The Importance of a Dog Food Ingredient Panel

 

As so many new dog food manufacturers pop up, which is evidenced in my Facebook newsfeed, I think pet parents are beginning to wake up to the importance of what ingredients are in these foods.  That’s a significant revelation, one I certainly welcome. With over 76 million dogs in homes across the United States, the “it’s just a dog” mentality has become “my dog is family.” No amount of time we share with our furry companions is ever enough here on earth.  There are no 100% guarantees, but being mindful of what we feed our dogs can be a form of insurance to give them better lives for the time they are with us.

According to www.petfoodprocessing.net pet food and treat sales are expected to reach $53.2 billion (with a “B”) by the end of 2023! Statista.com estimates revenue in the pet food market to be $58.42 billion (yes, again….with a “B”!) in 2024! Thedogstop.com breaks down monthly costs at an average of $50/month to a higher quality dog food ranging from $150-300/month.  Average out to $225, which would be about $2,700 a year! That’s a chunk of change! Of course, these figures would vary with number of dogs and breed size.

With this level of moolah up for grabs, it begs answers to many questions…at least for me! Dry dog food (kibble) considered “high end” may not be all it’s cracked up to be! The pricey price you’re led to believe is “better” food may not be all it seems once you look at the ingredients and figure up the guaranteed analysis. There is more to this than meets the unexperienced eye. Caveat emptor! I completely understand the complexity of the issue.  It’s overwhelming! There are times it boggles my mind, and I’ve spent countless hours studying it!

Perusing an ingredient panel on a dog food package can seem “impressive” at first glance with that long list of stuff! The “more” is better mind-set doesn’t hold true, however.  Exactly what are those ingredients? Why are they in there? Do they need to be in there? Is that healthy for my dog? Inquiring minds like mine want to know! Surely all those vitamins and minerals are good, right? First, you must understand the cooking process.  Those raw ingredients are exposed to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour.  That doesn’t really seem bad…but important enzymes are destroyed at temperatures over 117 degrees Fahrenheit.   So any “good” originally in the food is literally cooked out of it.  What you see listed are added back in after this process.  I call these “second hand vitamins/minerals”. It’s not a beneficial way for your dog to get these nutrients.  But that is a whole other blog, folks…back to the task at hand!

With all this now said, one must bear in mind, profit is the bottom line.  Not every dog food manufacturer is concerned about the health of your dog (especially those outside of the USA), rather how much financial gain can be made is the driving force.  Corners are cut, fillers are added, and the cheapest ingredients are used, and pockets are lined at the expense of your dog’s health and well-being! I cannot say it enough, KNOW about the supplier for the foods you feed to your dog! Headlines are filled with articles regarding dogs getting sick (and some dying) from dog foods and treats (especially those made in China). Emergency vet visits can put a significant financial strain on the budget.  Learning this is a process…one that can eat up a lot of time.  Research…find RELIABLE sources.  Ask questions! (That’s how I end up down all these rabbit holes!) Read reviews and articles (unbiased ones).  It’s your money and your dog, so it will be time well spent.

Okay, I hear most of your saying, “Anita, I just don’t have time to do that!” I get it, believe me, don’t panic!  I’m here to help.  I don’t get paid for writing these blogs, it’s a labor of love.  It’s not a “hobby” however, it’s a serious pursuit that I’ve invested my own money (no financial assistance here), and hours beyond counting of my personal time.  I enjoy it, and it comes naturally.  You could say I’ve found my niche.

The purpose of this article isn’t to provide all the answers to dog food woes.  That’s beyond the scope and ability for one writing to accomplish.  It is simply to make you aware (if you haven’t reached that point), and to whet your appetite for what is to come here at “Talk To The Paw”.  Just because I didn’t publish blogs for a while doesn’t mean I quit learning.  It’s an ongoing pursuit.  I’ve been a dog mom for 28 plus years and have had this blog since the Spring of 2012.  It’s very personal for me.  I’ve learned a lot, but I’m far from knowing it all…and I never will, but I will push forward and keep learning for me, and to help you!

I always stress consulting with your veterinarian.  I am very blessed to have had the same vet for over a decade and a half, so we have a long history together.  He knows how I roll with canine nutrition, and he respects that.  His expertise is “western” style medicine, as is majority of veterinarians.  My hope is that you find (or have) one who you can develop a lifelong relationship with, that you trust to help you make the best decisions for your dog throughout his/her lifespan.

Always feel free to leave comments and ask questions.  I am currently taking a certification course in canine cancer, and I have many other responsibilities, so I will do my best to respond. My email address is: talktothepawinindy@aol.com.  Your dog’s health is important to me, and I strive to bring you the best and most accurate information in an easy and understandable way so you can make knowledgeable decisions regarding your dog’s health. Be an active participant in all aspects of your dog’s life, and you will reap the benefits. Thank you for following my blog.