Vitamins C, E, and K to help with their aching joints and slower metabolism.

Some environmental aspects should also be considered, such as temperature, humidity, climate, elevation, and terrain. These factors are especially relevant to working or hunting dogs.

Consult a veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the right nutrients every day.

How to Read A Dog Food Label

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all pet food labels are enforced to contain the following information, typically in this specific format:

• Product and brand name ( and/or a unique identifier)
• Quantity (product weight, liquid measure, or count, depending on formulation)
• Guaranteed analysis (specifies nutrient amounts).
• Ingredients (must be listed in descending order by ingredient weight)
• Nutritional adequacy statement (which life stage the product is for)
• Feeding directions (usually specified by dog weight range)
• Name and address of the manufacturer
• Calorie statement (example: how much kilocalories by cup)

Understanding dog food labels can be tricky. However, learning more about the ingredients list, nutritional adequacy statement, and feeding directions is a good place to start.

As mentioned above, the ingredients are listed in order of weight, giving you insight into the primary components of the food. Premium-quality, healthy dog foods typically list a whole protein source, such as chicken or beef, as the first ingredient.

The Nutritional Adequacy Statement, often associated with AAFCO, provides information on whether the food is complete and balanced for a specific life stage. This statement is a quick reference to ensure the food meets your specific dog’s nutritional requirements.

The Role of Meat, Grains, and By-Products

Whole Meats vs Meat Meals

Many believe that whole meats always offer higher-quality protein than meat meals. While this is sometimes true, meat meals, rendered from meat tissue, can actually provide a more highly concentrated and abundant source of protein than the whole meat from which it came.

Often, whole meats contain a higher water percentage than meat meals, the latter of which are already rendered end-products of the whole meats. In fact, according to the AKC, meat meals can contain up to a higher percentage of protein than the actual whole meat itself.

However, the quality of whole meat can vary, and high-quality whole meat can be more beneficial than lower-quality meat meals. Additionally, despite meat meals having higher protein content, they can sometimes be made from lower-quality meats. Ultimately, the choice between whole meats and meat meals depends on the specific needs and health of your dog.

Is a grain-free diet good for dogs?

Grain-free diets have gained popularity among dog owners over the last few years, and grains have become infamous for causing dog obesity. This is because grains break down into sugars, which can also lead to diabetes and skin problems such as severe itchiness.

However, according to AAHA-accredited Small Door Veterinary, fewer than 1% of dogs are sensitive to grain, and food allergies aren’t common in dogs. There are actually health risks that come with a 100% grain-free diet, including an increased risk for heart disease.

Carbohydrates from grains provide an excellent energy source, especially for active dogs, and keep your pup’s coat shiny and skin healthy. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, corn, and barley are rich in fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. 

Despite all their positives, remember to use grains sparingly in your dog’s diet since they are still calorie-dense. Avoid using grains as a substitute for primary components such as meat. If your dog shows true signs of a grain allergy, consult a veterinarian immediately.

What is animal by-product, and is it good for dogs?

Many dog owners have a stigma about buying dog food that contains animal by-products. By-products are classified as “unfit for human consumption” but are used in many pet foods. In short, they’re “scraps.” But what exactly are by-products, and are they good or bad for dogs?

In terms of wet food, by-products are, simply put, organ meats: the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and meat trimmings. Contrary to popular belief, by-products can be extremely rich in nutrients, palatable, and are the first choice for dogs when they’re introduced to new food. 

By-products provide your pup with another source of protein other than muscle from lean meat and provide nutrients that your dog can’t get from lean meat alone. For instance, regular muscle meat lacks nutrients like calcium and Vitamin A, which can be sourced from by-products.

Ultimately, the addition of by-products to your dog’s diet really depends on your furry friend’s nutritional requirements. Make sure your dog doesn’t have any allergies or sensitivities to chicken or beef by-products before adding them to your pup’s diet.

How can you tell if your dog is allergic to the food?

Food allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, including

• Itchy skin, paws, or ears
• Vomiting, gas, and diarrhea
• Swollen face and/or paws
• Red bumps, hair loss, hot spots
• Red bumps, hair loss, hot spots
• Sneezing or coughing
• Frequent head shaking
• Runny eyes or eye discharge
• Weight loss or poor weight gain
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Hyperactivity or restlessness
• Increased irritability or aggression

Identifying and addressing food allergies is crucial for your dog’s well-being. If left untreated, it could lead to more serious health issues and a poor quality of life. An elimination diet under veterinary supervision, usually a prescribed or homemade diet of only protein and carbs, can help pinpoint which offending ingredients caused any allergic reactions, 

Hypoallergenic diets that avoid common allergens can benefit dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Transitioning to these diets should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Wet vs Dry: Choosing the Right Dog Food

Choosing between wet and dry food depends on your dog’s taste preferences, appetite, and health requirements. Consider your dog’s age, whether it’s a puppy, adult, or senior dog, as well as its size, whether it’s small, medium-sized, or bigger.

While wet food can be more palatable and easier to chew, making it ideal for pups and seniors, dry food offers dental benefits and more convenience to dog owners.

The comparison table below can help dog owners decide when to choose wet or dry dog food based on their pet’s specific needs, taste, and lifestyle.

Homemade Dog Food and Supplements

Homemade dog food allows pet owners to have complete control over the ingredients used in their dog’s diet. This can be especially beneficial for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific health conditions, as owners can tailor meals to meet each dog’s unique needs. 

Before switching to this option, remember that creating a nutritionally balanced homemade diet requires careful planning and a deep understanding of canine nutritional requirements. As such, nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can lead to serious health issues over time.

Supplements may be necessary to address potential gaps in homemade diets. For example, calcium supplements might be needed if bones are not included in the diet, or omega-3 fatty acids may be added to support skin and coat health. 

However, supplements should not be added without consulting a veterinarian. Excessive amounts of certain nutrients can be harmful and potentially toxic to dogs. For instance, too much calcium can cause skeletal problems, and an overdose of vitamin A can lead to liver damage.

Meanwhile, some commercial dog foods are actually formulated to be nutritionally complete, meaning they already contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your dog needs. These foods can effectively and conveniently double as a supplement, ensuring that your dog receives a balanced diet without the need for additional supplementation. 

This convenience is one of the reasons many dog owners choose high-quality commercial foods, as they simplify feeding and provide peace of mind regarding nutritional adequacy.

The table below compares the pros and cons of feeding your homemade dog food with the addition of supplements to complete commercial dog food.

Key Learnings For Picking the Healthiest Dog Food 

Choosing the healthiest dog food is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your dog’s quality of life. By understanding canine nutrition, learning to read dog food labels, and considering your dog’s unique needs, you can make informed choices that promote their health and happiness. Always consult with a veterinarian to tailor dietary choices to your dog’s specific requirements.

Sharing this knowledge with fellow dog owners can contribute to the well-being of more pets, helping them enjoy healthier and happier lives together. This comprehensive dog food guide aims to empower you with the knowledge to navigate the complex world of dog food, ensuring that your furry best friend receives the best possible nutrition.