What Not to Feed Dog – Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Food

Your dog’s health and nutrition are important.  That’s why it’s important to know what not to feed dog.  Unfortunately, a dog's diet is often contingent upon the owner's budget.All dog foods are not of the same quality.Knowing what not to feed dog will enable it to live a long healthy life.  Choosing the right dog food will also cut the cost of your vet bill drastically.

A Dog’s Anatomy

First things first.  A dog is a carnivore.  A carnivore is a meat eater.  What makes a dog a carnivore?  Its digestive tract.  A dog's digestive tract is short, simple and acidic.  Their digestive tract contains hydrochloric acid which facilitates the breakdown of protein.  It also kills the bacteria found in decomposed meat. 

A Dog’s Teeth & Jaws

A dog’s teeth are sharp.  They’re also designed to slice into meat (as opposed to grinding plants like cows, pigs, and sheep).  Their teeth are elongated because they are designed by nature to tear and kill its prey.  Its mouth is large with a hinge-like joint designed for swallowing big chunks of meat.  Does it sound like you should be feeding your dog a plant-based diet?I think not. Yet many dog owners unknowingly feed their dogs dog food with sub par ingredients.

Dog Diet and Nutrition Basics

What does this have to do with Dog Nutrition?  Everything.  Why?  Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not need grains and carbohydrates.  In fact, they have difficulty digesting grains and carbohydrates.Eating grains causes gastric problems in dogs.

Feed Your Dog High Quality Protein

Dogs need meat.  Real, high quality meat.It's important to know what proteins are fit for your dog.  Again, it’s important to know what not to feed dog if you want it to live a long and healthy life. 

Animal proteins contain all of the amino acids necessary to facilitate a dog’s growth.Only quality protein will do for your dog's health.  The dog food on the supermarket shelves contain “meat by products” and other “fillers” such as corn and soy, which cause gastric problems.  These meat-by-products contain diseased, dying, and/or dead animals, animal parts, feathers, hooves and other disgusting and unhealthy ingredients. 

Although these dog foods are inexpensive, in the long run, your dog’s health is at stake.  You may save a few cents at the supermarket, but your vet bill will be high.You don’t want to lose your best friend because of poor dog food choices. 

Reading Dog Food Labels – Watch Out For These Ingredients

So what should you look for on a dog food label?Pay attention to the first four ingredients as these are the highest in concentrate.Avoid non-specified meats.  Meaning, if the label just says "meat and bone meal" or "meat by products" drop it and run - fast.  Look for products that specifically list the animal that’s being used.corn-free ingredients are a must.Remember, you're not feeding sheep.  Your dog is your best friend.  Treat it like one. 

For a more comprehensive dog food guide and more tips on what not to feed dog, read The Complete Guide to Your Dog’s Nutrition, an information-packed, high quality, downloadable ebook by Sharda Baker.