The Disgusting Dog Food Ingredients You Must Avoid

No one wants to feed their dog unhealthy food that may contribute to obesity or other health problems. Unfortunately, many popular brand names of both dry and wet dog food contain ingredients that do not help or could actively harm your furry friend¹

To keep our dogs healthy, we need to know which ingredients to avoid and which ones to seek out.

[1] https://dogfood.guide/10-ingredients-avoid-dogs-food/

[2] https://www.petsafe.net/learn/pet-food-the-good-the-bad-and-the-healthy

[3] https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/nutrition-center/choosing-best-dog-food

Bad Ingredients You Should Refuse to Buy

The following lists includes some of the more common ingredients that can actually cause health problems for your dog. If you see one or more of these on a label, avoid that brand entirely.

4D Meat Products – The four D's associated with these ingredients include diseased, disabled, dying, or dead. These are salvaged meat products that may not come from reliable sources. Some have been shown to contribute to lifelong diseases and disorders in pet dogs

Corn and Grains – Dogs simply do not eat these foods naturally, so why should they be included in dog food? Most manufacturers add them because they are an inexpensive way to add volume to the kibble or canned food. They are potential allergens and do not provide efficient nutrition in any way.

Artificial Colors, Preservatives, and Other Additives – Topping the list of dangerous chemical additions to dog food is butylated hydroxyanisole or BHA². It is classified as a cancer-causing agent that also contributes to kidney and liver disease in laboratory rats. Ethoxyquin, which is a preservative used to extend shelf life, has questionable health effects and no regulation at all. Artificial colors and dies such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, among others have been linked to cancer, compromised behavior, and allergic reactions. There is simply no reason to change the color of dog food anyway.

Choosing High-Quality Dog Food

When you head to the pet store or supermarket, take the time to read the labels on the different brands and varieties of dog food available to you. You can also research online before you buy. One clue that the food has sufficient nutritional value is a certification from the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)³. Also, look for sufficient percentages of protein and fat, which should be the first and second most prevalent nutrients in any dog food.

Remember that dogs are naturally somewhat omnivorous, so the presence of vegetables or other plant-based ingredients is not forbidden. However, if the top of the ingredients list sounds more like a box of cereal and something you would feed a dog, put it back on the shelf and move on.

It is possible to find high quality dog food that contributes to your furry friend's overall health and vitality. Make an informed decision every time you shop. Once you find a variety that provide sufficient nutrition and your dog enjoys eating, keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and coupons whenever possible. While the highest quality pet food usually does cost the most, it is still possible to find affordable solutions to keep your dog happy and healthy for a long time.

Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.

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