What Is the Healthiest Dog Food for Your Pet?

What is the healthiest dog food for your pet? If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably wondered this at least once. So, in this article, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to find the healthiest dog food for puppies and senior dogs alike! 

Here are our pups, they eat a mixture of kibble and raw meat. They prefer the raw meat. We are hunters and freeze chunks of meat and bones for them to eat and I highly recommend this for large breed dogs, they love it!

The Importance of Feeding Dogs a Healthy Diet

A complete, balanced diet helps keep your dog healthy, providing all the vitamins and nutrients they need to thrive. As a result, choosing the best foods for your dogs can help boost their energy, ensure they grow as puppies, and support their joint and overall health as they age. 

As with humans, a balanced diet for dogs includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Water is also essential but should be provided throughout the day in addition to dry or wet food. 

When learning what is the healthiest dog food for your pet, it’s always important to look for foods that are approved by the Association of American Feed Patrol Officials (AAFPO). They are a nonprofit organization that defines the ingredients used in pet food, helping to ensure the food has undergone analyses and has the necessary required nutrients for your pets. 

AAFCO Label Requirements

The AAFCO requires eight things to be listed on the package or can. These include: 

• The brand and product name 
• The name of the species for which the pet food is intended
• Quality statement 
• Guaranteed analysis that lists the percentage of each of the nutrients in food (similar to a nutrition label on human food) 
• Ingredient statement
• Nutritional adequacy statement that indicates that the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage (puppy, adult, senior, etc.) 
• Feeding directions
• Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor 

In addition to the package requirements, the AAFCO also has specific nutrient requirements such as: 

• Water which is vital for hydration and physiological processes 
• Carbohydrates (including fiber) to serve as an energy source and aid in gastrointestinal health
• Vitamins and Minerals for proper metabolic functions and overall health
• Fats to provide energy and support cell function
• Protein which is crucial for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues

Understanding Canine Nutritional Requirements

The healthiest dog food for your pet will vary throughout their life, and you’ll need to determine everything from the healthiest food for puppies to the healthiest food for senior dogs as they grow. However, regardless of their stage of life, the best dog food will meet all of your dog’s energy requirements. 

As a result, it’s important to consider where your dog is in their lifespan and adjust both the type of food and the quantity to meet their needs. For instance, puppies eat often and a lot to support their growing bodies. In addition, puppy food contains a different nutrient composition, containing more calcium in particular. 

However, after about 12 weeks, puppies should be switched to adult or young adult food, and older dogs should be fed senior dog food after about 7 years. Senior dogs eat far less than puppies and often require extra nutrients such as protein, prebiotics or probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids. They typically need more protein and fewer carbs than puppies as they are no longer growing. 

Failing to meet your dogs’ nutrient requirements throughout their various stages of life can result in stunted growth, joint disorders, hip dysplasia, and other serious health concerns. 

Commercial Dog Foods

Some pet owners prefer to make their own dog food. However, doing so can be quite expensive and can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not careful. That said, commercial dog foods can be great options for keeping your dogs healthy! 

When determining what is the healthiest dog food for your pets, look for commercial food that is made with whole ingredients. For the best results, try to find brands that start with protein like chicken, fish, or beef. Avoid vague terms like meat meal. 

Then, ensure the food is certified and approved by the AAFCO. 

Is Dry or Canned Food Better? 

Some pet owners argue that dry or wet dog food is best. However, there is really no difference in terms of nutrition or digestibility, as long as you choose high-quality brands. Most dogs do fine with dry kibble. However, you may want to opt for wet dog food if your dogs don’t consume enough water or have a tough time chewing. 

Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs

Many of us like to give our dogs treats in the form of human food from time to time. However, it’s important to limit their consumption and avoid certain foods that may be toxic. 

Healthy Human Foods for Dogs

Some of the healthiest dog food for your pets in the form of human food include: 

• Lean-cooked chicken or turkey
• Cooked eggs (without seasoning)
• Plain, unsweetened yogurt (in moderation)
• Carrots (cooked or raw)
• Green beans (cooked and without salt)
• Apples (seeds and core removed)
• Pumpkin (plain, cooked, and unsweetened)
• Blueberries (in moderation)

Human Foods to Avoid Giving Dogs

While some foods can be beneficial for our pets, others can prove to be toxic. Some of the most harmful human foods for canines include: 

• Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
• Onions and garlic: Damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free products, it’s highly toxic and can lead to liver failure.

When feeding dogs human foods, it’s also important to note that dogs can have allergies and may have adverse reactions to certain foods. Common allergens include beef, chicken, and dairy. If your dog shows signs of itching or gastrointestinal distress, remove the food from their diet, and consult a vet. 

The Healthiest Foods for Dogs (That Follow AAFCO Guidelines)

Common dog food brands that meet the requirements to be considered a healthy option include: 

• Hill’s Science Diet
• Eukanuba
• Purina Pro Plan
• Royal Canin
• Iams

Common Questions

Are there any nutrition requirement differences for different breeds? 

Yes, different dog breeds vary in their metabolisms and nutrient requirements. For instance, certain dog breeds are susceptible to liver toxicity from too much copper. These include Bedlington, West Highland White, and Skye Terriers. Therefore, it’s important to consult with your vet before choosing a food.

What is the number 1 vet-recommended dog food? 

Hills Science diet is largely considered to be the most recommended dog food. They use high-quality ingredients, the kibble size is appropriate for most breeds, and dogs tend to enjoy the taste.  

How much protein does my dog need? 

The minimum dietary protein requirement for growing dogs or puppies is 18% dry matter, and the minimum requirement for adult dogs is 8% dry matter. 

That said, the AAFCO recommends that the daily protein requirements for dogs should contain at least 22% dry matter for growing dogs and 18% dry matter for healthy adult dogs. 

In Conclusion

The answer to, “What is the healthiest dog food for your pet?” varies depending on your dog’s age, lifestyle, breed, and specific nutritional needs. When shopping, look for brands that are certified by the Association of  American Feed Patrol Officials and use high-quality, whole-food ingredients. Also, be sure to adjust your dogs’ food as they age, and always consult your vet with any specific questions or concerns!

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