Food is essential for sustaining life, both for humans and their canine companions. However, unlike humans, dogs are largely dependent on their owners to choose what they eat. With the increasing availability of fresh, prepared dog food options and the rising popularity of raw food diets, pet owners face a complex landscape of choices. This article explores the benefits of natural diets for dogs, examines the considerations involved in choosing the right diet, and provides practical guidance for incorporating natural foods into your dog's meal plan.
The Rise of Natural Dog Food
In recent years, the pet industry has seen a significant shift towards natural and holistic approaches to pet care. Pet owners are increasingly aware of the importance of nutrition in their dogs' lives, driving the demand for natural dog food.
Defining "Natural"
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines "natural" in pet food marketing as food preserved with natural preservatives. However, pet owners often associate "natural" with whole ingredients like meats, fruits, and vegetables, and the avoidance of heavily processed ingredients.
Benefits of a Natural Diet for Dogs
Switching to a natural dog food diet can offer a range of potential benefits for your canine companion:
Optimal Nutrition for Vitality
Natural dog foods are crafted with wholesome ingredients, including high-quality proteins, whole grains, and essential vitamins and minerals. Prioritizing real, recognizable ingredients provides the building blocks dogs need to maintain optimal health and vitality.
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Improved Digestive Health
Natural dog food is formulated with digestible ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives that may trigger digestive sensitivities. Many brands incorporate probiotics and prebiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion.
Enhanced Skin and Coat Health
Natural dog food is rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which play a crucial role in maintaining skin and coat health. These fatty acids nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote a shiny, lustrous coat.
Increased Energy and Vitality
Natural dog food provides a balanced blend of macronutrients and micronutrients, ensuring dogs have the energy they need to thrive. Eliminating artificial additives and fillers allows for better nutrient absorption, leading to increased energy levels and vitality.
Weight Management and Healthy Aging
Natural dog food often contains lean proteins and wholesome grains, which help support healthy weight management and muscle maintenance. It is less likely to contain excessive amounts of carbohydrates and fillers, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Allergy Management and Sensitivity Relief
Natural dog food prioritizes hypoallergenic ingredients and avoids common allergens like artificial preservatives, grains, and fillers, making it an ideal choice for dogs with food sensitivities.
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Exploring Different Types of Natural Diets
Fresh Dog Food
Fresh dog food delivery services, such as Ollie, develop recipes with guidance from veterinary nutritionists to ensure they are nutritionally balanced and meet a dog's specific needs. These services use human-grade ingredients sourced from reputable farms and approved by veterinarians, avoiding fillers, by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives. The food is prepared in Food and Drug Administration (USDA)-regulated kitchens and delivered pre-portioned and stored in the freezer. Ollie offers a variety of recipe choices, meal plans (full fresh, half fresh, and a mixed plan of half fresh/half baked), and flexible delivery options.
Raw Dog Food
A raw diet typically includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and a dairy product such as yogurt. Raw dog food can be homemade, store-bought, freeze-dried, or dehydrated.
Potential Benefits of Raw Dog Food
- Shinier coats
- Healthier skin
- Cleaner teeth
- Higher energy levels
- Smaller stools
Potential Risks of Raw Dog Food
- Threats to human and dog health from bacteria in raw meat
- An unbalanced diet
- Potential for bones to cause choking, broken teeth, or internal puncture
Meticulous care is required in the handling, preparation, and sanitation of raw food. Some veterinarians warn that raw diets are not appropriate for dogs who share their homes with young children or people with compromised immune systems. Dogs with pancreatitis, cancer, or other diseases may require cooked food.
Kibble (Dry Dog Food)
Dry food or kibble has ingredients that vary by brand, but all are required to be balanced and meet the nutritional needs of a dog. The ingredients in kibble are processed together and cooked. Required ingredients include protein sources such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs; grains; cereals; and vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All dry dog foods need preservatives to prevent the fat from becoming rancid.
Potential Benefits of Kibble
- Reduced dental plaque
- Healthier gums
- Reduced risk of bacteria
- Easier storage
- Less risk of spoilage
- Cost-effectiveness
Mixed Meal Plans
Ollie offers a mixed meal plan that combines both their Fresh and Baked recipes for those seeking the benefits of both fresh and dry food.
Read also: Diet for Seizures in Dogs
Important Considerations When Choosing a Natural Diet
Consulting with a Veterinarian
The first step in choosing a natural diet for your dog is to consult with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can help you assess your dog's individual needs and recommend the best diet for their specific health condition, age, breed, and activity level.
Reading Labels Carefully
When selecting a commercial dog food, it's crucial to read the label carefully. Look for a food that has a protein as the first ingredient, not a grain. The best kibbles have a single source of protein, such as lamb or chicken.
Ensuring Nutritional Adequacy
A balanced dog diet includes protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. AAFCO guidelines help ensure commercial dog foods meet dogs’ nutritional needs. When considering homemade or special diets, consult a veterinary nutritionist.
Understanding Macronutrient Profiles
Domestic cats select a macronutrient profile (52% of ME from protein) similar to the diet of wild cats. Dogs have evolved differently and select a diet lower in protein (30% of ME from protein) than the diet of wild wolves.
Addressing Potential Risks
Be aware of the potential risks associated with certain natural diets, such as raw food, and take necessary precautions to minimize those risks.
Key Nutrients for Dogs
Protein
Proteins are important in the formation and maintenance of muscle, skin, hair, nail, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Animal protein sources have the highest amounts of essential amino acids. The AAFCO minimum dietary protein requirement for a growing dog is 22.5% dry matter (DM) and 18% DM for an adult dog. The maximum amount for any life stage should not exceed about 30% DM.
Fats
The AAFCO minimum levels for fat in dog foods are 8.5% DM for growth and reproduction and 5.5% for adult maintenance. Deficiencies in fats (particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) can decrease wound healing, create a dull and dry hair coat, and increase certain dermatological conditions.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in a dog’s daily diet provide energy in the form of glucose and are a main source of dietary fiber. Fiber is very important for a dog’s normal gastrointestinal function.
Vitamins
Dogs need quite a few vitamins in their food. Fat-soluble vitamins require bile salts and fat to be absorbed in a dog’s gut. There are four fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. Water-soluble vitamins are readily absorbed and used in a dog’s body.
Minerals
Minerals are essential for various bodily functions, including bone health, metabolism, and nerve function.
Water
Dogs get water through their diet and by simply drinking water. Dogs should have continuous access to clean and fresh water.
Safe and Healthy Human Foods for Dogs
Many human foods can be safe and healthy treats for dogs when given in small or moderate amounts:
- Fruits: Apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, watermelon (without rind or seeds)
- Vegetables: Carrots, cauliflower (in small amounts), celery, cucumbers, green beans, pumpkin
- Proteins: Beef, chicken, eggs (cooked), turkey (without skin, bones, or fat), sardines (with bones)
- Other: Cooked white rice, plain yogurt, peanuts (unsalted), peanut butter
Cautions
Some human foods are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog's diet.