Holistic Dog Food Buying Guide
Holistic foods offer a wealth of benefits including improving your dog’s heart health and providing him with sufficient antioxidants. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that not all holistic dog foods are equal. Below, you’re going to find out how to choose the best holistic food for your furry friend.
Check The Label
When buying holistic dog food, you’ll want the best of the best. Therefore, you should try to find a food that contains the AAFCO statement on the label. If a company has become a member of the Association of American Feed Control Officials, you can guarantee that it cares about your dog. This label guarantees that the dog food is going to meet your dog’s basic nutritional requirements.
If you want your dog to stay on a holistic diet, you need to familiarize yourself with these ingredients. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to analyze the label and determine whether or not the dog food is legitimately holistic.
Know The Terms
Another thing to note is that you’ll need to learn more about the terms used to describe dog food. Holistic and natural are often intertwined but they’re much different. Some companies are going to slap terms on their label in an attempt to trap customers. Make sure that you know what these terms mean so you can get the best holistic food for your dog. Take the time to learn as much as you can about holistic diets, raw foods, and natural foods.
Protein
Protein is a key ingredient in holistic dog food, regardless of brand. This component is necessary for building strong, lean muscles, healthy bones, hair, nails, and cell repair and regeneration. Every adult dog, regardless of breed, needs at least 18 percent protein in his/her diet. And, puppies need on minimum 22 percent protein, which is what most holistic dog food brands provide.
Carbohydrate
Another key ingredient in holistic dog food is carbohydrate, a group of compounds with the same 2:1 ratio of hydrogen and oxygen as water. Carbohydrates are obtained through the diet. When your dog consumes carbohydrates, his/her body converts some of it for energy and stores the rest for later use.
Carbohydrates are vital for your dog's mental and physical health. It is recommended for adult dogs to consume at least 46 percent carbohydrates but no more than 74 percent daily.
Fats And Oils
To follow a holistic diet, you’ll want to make sure that your dog obtains the right oils and fats. Going with natural alternatives is always better. The best natural oils and fats include palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, fish oil, corn oil, and others. Fish oil can provide your dog with sufficient omega-3 fatty acids while also promoting healthy joints.
Minerals
Your dog’s holistic diet needs the right mixture of minerals to match his nutritional needs. Depending on those needs, you’ll want to make sure that your dog’s diet provides calcium carbonate, iodate, lactate, and phosphate. With a high calcium diet, your dog’s teeth and bones can be strengthened and protected. The diet should offer a good source of cooper since it can help boost immunity and ensure healthy bone development.
Vitamins
Good holistic dog food is going to provide your furry friend with a combination of vitamins to meet his unique nutritional profile. When looking for holistic food for your canine, you should check the label and ensure the dog food is going to give your dog Vitamin B7, Vitamin B5, Choline Chloride, Vitamin B9, and Vitamin C. Certain vitamins can help your dog maintain high energy levels, enhance skin and coat health, improve joint health, and boost the immune system.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are essential for canines since it can help support the pet’s overall health. The most important amino acids for your dog include L-Cysteine, Taurine, L-Carnitine, D-Methionine, and L-Lysine Monohydrochloride. Amino acids can help keep the dog healthy while strengthening and maintaining muscles, ensuring heart health, and improving healthy digestion. Before buying holistic dog food, you’ll want to check the label and make sure these amino acids are included.
Taste, Texture & Variety
Finally, you need to make sure that your four-legged friend is going to enjoy the dog food in front of him. Thankfully, some food is designed to be irresistible. Finding a holistic dog food that contains blueberries can help since they’ll provide variety in the dog’s food. They’re also going to deliver plenty of antioxidants and fiber. Other ingredients that can improve the attractiveness of the dog food include avocados, baby clam, beef broth, and animal digest.
