The Ideal Healthy Dog Food

The Ideal Healthy Dog Food

It’s no misconception. Dog owners only want the best dog food and treats for their dogs. However, some dog owners may assume that popular commercial dog food brands on the market are the ideal, best dog food products. Whether dog food manufacturers advertise their products as healthy or the best, it is important to know the difference between low and high quality dog foods and treats.

Dog Food Grades

A grading system for dog food does exist. All dog foods, for example, start with a grade of 100. For every by-product 10 points is deducted. The same deduction (10 points) is taken away when ingredients such as non-specific animal source (fat, poultry and meat), BHA, and ethoxyquin is listed on the label.

More points are deducted for unhealthy ingredients such as rice, soybeans, animal fat and salt. Dog food grades also have points subtracted for ingredients which are not specific. For example, a manufacturer may include the term “non-specific grain source.” No one knows what that means. Thus, points are deducted from the total score.  

Dog food grades also have points added to the final total for healthy dog food ingredients such as sunflower oil, oats, glucosamine, chondroitin, pesticide free vegetables, oatmeal and barley.  

The highest quality dog foods have the rating of 94 and over and a grade of an A. The lowest quality has less than 77 points.

Consequences of Poor Quality Feeding

Choosing low quality dog foods in the D or F categories (lower than 77 points) can have unhealthy consequences for dogs. For instance, owners who choose a dog food high in carbohydrates and low in fat and protein instead of natural dog food risks making their dogs sick. Dogs may develop dog food allergies to the ingredients or suffer from food intolerance.

Dog allergies occur when the dog’s immune system believes that the food ingested is harmful or dangerous to the dog. It tries to rid itself of the dangerous substance causing a dog to experience symptoms such as itching, watery eyes and/or vomiting.

If the dogs do not suffer from dog allergies after eating the unhealthy food, they can constantly vomit or have stomach problems. These problems are often linked to food intolerance.  

Also, dogs can become obese from eating the food.  Eating unhealthy food is akin to a human eating junk food and sweets every day. The more the dogs consume, the more likely they may develop health problems besides obesity such as diabetes. 

Healthy Dog Food

Dog foods with the highest quality dog grades provide an extra assurance for dog food owners wanting the best for their dogs. Natural dog food does not contain byproducts, preservatives and chemical flavors. In fact, a healthy dog food can help improve a dog’s coat and keep them healthy and happy.

Whether dog owners are considering treats or dog food, they should study the ingredients. The ideal dog food is a natural dog food that is soy-free, wheat-free and healthy. The food doesn’t cause food allergies because the ingredients are healthy for dogs.