Inexpensive canned dog food can be prone to contamination, and dogs who regularly eat it may be at a greater risk of dental problems. Once in a while, choosing a canned dog food with high-quality ingredients can be a real treat for your canine companion.
In general, a higher quality dry dog food that contains the appropriate ingredients for your dog's life stage and breed is the best choice, but talk to your vet or veterinary nutritionist about the healthiest choice for your pet.
One of the biggest differences between high- and low-quality dog food is the ingredients. High-quality food contains natural meat, vegetables, and even fruits, while lower-quality dog food uses things like meat byproducts and grains as fillers. Check for Harmful Ingredients.
Typically, high-quality foods won't have other hidden ingredients that are dangerous for your pets' like so many other brands on the market. By removing just a few ingredients and changing to a better brand of food, this will improve your pets' overall health tremendously.
This comes down to the quality food that does into the premium pet food. Premium pet food often contain beneficial nutrients above and beyond the bare minimum e.g. omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, antioxidants for immune support and joint support nutrients for improved mobility.
A similar research conducted by Belgium scientists, titled “Relation Between the Domestic Dogs: Well-Being and Life Expectancy, A Statistical Essay,” revealed that dogs who had a high-quality, homemade diet (not table scraps or industrial, commercial pet food) extended their life expectancy by 32 months.
Recommended by Veterinarians
The advanced nutrition of Purina Pro Plan is a trusted choice of experts and veterinarians all across the country.
The problem is, even the best cheap dog food could end up costing you down the road. If the food you're feeding your dog doesn't have the right nutrition, you're looking at an increased risk of cancer, obesity, kidney disease, diabetes, and more.
Quick Tip: Look at the basic four: protein, fat, fiber, and water. Many states have regulations requiring the minimum amount of nutrients a pet food must contain, as well as the maximum amount of moisture and crude fiber. Dog food labels must display the percentage of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and water.
The NRC analyzes all current scientific research to establish nutrient requirements for animals, including minimum required levels and maximum levels that are not to be exceeded. The NRC has established that there is no upper limit for protein or fat in the diet of cats and dogs that would be deemed inappropriate.
Purina ® Dog Food has been an established and beloved dog food brand on the market for more than 80 years. Ranking in the top 3 dog food brands on noteworthy websites such as Glassdoor.com, Purina ® continues to provide top quality products for dogs, year in and year out.
The researchers found that dogs eating human-grade fresh whole food produced 2.0 to 2.9 times (up to 66%) less feces than dogs eating dry pet food. When compared to the fresh processed brand, feeding the real whole food resulted in 1.5 to 1.7 times (up to 41%) less feces.
Switching your dog's food abruptly can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite. Any time you decide to change your dog's food, you should transition to the new diet gradually in order to give your dog's system time to adjust to the change.
The top five ingredients in dog food should consist of a balance of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and fatty acids, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. First of all, a high-quality source of animal protein, such as fish, beef, or deboned chicken, should be the main ingredient.
A good dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. The best dog foods contain high-quality versions of these ingredients that are appropriate for your dog's digestive system.
Vet Tip: Most experts recommend transitioning to a new food gradually over a period of 7-10 days. It's a slow and steady process, but one that will decrease the chances of vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. When we eat healthier, we have more energy – the same goes for our four-legged friends.
Again, it comes down to the ingredients. If a food is expensive because of something like fancy packaging or the fact that it is “enhanced” with something, don't be fooled. But, if it contains real, natural ingredients and vitamins your dog needs, it is likely worth the price.
Your annual cost for dog food
Given you spend the average of $50 a month for a bag of dog food, you should budget for around $600 a year. Quality dog foods on the other hand can range from $150 to $300. The average monthly spend would be around $225, meaning an annual spend of around $2700.
Feeding your dog cheap dog food can come with potential risks. Lower-quality ingredients and inadequate nutritional ingredients can lead to nutrient deficiencies, poor digestion, and even long-term health issues in some cases.
Nestlé Purina Petcare Company Expands Voluntary Recall of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets El Elemental Dry Dog Food in the U.S. Due to Potentially Elevated Vitamin D. When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service.
Quality Ingredients: Purina One uses high-quality ingredients in their formulas, including real meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient. They also incorporate whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your pet.
The Dog Food Advisor finds Purina Pro Plan to be an above-average kibble. Each grain-inclusive recipe uses a moderate amount of named meat and by-product meals as its primary source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars. Pro Plan Bright Mind gets 4.5 stars. Highly recommended.