Dogs, like humans, are what they eat. If a dog’s food is high quality and nutritious then the dog’s skin and coat will be healthy, the dog’s energy level will be appropriate for his age and breed type, he will have solid stools and will seem to be in good health generally. In contrast, non-nutritious or filler dog food can cause actual harm to a dog whose digestive system cannot break down low quality ingredients. It turns out that eating an all-meat diet is ultimately unhealthy for dogs. They are omnivores and not just carnivores. Dog nutrition entails a balanced mix of essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water.
For the protein content of your dog’s food, it is not merely enough if a label claims that the food is “high protein.” The protein source could be indigestible, such as hooves, but could still qualify as being high in protein. Dogs will be healthier eating foods high in easily digestible proteins. In descending order, dogs can digest the following foods: egg whites, muscle meats (beef, chicken, and lamb), organ meats (kidney, liver, and heart), milk and cheese, fish, rice, wheat, and corn. Note that in this list, corn has almost half of the protein digestibility as egg whites at the top of the list. Therefore, an increasing number of pet owners are seeking corn and grain-free diets for their dogs.
Another aspect of dog nutrition is whether and what type of preservatives the dog food manufacturer adds to its food. At least 36 preservatives can be added to your dog’s food, while some chemical preservatives may add safety concerns. However, natural preservatives are growing in popularity, such as vitamin C or E.
When choosing a dog food brand you are trusting in that particular manufacturer’s formulation of essential nutrients for your dog. You can read the list of ingredients on the dog food to see what the most prominent ingredients are, and whether the food is meat or grain based. Dogs can develop allergies to corn, soy, wheat and other foods. For optimal dog nutrition, read labels and monitor your dog’s reactions to any type of food carefully.