Is Natural, Really Natural? …
We, as dog owners, are becoming more and more diligent in finding a food that is healthy and provides the ingredients necessary to ensure a quality life to our pets. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of dog food manufacturers out there and finding a quality food for our pet can be a difficult task. They all claim to be healthy, great quality, cost friendly and on and on. So, how can we be sure? Which all natural dog food brands can be trusted? Here is some solid advice that you may want to consider:
First of all, the word ‘natural’ can be misleading when it is used to reference dog food. Just because you see the word ‘all natural’ or ‘natural’ placed on the front of a dog food bag, doesn’t necessarily mean that there are no artificial ingredients contained within the bag. For example, manufacturers of dog food are permitted to add mineral additives and synthetic vitamins and still refer to their product as being all natural.
Furthermore, the labeling may be misleading even for natural pet food. Animal by- products may be things that the we don’t want our pets to consume. Examples of these are beef and pork that have been already riddled with disease. There is no law that says pork and beef that died from disease can not be given to consumption. In spite of the fact that the disease of the these animals may not infect dogs, pet owners should not appreciate the fact that their beloved pets are eating food riddled with disease.
To expand on this concept, The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines the word ‘natural’ in this way:
A feed or feed ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur in good manufacturing practices.
As you can see, the definition of natural is complex as it relates to dog food. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at a few well known brands who advertise their recipes as being healthy and all natural.
Blue Life Protection Formula (Dry)
Benefits
- Protein-rich, Deboned Chicken
- Wholesome whole grains, garden vegetables and fruit
- No Chicken or Poultry By=Products
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Preservatives
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Peas, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Potato Starch, Dried Chicory Root, DL-Methionine, Caramel, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Taurine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite
Stages – Puppy To Adult
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Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Chicken & Turkey
Benefits
- Made in the USA
- 100% all natural ingredients
- High-quality proteins, fresh fruits & vegetables
- Supports a shinier coat, less shedding & healthier skin
- Easier digestibility & increased energy
- Grain-free, no poultry by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Dried Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, Natural Chicken Flavor, Turkey, Yeast Culture, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Salmon Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyroxidine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamin Mononitrate), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Dried Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
Stages – Puppy To Adult
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Canidae Grain Free Pure Elements Adult Dog Food
Benefits
- Fresh lamb is always first for great taste
- Made with whole foods for gentle digestion
- Simple recipes for sensitive dogs
- Grain free limited ingredient diet
- 10 key ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Gluten and grain free dog food – no corn, wheat, soy, antibiotics, hormones or fillers
Ingredients
Lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, peas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), menhaden fish meal, potatoes, suncured alfalfa, natural flavor, minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), choline chloride, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract
Stages – Puppy To Adult
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Taste Of The Wild – High Prairie
Benefits
- This grain-free diet with sweet potatoes and peas provides highly digestible energy for your active dog.
- Guaranteed probiotics and dried chicory root support a healthy digestive and immune system, while ensuring proper nutrient absorption.
- Wild Prairie provides an optimal amino acid profile and naturally sourced antioxidants.
- Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids promote optimal skin and coat health.
- Contains healthy, nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables along with buffalo, lamb and chicken meal that your dog craves.
Ingredients
Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Canola Oil, Egg Product, Bison, Roasted Venison, Beef, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Reuteri, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Stages – Puppy To Adult
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Natural Ultramix Grain Free Poultry Free, Salmon Recipe
Benefits
- Grain Free and Poultry Free with real Salmon as the #1 ingredient
- Features high-protein kibble mixed with real pieces of fruits and vegetables you can see in every bowl
- Natural fiber helps support digestion, and rich in antioxidants and fatty acids
- No corn, no soy, no wheat
- Made in the USA with no ingredients from China
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In my opinion, all five of these brands represent a quality, healthy food. Which one is right for you and your four-legged companion? This is a decision, as the owner, should be based on a number of factors including the life stage of your dog, weight and health issues, cost, appetite and so on. I always recommend speaking with your vet in choosing a food for your pet. I firmly believe that any of the five brands mentioned above, will serve your dog with a healthy, nutritional diet! Please feel free to leave a comment below and thanks for stopping by. To your dog’s health!
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