What is in Your Dog’s Dinner?
We would all like to think that we are feeding our dog the best of possible food. It should not matter whether it is tinned food or dry food, with plenty of water available, it should be the best but is it?
When you look to see what is included, you see terms such as meat and animal derivatives. This term means animal proteins but is not specific where that meat comes from, it may come from any part of the animal. This means that the meat could be the cheapest possible, for the manufacturer that is. It simply that there is no way, as owners, can we know the actual source of the derivatives. You will also see derivatives of vegetables origins in some dog food. This again can cover a range of things, we just do not know.
Then we have the words permitted additives. The word permitted must mean that it will be just fine, but will it? Some dog foods contain derivatives that have been banned in human food, due to health concerns, such as E110 and E102. Who are we, the owners, to know facts such as which is acceptable and which is not?
Low quality proteins are also used, so this can include the use of soya instead of actual meat. This can be harder to digest and much less suitable for your dog that real meat proteins. Should we just accept everything that is placed on the supermarket shelves?
If the answer is no, what then, can we, as owners do about it. Be vigilant is the best answer. Always read the label of the tin or the sack and know what you are going to feed your dog.
Real pet food should be made, as far as possible, with natural ingredients, pure and simple. No additives or other questionable derivatives. Dogs, as well as other pets, deserve food which is made from good quality and natural ingredients. Food that is free from any preservatives such as colouring or flavouring. The manufacturers should also be honest and detail all ingredients used, in clear and plain language, not hiding behind generalised terms and E numbers.
Some people use a diet called BARF (Bones and Raw Food) diet. This is where the dog owner prepares the meal, fresh, daily, using a mixture of raw meats, vegetables, cooked grains, nuts and fruits, vitamin and mineral supplements, essentials fatty acids, raw bones for the calcium, eggs, milk and milk products. This may seem to be an answer but as well as it having many good points, there are some negatives as well. So it may not be the answer either.
It is really down to the individual owner to do his or her due diligence when deciding what is best for their own dog after read the labels very carefully. If your dog is fit and healthy, on what you feed them, just careful monitoring will be all that is needed.
