What’s REALLY for dinner: understanding dog food labels

D9253160 6F68 4A9D B237 35C747E38C32

If any good came of the tragedies that prompted the 2007 pet food recalls it’s that people became a little more discerning about what was going into Rover’s dish. Unfortunately pet food manufacturers don’t always make it easy to make good choices and many are just plain misleading.

To identify a good quality food, you have to look past the delectable descriptions of feasts fit for a king. You should also ignore commercials featuring cute and happy canines living life to the fullest. Ditto the actors’ loving voiceovers suggesting that if you really cared about your dog, you would choose Brand X.  Armed with a few basic guidelines, you need only read the list of ingredients so have a closer look at the bag of kibble in your kitchen cupboard and see how it measures up.

Look for:

  • Protein sources at the top of the list
  • Specifically named protein and animal fat sources. i.e.: chicken, beef, duck as opposed to ‘animal’ or ‘meat’
  • Meal is OK provided the protein source is specifically named.
  • Whole fruits, veggies and grains (where applicable since some diets are grain-free)
  • Natural preservatives such as mixed tocopherols or ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Avoid:

  • Foods containing brewer’s rice, corn or wheat gluten. These are just nutrient-poor fillers.
  • By-product and/or animal digest
  • Artifical flavours or colours
  • Sweeteners – corn syrup, cane sugar, glucose, sucrose
  • Foods preserved with BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin.

So how does your choice stack up so far? Don’t forget to check expiration dates before you buy and look at the guidelines on the package for recommened daily rations!

Note that there is no one right food for every dog. Breed, age, weight, current health condition, medical and behavioural history, activity level – all play a role in determining the most suitable diet for any individual dog.  If you’re considering a switch in diet be sure to implement it gradually to avoid tummy upset and if your dog is on a veterinian-recommended diet be sure to consult with your vet before making any changes.

The above are just some basic guidelines; for more information:

 

Deciphering Dog Food Labels – A Guide to Buying a Better Commercial Food by Monica Segal

 

Food Pets Die For, 3rd Edition by Ann N. Martin

 

The Whole Dog Journal for a treasure trove of information, not least of which is their annual research-driven (as in not advertising-dollar-driven) food reviews: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/.

 

BONE APPETIT!!