Top 4 ingredients to look for in dog foods
Just like us humans, what our pets consume determines their overall well-being and longevity. As a pet parent, you must pay attention to what your dog is eating and learn what food works best. Eating foods packed with all the right ingredients will prevent disease, increase brain function, improve coat appearance, and help your furry friend sleep better. So, here are the healthiest ingredients to look out for when picking dog foods.
Meat
Animal protein is an essential ingredient in your pet’s diet as their system digests these proteins easily. Meat helps dogs maintain a healthy weight, provides necessary vitamins and minerals, and keeps their muscles and joints strong and healthy as they grow older. When looking for pet food, make sure the label mentions where the meat is coming from, such as lamb, chicken, or beef. The best brands typically list meat and organ meat as the first two ingredients along with their source.
Carbohydrates and grains
Carbohydrates and grains are crucial components of your dog’s diet. Carbs provide abundant energy, and grains help their body digest food. However, pet food containing soy, corn, or wheat as a carbohydrates source is usually low quality, and dogs are often sensitive to these ingredients. Good pet food products contain carbohydrate sources like rice, oats, and peas.
Healthy fats
If fats are healthy, they are not dangerous for your dog. Healthy fats promote proper cell function, help absorb vitamins, improve digestion, and keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. So, when selecting a pet food, look for high-quality fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Some good fat sources in dog foods include chicken fat and oils of flaxseeds, coconuts, fish, and sunflowers. Healthy fats like omega-6 fatty acids are also found in meats.
Vegetables and fruits
Although not necessary, vegetables and fruits are beneficial ingredients as they provide many vitamins and minerals. Many fruits and veggies are also rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent anal gland disease in dogs. So, it’s advisable to look for pet food that lists a few of these ingredients. However, when it comes to feeding fruits and vegetables, note that some of them can be toxic for your dog. These include foods like onions, garlic, mushroom, grapes, cherries, and more.
