Grain Free Dog Food Buyer’s Guide
In modern times, dogs are probably the most popular canine companions to humans. These furry creatures are unconditionally loyal, adorable and dynamic, and as owners, one of the essentials that we would want to provide for them would be healthy and nutritional dog food for these furry companions.
We will now explore the most common types of dog food below.
Common Types Of Dog Food
Grain Free Dry Dog Kibbles
Dry dog food is a popular choice among breeders and dog owners as it contains a well-balanced mix of protein, energy and essential minerals and vitamins. These high-quality ingredients without the inferior fillers will allow better digestion and absorption of nutrients by the canines’ digestive systems.
While it might be slightly pricier as compared to other types of dog food but due to the good absorption rate from the high-quality ingredients present in the kibbles, dogs generally require lesser amounts to fill themselves up for their daily needs.
In addition, another advantage would be the longer shelf life of commercial dry dog food which provides convenience for both dog owners and their canine friends.
You may consider alternating the flavors from time to time as like humans, the same repeated dog food may become uninteresting and dull for our beloved pets. Lastly, some dog owners prefer feeding dry dog food to their pets as it is beneficial for their teeth and dental health.
Raw Dog Food
In the wake of recalls for commercial dog food in recent years, there have been increasing numbers of veterinarians who are in favor of the recommendation of a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, in the form of either home-prepared or commercial raw dog food. However, there have also been debates that these BARF diet may contain bacteria that could be harmful to our furry companions and the proclaimed advantages of BARF diet has little or insufficient scientific backings to date. On the contrary, it is evident that there is an apparent risk of choking on the bones of the raw meat for young puppies. Furthermore, the nutritional value is often not as well balanced and complete to support your dog’s development and growth.
Dog owners who are strong advocates of BARF diet would typically prepare raw meat and bones mixed with other sources of dietary fiber and vitamins such as vegetables and fruits from home, or even frozen and fresh meat patties purchased from commercial vendors.
Wet Dog Food
Some dog owners like the idea of feeding wet dog food from canned products to their dogs as the food are more mouth-watering and appealing to stimulate the dog’s appetite.
The disadvantage of canned food is the short shelf life once it is open, and the food has to be consumed within a short period of time. More often than not, canned dog food is made up of high contents of water and by-products, and is a more expensive option in the long run.
What Does A Healthy Dog Food Contain?
Protein
Protein is an important component in the healthy growth and development of a canine. It is absolutely essential for dogs to obtain their source of quality protein from real meat and to avoid by-product meals as much as possible. Adult dogs typically require 18-22% of protein in their meal while young puppies require 25-30%. The amount of protein required also depends on how active and dynamic your canine friends are going about their daily activities.
Fat
Fat is another important component to ensure the good health of your canine friend. Adult dogs require less fat content at around 9% or less, while puppies in their formative years require slightly higher fat content in the region of 10-15%.
Low Carbs
Quality dog food contains only essential carbohydrates to provide energy for an active and healthy lifestyle. A general guideline to follow is 30% or lesser in carbohydrates content as our canine friend does not digest carbs as efficiently as humans.
Vitamins, Minerals & Antioxidants
It should come as no surprise that fruits and vegetables are natural and rich sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Excellent choices of dog food will always be fortified with a precise blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants processed from a wide variety of vegetable and fruits to provide a healthy oxidative balance and immune system health. A good dose of calcium and phosphate is beneficial for the teeth and bone, while sodium and chloride are essential for cellular functions. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat, and glucosamine supports joint function and improves overall mobility.
Taurine & L-Carnitine
In addition to the above sub-section on the essential contents in a good dog food, it is noteworthy to highlight that both Taurine and L-carnitine are always listed as one of the ingredients on the packaging labels of the highest quality dog foods available in the commercial market.
Taurine, one of the 20 over types of amino acids, is vital in healthy bodily functions as it is present in the tissues of the heart wall muscles, in the retina of the eye, and brain. This amino acid can also be obtained from dog food which has chicken as the main ingredient.
In more scientific terms, L-carnitine is an essential amino acid nutritional supplement which supports the transport for fatty acids, which is required for the energy to be produced at a cellular level. L-carnitine deficiency might result in an increased risk of certain heart diseases in canines.
What Is The Ideal Feeding Portion For Your Dog?
The feeding portion very much depends on the life stage requirements of your dog. A growing puppy requires dry puppy food which has smaller kibble bits to minimize the risk of choking and food which is much higher in protein content and nutrients to support the healthy development of their musculoskeletal system.
Hence, it is not recommended to feed adult dog food to young puppies below the age of one as it could result in malnourishment due to the lower levels of protein and nutrients in adult dog food.
The feeding portions should follow the recommended feeding guidelines as indicated in the packaging labels of the dog food. Slight adjustments can be made accordingly to each dog’s individual daily energy levels, activeness and rate of growth.
One of the recommended feeding guidelines for puppies is to split into smaller meals as follows:
- Under the age of 4 months – four meals a day
- Age 4-6 months – three meals a day
- 6 months onwards – two meals a day
The feeding times should be fixed and leftovers should be removed. Adult dog food can be provided once the dog reaches adulthood, ranging from 12-18 months of age.
