Grains VS Protein: What is best for your Dog?

Dog food!  It is a huge industry, by all accounts, there are over 9 Billion dollars a year spent in the U.S. on dog food alone.  That doesn't even touch the treats and the cat food!  We all know as dog owners, dogs love cat food!  Just ask any cat.

The best thing to do if you are concerned about your dog's health, and a holistic approach to food and nutrition, be sure to buy the best.  The best would be the following requirements:

• No By-Products:  Until around a year ago, the dog food industry used by-products from dead cats and dogs in its filler.  If you were feeding by-products, you may have been a part of some form of cannibalization for your pet.  By-products are the ground remnants of the animal that the company hopes to represent.  It basically is the carcass of a chicken, cow or sheep.  There could be bone, teeth, feathers, intestines, or any other shocking related protein.
• No Corn:  The starch in corn is something that your dog will not process in its digestion.  Please try to avoid this inexpensive and unnecessary filler!
• Too many words you cannot understand:  If you are finding lots of colors and preservatives in your best friends food, you are not doing your dog a favor.  Red should be red for a beet, a cabbage, or a raw piece of meat, not because the manufacturer is trying create a red kibble from a by-product or a corn ingredient.
• No expiration date:  you should buy only the freshest and smallest bag that you can, as it will ensure better nutrition for your dog.
• Not made in the USA:  dog food is not closely monitored in other countries, so it makes sense to stick with made in the US.  Canada is another great country to buy from, as they have a similar good process of making sure the food is safe and secure in manufacturing.
• Not a guarantee:  that is an easy one, and you should look for all responsible companies to back up the food they are selling.

Remember, this is the only nutrition your dog sees in its life.  Feeding the best food you can afford, will save you money in the long run, as all problems start with a lack of good nutrition.

So, what is the answer?  Grains or protein?  As with any holistic medicine option, moderation is the key. The best dog food options will bring a great mix of both-protein for essential fatty acids, and grains and vegetables for energy and mineral replacements.


http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/Index.cfm?Page=USPetFoodSales