A recent study - 1400 man-hours - by a group of researchers and dog experts who consulted dog owners across the country has revealed what could really be good and bad for your canine friends.
In the light of lawsuits filed against dog food manufacturers Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (Purina) and Blue Buffalo, Reviews.com had compiled a good resource for pet owners, according to iheartdogs.com, that could help bring awareness on what is the proper nutrition for dogs.
One of the revealing points of the study is the dog food ingredients that pet owners must take note of in canned and other commercially-produced dog food.
When reading food labels for your pets, look for terms "meat," "meat meal" or "dry rendered tankage," which Reviews.com warned could be spoiled meat from the supermarket.
The study also pointed out that what are at times good for human companions may not necessarily be good for canines. Food ingredients that should be avoided for your pets include onions, garlic, avocado, corn, wheat, soy and beet pulp.
What to avoid:
- BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, sodium selenite
- Meat, meat-meal and by-products
- Corn, Wheat, soy, beet pulp
- Products from China and rendering plants
- Onions, grapes, garlic and avocados.
What to Look For:
- Fish, Chicken, Beef, Duck, Liver and Eggs
- Oats and Quinoa
- Omega 3 Fatty acids, Glucosamine & Chondroitin
- Certified Organic
- Vitamins C & E
- Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Carrots
Pet owners must also take note of the individual nutritional needs of their pet dogs, which are usually based on the canine's health, exercise level, age and medical condition.
Regular vet check-ups could help determine what your pet dog needs in terms of nutrition. "Protein is very important for your dog, but there are instances, such as old age or liver issues, where your dog should be on a lower-protein diet," shared Dog Files creator Kenn Bell. "Make sure you have a conversation with your veterinarian," Reviews.com noted.
