Nutrition

There are many varieties of dog food on the market, but that does not mean they are all good for your dog. When we go to the grocery store to buy food for our children, most of us are very careful about reading the label. But when it comes to dog food, most people just buy the cheapest and never once look at the label. If you are paying $10 or less for a 50-pound bag of dog food, you have to wonder how they are making it so cheap.

I was as guilty of this as anyone until I began rescuing large numbers of dogs. And then my girls became interested in obedience, breeding, and showing. I began to wonder if there was something I could feed them which they would utilize better - so I would not have to poop scoop ALL THE TIME. Now that may sound terrible, but when you are caring for 40 dogs and cleaning up after them because you want their environment to be clean, you start thinking of things like this.

Now I know I am going to make someone mad, but this is my opinion: Dogs are carnivores and need meat. I know there are people out there feeding their dogs a vegetarian diet, and I say to you that is your prerogative. But we are omnivores and they are carnivores. Hold up a carrot and a steak and see which one Spike goes for. If you feed your dog a can of corn, you will find that he does not digest it. It will all pass through him. The proof is in the poop.

Having said all that, let me tell you what you need to look for in regards to dog food for your pet.

The first ingredient should be meat; whether that is lamb, beef, or chicken.

Second, make sure the food contains no meat by-products such as: hooves, feathers, eyes, beaks, skin, fur, etc.

Third, make sure it is soy-free. Many dogs are allergic to soy and this can manifest through skin problems, breathing problems, and/or diarrhea, etc.

As for canned food you need to make sure that the first ingredient is meat, Not water. If the first ingredient is water you could save yourself some money and give him tap water. You are buying mainly water. Whatever the first ingredient is, that is what will make up the majority of the product.

Here is an example of a good dog food label. This should help you make an informed dog food purchase.

Crude protein is not less than 30%.
Crude fat is not less than 20%.
Crude fiber is not more than 4%.
Moisture (dry food) is not more than 10%.

The 1st ingredient in the soy free dog food should be Meat & Bone Meal. Then ground yellow corn, wheat, poultry meal & poultry fat, citric acid, rosemary extract, Vitamin C, menhaden fish meal, dried beet pulp, dried whole eggs, Brewers dried yeast, and salt.

Yucca Schidigera (this is an odor-blocker so the poop is not so smelly, gotta love that), Natural anti-oxidants vitamins A, E, B2, B12, D3, niacin, calcium, folic acid, biotin, ink oxide, and iron proteinate.

I did not list every ingredient, but you get the idea of what to look for in dog food . It is far better to pay a little more for a good dog food than it is to buy cheap stuff. They will eat more of the junk dog food because they are not getting what they need. It passes right through them. On the other hand, if you feed your dog a good dog food, they are going to eat less because they are satisfied. They are utilizing more. That means less poop and fewer health problems down the road.

Written By Dawn Littlefield
Littlefield Kennels