Dogs are family members, so their health and well-being are always top of mind. One of the best ways to ensure your furry friend lives a long and healthy life is through a balanced diet. However, with so many dog food options on the market today, it can be challenging to know what to look for when deciding which food to feed your pup. Learn more about which ingredients you want to see included in your dog’s meals and why.
A dog is at significant risk for serious health issues without a correct and balanced diet. A poor diet can also cause dogs to develop nutritionally related diseases, such as Gastritis and inflammation of the esophagus. These diseases are usually chronic and can transform to become more serious.
For this reason and more, it is essential to feed your dog the right ingredients and start your dog on a healthy diet from day one.
Dry kibble
One of the most common types of dog food is dry kibble. By looking at dry brown kibble, it can be hard to decipher exactly what ingredients are included in your dog’s food.
After reading the label and package, you will learn that kibble contains preservatives and processed ingredients. Additionally, processing kibble can remove essential vitamins and enzymes from the food and add dangerous compounds produced by excessive heating.
“The heating process for kibble starts from simple warming and escalates to burning. The idea behind cooking is to increase the temperature for a limited time, killing microorganisms but avoiding losing the food’s nutritional value.
“However, increasing the temperature to the level that melts carbs and proteins and burns fats will turn this balance into a negative field. All ingredients will become the same brown color we are all used to seeing. The loss of nutritional value will be significant, and new compounds are generated, some of which are dangerous to a dog’s health,” says Claudio Salem, Veterinary Council of PawFoods.
Fresh, organic, natural foods
So, what can you offer your dog instead?
Research shows that there is value in feeding your dog organic, fresh, natural foods and that the health benefits are significant.
“Fresh food will provide natural vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in the way our pet’s digestible system has evolved for thousands of years to process. So, all digestive organs, such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, and kidneys, will work with less stress. It is not a surprise that animals fed with fresh food are less prone to chronic diseases from these organs in the long run,” adds Salem.
Examples of some of the fresh — and surprising — ingredients that are good for dogs helping them live a longer, healthier, and more active life include:
- Blueberries — Packed with fiber and phytochemicals, blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants that can prevent cell damage in dogs. As a bonus, blueberries also build bone strength and lower blood pressure.
- Strawberries — Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C and contain an enzyme that can help whiten dogs’ teeth. On top of that, strawberries are great for strengthening dogs’ immune systems.
- Pineapple — Pineapples are made up of nearly 87% water, which means they are filled with hydration properties and nutrients that support dogs’ overall health. Pineapple is a high-fiber fruit that can help maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Eggs — Eggs are high in fatty acids and vitamins that help support dogs’ inside and out. These nutrients also help support dogs’ skin and coats and are a great source of protein.
- Green beans — Plain green beans have many nutritional benefits, including antioxidants to help fight some cancers. Green beans are also packed full of vitamin A, a vital vitamin for keeping the lungs, brain, kidneys, and other organs working properly.
A diverse and high-quality nutritional source of proteins, fat, and carbs is a critical aspect of the ideal dog food. It compensates for pets receiving the same food for extended periods (twice daily, every day).
“In order for dogs to develop a healthy body, they need good food. Having the right amount of nutrients is key for dogs’ bodies to perform properly and these nutrients come from the diet. So, an imbalanced diet will certainly impose restrictions on how dogs can evolve to their full genetic potential or performance,” said Salem.
Feed a balanced diet
If you are ready to kick kibble to the curb and start feeding your furry family member a more balanced diet, the key is to read the label of your next dog food of choice and make sure you see fresh, natural ingredients.
PawFoods, for example, is a great place to start. This all-natural, fresh dog food includes all of the above ingredients and is available in three nutritious recipes, Chicken Feast, Steak Sensation, and Under the Sea.
PawFoods is packed with quality USDA meats, organic produce, and superfoods to ensure every bite is packed full of nutrients. A nutritional booster to support a shiny coat and a gluten-free dental treat to support fresh breath and clean teeth are added to each meal.
The correct diet is the most critical investment in your pet’s health, so it is essential that your dog’s food includes fresh, natural ingredients.
So why not give your dog the best of the best when it comes to their food so that you can enjoy even more time with your furry best friend?
After Terry Gardner opened his pet hotel Paw Sweet Paw six years ago, he kept receiving questions from customers about dog food recommendations. When he realized he didn’t have a firm answer, he decided to create his own brand, and PawFoods was born. PawFoods is dedicated to providing dogs with fresh, healthy meals using ingredients sourced directly from California. It is the only fresh dog food brand to use all organic produce and a unique steam cooking process to preserve nutrients.
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