Top Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Food

It can be overwhelming as a dog owner to choose the right food for our dogs. There’s a lot of different factors that go into choosing the right brand and type of food.

But regardless of your budget, your dog’s breed, size and whether the food is wet or dry – it’s always important to be informed about what goes into their food. 

While many dog food brands use buzz words like “healthy” “natural” and “nutritious”, not all ingredients are created equal. Some common ingredients in dog food can be harmful to your dog’s health, causing various health problems and reducing their overall quality of life. Here are some of the top ingredients to avoid when choosing dog food:

By-products

By-products are the leftover parts of animals that are not fit for human consumption. This includes things like beaks, feet, and other internal organs. By-products contain little to no nutritional value and can be dangerous to your pet’s health, as they can contain harmful bacteria and contaminants. Look for words like “chicken by-product” or “beef by-product meal”. 

Fillers

Fillers are low-quality ingredients used to bulk up dog food and make it more affordable. Examples of fillers include corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients provide little to no nutritional value for your pet and can even cause digestive issues and allergies.

Artificial preservatives

Many dog food brands use artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin to extend the shelf life of their products. These preservatives can be harmful to your dog’s digestive system and have even been shown to cause cancer.

Artificial colors and flavors

Some dog food brands add artificial colors and flavors to make their products more appealing to pet owners. However, these ingredients are completely unnecessary and have been linked to neurochemical and behavior effects, including hyperactivity, aggression, and insomnia. It is also linked to asthma, allergies, thyroid tumors, lymphomas, skin issues, and chromosomal damage. 

Rendered fat

Rendered fat is a low-quality ingredient made from waste animal parts. This type of fat can contain harmful contaminants that can cause pancreatitis in dogs and can even be a source of salmonella and various toxins.

We’ve done some of the research for you and included a few recommended brands below to check out if you’re on the hunt for food without these harmful ingredients. We personally love Blue Buffalo for our fur babies because it’s so accessible and recommended by our vet.

Regardless of whether you choose one of these or not, it’s important to read the ingredient label. Opt for dog food that uses high-quality proteins like meat, poultry, and fish, and avoid products that contain by-products, fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Recommended Dog Food

Rank	Picture	Name	Where to Buy
1		Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula	Buy Here
2		Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food	Buy Here
3		Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dog Food	Buy Here
4		Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food	Buy Here
5		Instinct Grain Free Dry Dog Food	Buy Here
6		Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe Dry Dog Food	Buy Here

Feeding your dog a healthy and nutritious diet is essential to their overall health and well-being. By avoiding the harmful ingredients listed above, you can help ensure that your pet receives the best nutrition possible and enjoys a long and happy life.