10 Best Dog Food Ingredients to Improve Your Dog’s Health
When it comes to food, we usually know what is healthy for the human body and what’s not. However, not everyone is aware of what food suits a dog’s health. So, if you are planning to get a dog, you must know about the best dog food and nutrients.
That being said, we have come up with the ten best ingredients that you must feed your dog. Let’s take a look!
01 – Meat
On top, we have meat ingredient as it offers a great deal of nutrients. Most commercial dog foods are made of meat, such as beef, chicken, fish, venison, rabbit, and other sources of meat. Some labels may list egg protein, which is good, but make sure that enough actual meat accompanies the egg.
02 – Carbohydrates and Grains
Grains and carbohydrates are some of the elements in dog food that people dislike, but they aren’t as harmful as many people believe. Wolves and wild dogs in the wild frequently eat their prey’s stomach contents first, which usually contain grains and plant materials. Carbohydrates provide your dog a lot of energy, and excellent grains can help with digestion. This might be a very beneficial ingredient if your dog does not have allergies or sensitivity to wheat. Corn, soy, and whole wheat are low-quality foods, but rice, oats, barley, and peas are higher-quality options. These should come after meat sources on the ingredient list.
03 – Meat Meal
It is a high-protein source in pet food. The word “meal” throws a lot of folks off when they read the dog food components on a package. The meal is created with the meat that it refers to. Chicken meal, for example, is ground-up chicken meat that has been properly dried to a moisture content of 10%. The fat content is 12 percent and the protein amount is 65 percent. That implies a chicken meal has a higher protein content and offers your dog considerably more beneficial elements than a whole chicken.
04 – Fruits
Again, not a bad addition to a dog’s diet, but fruits like blueberries and apples are high in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while cranberries may help with urinary tract infections and oral hygiene by destroying bacteria.
05 – Nutrients and Minerals
Zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, and manganese are all crucial minerals for your dog’s health. L Carnitine, a vitamin that aids in the cellular generation of energy and works as a transport for fatty acids, and DL-Methionine, one of the 10-plus essential amino acids required by dogs, are also crucial.
06 – Vitamins
They aid metabolic, digestive, and immunological system functions, as well as maintaining the health of nerves and blood cells. B-vitamins, such as biotin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin, and beta-carotene, should be at the top of the list. Vitamin A is necessary for your dog’s skin and coat to function properly. The immune system of your dog is aided by vitamin E.
07 – Vegetables
Vegetables in your dog’s diet can be quite beneficial because they give numerous vitamins and minerals, even if they are not an item that she requires. Sweet potatoes, for example, are high in potassium, vitamin B, and beta-carotene, as well as antioxidants that aid to protect against cancer-causing substances.
08 – Fats
We’ve all heard about fats’ risks, yet they’re actually important for cell function and digestion. They provide your dog energy and aid with the absorption of certain vitamins. They also contribute to her coat’s health and radiance. High-quality fats, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, fish oils, canola oil, chicken fat, and olive oil, should be sought out.
09 – Preservatives
Preservatives are vital since they keep your dog’s food fresh. Avoid preservatives such as BHA and BHT, which have been banned in human foods in several countries due to cancer hazards. Preservatives such as tocopherols and ascorbic acid, on the other hand, come from natural sources.
10 – Water
Looking for a high moisture percentage on the food list is one of the most critical things you can do to keep your dog healthy and hydrated. Ensure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.
Fortunately, there are companies that offer the best quality dog food, such as Orijen dog food. The manufacturers make sure to add all the healthy ingredients to improve the health of your pet.
Keep These Foods Out of Your Dog’s Reach
After discussing the best dog food ingredients, it is time to talk about certain foods that your dog must avoid eating. Some of them are:
Garlic and Onion
Human beings frequently use these two ingredients in cooking, but the same ingredients are not healthy for dogs. Onion and garlic damage the red blood cells, which lead to rupturing and result in anaemia.
Fatty Foods
If your dog is overweight, you must not give it any fatty foods and sweets. Not only that, excessive consumption of fatty foods cause diseases, such as pancreatitis.
Chocolate
Just like most humans, dogs also love chocolate. However, one should feed his dog chocolate as they can be toxic for the pet’s health.
Raw Yeast Dough
Another unhealthy food is raw yeast dough, which should be avoided by your dog. Although dogs can enjoy small pieces of bread, they cannot have raw dough as it leads to gastric problems. If not treated timely, it can cause stomach rupturing or gastric dilation.
Salty Foods
Whether humans or dogs, salt is an essential ingredient to make the food tasty. However, if your dog has a medical condition, such as heart, kidney, or liver problem – it is best to restrict their salt consumption. Also, be sure to consult a vet to get the best advice as per your dog’s health condition.
Milk and Lactose
Before getting a dog, be sure to check its medical history. If the dog is lactose intolerant, do not feed dairy products as it will upset the dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea.
