What are you feeding your dog? Ingredients to look for in your dog's kibble.
24/05/23
A crucial aspect of a dog's well-being is a balanced diet, and selecting the right kibble can make a significant difference in their overall health. The pet food industry standards are shocking and with so many options available, it's essential to understand which ingredients are beneficial for our four-legged friends. In this blog post, we will explore the best ingredients to look for when choosing dog kibble.
As a therapeutic pet care brand we love looking into ingredients and what they can do for your pet. Some of the ingredients we look for when recommending food, or choosing food for our own pets are:
Quality Meat
The quality of meat you feed your pet has a huge impact on their health. When reading the back of a dog food packet we avoid anything that is vague. Anything that says “meat-by-product” or just “meat” is a big red flag! The more specific the better! We love it when packets tell us the kind of meat, the organs, and bones that are in the food.
We always choose kibbles that are meat first, dogs are carnivores in the wild, so ensuring their diet follows that primary diet is important for their nutrition!
Healthy Oils
Healthy fats are a part of a balanced meal for us and our dogs. Oils are a great way to get essential fatty acids into your dog that they can’t get from food. A lot of dog foods have oils in them to help them bind the biscuits, but looking at what oils are used is incredibly important, as lots of commonly used oils are known to be inflammatory.
We try to avoid canola oil, palm oil and vegetable oils. Instead we look for olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil or flaxseed oil. These fats promote a healthy coat, improve joint health, and support brain function in dogs.
Healthy Carbohydrates
While dogs are not obligate grain consumers, carbohydrates are still an important component of their diet.
When looking at kibble ingredients many have dreadful ingredients like gluten, wheat, cereals and various starches! Once again, they tend to be very vague on what they are, and are used purely as a filler/binder rather than providing your dog with nutrients they need. Grains like brown rice, oats, or quinoa are much better ingredients to look for.
To go a step further vegetables like pumpkin or sweet potato are great ingredients as they are so nutrient dense, full of essential vitamins and great for their overall wellness. Choosing complex carbohydrates that provide a slow and steady release of energy, support healthy digestion and provide necessary fibre is the way to go!
Fruit and Veggies
A variety of fruits and vegetables in your dog's kibble is essential in our opinion. It adds valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, to create a more balanced meal. Ingredients such as peas, blueberries, carrots, broccoli, green bananas or strawberries give a wide range of nutritional benefits and make the food extra tasty for your pup! These natural ingredients can aid in immune system function, maintain healthy skin and coat, and support overall well-being.
Superfoods/Vitamins
Superfoods are nutrient-dense ingredients that provide exceptional health benefits. Some of our favourite superfoods/vitamins are:
- Chia seeds
- Turmeric
- Psyllium husk
- Prebiotics/Probiotics
- Kelp
- Collagen
These natural additives in some kibbles are a key indicator that you are choosing a good brand that is providing a well rounded and nutritious meal for your dog.
Natural Preservatives
Preservatives are necessary to maintain the freshness and shelf life of dog kibble. However, it's important to opt for natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary extract. Avoid kibble that contains artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, as they have been associated with potential health risks. Furthermore, avoid kibble that has artificial colours or flavours! Look for kibble that relies on natural ingredients to provide taste and aroma, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable mealtime experience for your pet.
Choosing the right kibble for your pup is a vital responsibility. Remember, consulting with your veterinarian is always recommended to ensure that the chosen kibble aligns with your dog's specific dietary needs. With an ingredient focused and well-rounded diet, your furry friend will thrive and lead a happy, healthy life by your side.
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