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Choosing a Dog Food
Common Misconceptions
Now that you have decided on that perfect little puppy, you must decide on what type of dog food will support the
healthiest growth possible. What should you look for in a good dog food? Many breeders and dog food retailers will tell
you to look for the guaranteed analysis for crude protein and fat. These results will be in the form of percents. The protein
and fat content is not the only concern when purchasing that bag of dog food at the store. You must read on and view the
ingredients and what the words actually mean. I myself am a chemist and for people without a background in the naming
of organic compounds it can become quite confusing. For example you have two different types of sugar compounds
D-glucose and L-glucose. The difference is that they are merely the same compound with different structures. They are
mirror-imaged isomers. Why does this matter, well in the body D-glucose can be carried in the blood and is used to create
ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate). In short, ATP is what we use for energy. The other form, L-glucose cannot be carried by
the blood and is not beneficial to our cells. So even though both have the same chemical make-up C6H12O6 only one is
actually used by the body. Without a background in some type biochemistry, biology, or organic chemistry, it would be
hard [to] understand the difference. This write up will be a breakdown in terms that every person can understand [by] not
using confusing compound names. Wateree Kennels is not affiliated with any dog food manufacture and [we] do not try to
push any particular brand of dog food onto anybody. We simply want to give you a list of the fact so that you will posses
the tools to make the best decision for yourself.
Common Misconceptions
Now that you have decided on that perfect little puppy, you must decide on what type of dog food will support the
healthiest growth possible. What should you look for in a good dog food? Many breeders and dog food retailers will tell
you to look for the guaranteed analysis for crude protein and fat. These results will be in the form of percents. The protein
and fat content is not the only concern when purchasing that bag of dog food at the store. You must read on and view the
ingredients and what the words actually mean. I myself am a chemist and for people without a background in the naming
of organic compounds it can become quite confusing. For example you have two different types of sugar compounds
D-glucose and L-glucose. The difference is that they are merely the same compound with different structures. They are
mirror-imaged isomers. Why does this matter, well in the body D-glucose can be carried in the blood and is used to create
ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate). In short, ATP is what we use for energy. The other form, L-glucose cannot be carried by
the blood and is not beneficial to our cells. So even though both have the same chemical make-up C6H12O6 only one is
actually used by the body. Without a background in some type biochemistry, biology, or organic chemistry, it would be
hard [to] understand the difference. This write up will be a breakdown in terms that every person can understand [by] not
using confusing compound names. Wateree Kennels is not affiliated with any dog food manufacture and [we] do not try to
push any particular brand of dog food onto anybody. We simply want to give you a list of the fact so that you will posses
the tools to make the best decision for yourself.
How Dog Food Came About
To understand the quality of dog food you must first understand the origin. Because the United States was an Agricultural Society it produced many grains.
At times farmers would end up with a Batch (silo) of grain or cereal that could not be used for human consumption. So what to do with all of this non-editable
food. The choice was to use it to make a type of (kibble) that could be given to pets. This was the birth of the pet food industry. It was soon realized [that]
dogs could not simply get all of the nutrients [they] needed just from these grains and cereals. Meat was then added to the mix in order to create the desired
pet food. However the meat used was from diseased or older animals that were not considered suitable for humans. Over time thing[s] have changed but not
drastically pet food manufactures still used ingredients that are unsuitable.
Ingredients
When looking at the ingredients in your pet food you will usually find the type of meat listed first. Usually chicken, poultry, lamb, beef. The thing that you
should be concerned with is the words directly following the meat. Does it read meal or by-product? You should try to avoid by-product as the source of meat
in your pet's food. By-product is another way of saying after we got the meat for people, we swept the floor poured it into a grinder and that is your meat
by-product. By-products contain things such as bones, intestines, heads, feet, tendons, ligaments and other non favorable body parts. The problem with
by-products is that it is difficult for a dog to digest meaning that if your protein content is 28% maybe only 14% is used by your pet. Dog food manufactures
use by-products as a way to boost their protein percentage while cutting cost. A piece of leather is full of protein but if you ate it you wouldn't gain any
nutritional value. In short "meal" should be the word that directly follows the source of meat. Such as Chicken meal, this will insure that you[r] dog receives a
digestible source of protein. Also beware of things such as chicken by-products meal, it is still contains by-products.
Fillers
Next you will probably find some type of grain such as soy, corn gluten, corn, wheat gluten. These are used as fillers in the dog food. These also contribute
to the protein analysis but are usually poor quality and very difficult to digest. These ingredients will usually make up more of a of the kibble than the meat
will. Also note that some list corn as the number three allergen. Meaning you may have a dog with skin problems or scratches but has no fleas. This can
sometimes be corrected simply by a change in diet without corn. Many times a dog food will consist more fillers than any other ingredient.
Why Dogs Eat Poor Quality Food
Next you may be surprised to discover that artificial color and chemical preservatives are added to the food so that it is desirable by your dog. When you first
open a bag of dog food it smells fresh. This is the chemical that [has] been added so that the shelf life is increased and to make it attractive to your pet. Rub
your hand along the inside of the bag when you open it and you should be able to feel the chemicals along the side (greasy feel). If there was no flavoring or
chemical added to the kibble the dog would most likely not eat the food. Although it is like Jerry Clower (a famous comedian here in the south) "My dog eats
collards but only after the first month". If your dog gets hungry it will eat anything you feed it. It is up to you to feed it a quality food.
Favorable Ingredients
Now that you know what you don't want in a dog food, we will discuss what is good for your dog. Lamb meal, chicken meal, ground rice, rice flour, potatoes,
rice bran,..., chicken fat, dried beet pulp, ground grain sorghum, ground whole grain barley, poultry fat, brewers rice, cracked pearled barley, white fish,
ground barley, menhaden fish oil, and sweet potatoes are all favorable ingredients in dog foods. If you are viewing the ingredient list on a bag of dog food
and the first five ingredients are on this list chances are you have found an awesome dog food. There are other ingredients that are beneficial but these are
the most important.
Conclusion
Hopefully by now you will have a list of ingredients that you will find in your dog food. Be prepared to pay for the better dog food. In some cases you have two
bags of dog food that cost $30 but one can be more nutritional, so be sure to read what is in your dog's food. Picking the proper dog food will actually cut
cost because it will take less to feed your dog. Also you will notice less waste coming from your dog since it is digesting more of the food. If you paid $30 for a
40lb bag of food it would last more than a month even if you fed your dog a full pound of food a day. So as you can see feeding a dog a better food is really
not that costly. Hope you find this helpful.
Webb, Richard. Choosing a Dog Food N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.watereeamericanbulldogs.com/dog_food.html>
To understand the quality of dog food you must first understand the origin. Because the United States was an Agricultural Society it produced many grains.
At times farmers would end up with a Batch (silo) of grain or cereal that could not be used for human consumption. So what to do with all of this non-editable
food. The choice was to use it to make a type of (kibble) that could be given to pets. This was the birth of the pet food industry. It was soon realized [that]
dogs could not simply get all of the nutrients [they] needed just from these grains and cereals. Meat was then added to the mix in order to create the desired
pet food. However the meat used was from diseased or older animals that were not considered suitable for humans. Over time thing[s] have changed but not
drastically pet food manufactures still used ingredients that are unsuitable.
Ingredients
When looking at the ingredients in your pet food you will usually find the type of meat listed first. Usually chicken, poultry, lamb, beef. The thing that you
should be concerned with is the words directly following the meat. Does it read meal or by-product? You should try to avoid by-product as the source of meat
in your pet's food. By-product is another way of saying after we got the meat for people, we swept the floor poured it into a grinder and that is your meat
by-product. By-products contain things such as bones, intestines, heads, feet, tendons, ligaments and other non favorable body parts. The problem with
by-products is that it is difficult for a dog to digest meaning that if your protein content is 28% maybe only 14% is used by your pet. Dog food manufactures
use by-products as a way to boost their protein percentage while cutting cost. A piece of leather is full of protein but if you ate it you wouldn't gain any
nutritional value. In short "meal" should be the word that directly follows the source of meat. Such as Chicken meal, this will insure that you[r] dog receives a
digestible source of protein. Also beware of things such as chicken by-products meal, it is still contains by-products.
Fillers
Next you will probably find some type of grain such as soy, corn gluten, corn, wheat gluten. These are used as fillers in the dog food. These also contribute
to the protein analysis but are usually poor quality and very difficult to digest. These ingredients will usually make up more of a of the kibble than the meat
will. Also note that some list corn as the number three allergen. Meaning you may have a dog with skin problems or scratches but has no fleas. This can
sometimes be corrected simply by a change in diet without corn. Many times a dog food will consist more fillers than any other ingredient.
Why Dogs Eat Poor Quality Food
Next you may be surprised to discover that artificial color and chemical preservatives are added to the food so that it is desirable by your dog. When you first
open a bag of dog food it smells fresh. This is the chemical that [has] been added so that the shelf life is increased and to make it attractive to your pet. Rub
your hand along the inside of the bag when you open it and you should be able to feel the chemicals along the side (greasy feel). If there was no flavoring or
chemical added to the kibble the dog would most likely not eat the food. Although it is like Jerry Clower (a famous comedian here in the south) "My dog eats
collards but only after the first month". If your dog gets hungry it will eat anything you feed it. It is up to you to feed it a quality food.
Favorable Ingredients
Now that you know what you don't want in a dog food, we will discuss what is good for your dog. Lamb meal, chicken meal, ground rice, rice flour, potatoes,
rice bran,..., chicken fat, dried beet pulp, ground grain sorghum, ground whole grain barley, poultry fat, brewers rice, cracked pearled barley, white fish,
ground barley, menhaden fish oil, and sweet potatoes are all favorable ingredients in dog foods. If you are viewing the ingredient list on a bag of dog food
and the first five ingredients are on this list chances are you have found an awesome dog food. There are other ingredients that are beneficial but these are
the most important.
Conclusion
Hopefully by now you will have a list of ingredients that you will find in your dog food. Be prepared to pay for the better dog food. In some cases you have two
bags of dog food that cost $30 but one can be more nutritional, so be sure to read what is in your dog's food. Picking the proper dog food will actually cut
cost because it will take less to feed your dog. Also you will notice less waste coming from your dog since it is digesting more of the food. If you paid $30 for a
40lb bag of food it would last more than a month even if you fed your dog a full pound of food a day. So as you can see feeding a dog a better food is really
not that costly. Hope you find this helpful.
Webb, Richard. Choosing a Dog Food N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.watereeamericanbulldogs.com/dog_food.html>
I came across a few informative articles, on dog food and felt they would be of great use to anyone interested in the quality of the dog food they are
purchasing, and/or for anyone interested in knowing what things to look for in a good dog food. They are very easy to read and understand. Night
Watchman Kennels would like to thank Richard Webb from Wateree American Bulldogs and Kim Wood from Double Barrel Bulldogs for their
permission to use their articles "Choosing a Dog Food" and "Nutrition and Dog Food", respectively.
purchasing, and/or for anyone interested in knowing what things to look for in a good dog food. They are very easy to read and understand. Night
Watchman Kennels would like to thank Richard Webb from Wateree American Bulldogs and Kim Wood from Double Barrel Bulldogs for their
permission to use their articles "Choosing a Dog Food" and "Nutrition and Dog Food", respectively.
Nutrition and Dog Food
GRADE YOUR DOG FOOD
Start with a grade of 100:
1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points
2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points
3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points
4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points
5) If the same grain ingredient is used two or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer's rice", "rice flour" are all the same
grain), subtract 5 points
6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than two meats in the top three ingredients, subtract 3 points
7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
8) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points
9) If corn is listed in the top five ingredients, subtract 2 more points
10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points
11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points
12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points
13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point
Extra Credit:
1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points
3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points
5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points
6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points
7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points
8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points
9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point
12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one, count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken"
and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point
13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point
Scores:
94 -100+ = A BEST!
86 -93 = B STILL GOOD.
78 -85 = C May need to change or add additives.
70 -77 = D Need to think about changing.
69 or < = F AWFUL! CHANGE!
Here are some foods that have already been scored.
Scored Dog Foods:
Arkat VF Large Breed Puppy 103 A+
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula 99 A
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice 97 A
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold 97 A
Authority Harvest Baked 116 A+
Canidae 112 A+
Chicken Soup Senior 115 A+
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium 122 A+
Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato 106 A+
Foundations 106 A+
Innova Dog 114 A+
Innova Evo 114 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables 110 A+
ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley 103 A+
Royal Canin Bulldog 100 A+
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult 106 A+
Wellness Super 5 Mix Chicken 110 A+
Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice 92 B
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice 87 B
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy 87 B
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold 73 D
Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium 73 D
Bil-Jac Select 68 F
Diamond Maintenance 64 F
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice 23 F
Purina Beneful 17 F
Purina Dog 62 F
Purina Come-n-Get It 16 F
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ 63 F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies 69 F
Wood, Kim. "Nutrition and Dog Food." Health Issues Nutrition N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.doublebarrelbulldogs.com/healthissuesnutrition.htm>.
GRADE YOUR DOG FOOD
Start with a grade of 100:
1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points
2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points
3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points
4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points
5) If the same grain ingredient is used two or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer's rice", "rice flour" are all the same
grain), subtract 5 points
6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than two meats in the top three ingredients, subtract 3 points
7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
8) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points
9) If corn is listed in the top five ingredients, subtract 2 more points
10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points
11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points
12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points
13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point
Extra Credit:
1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points
3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points
5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points
6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points
7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points
8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points
9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point
12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one, count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken"
and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point
13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point
Scores:
94 -100+ = A BEST!
86 -93 = B STILL GOOD.
78 -85 = C May need to change or add additives.
70 -77 = D Need to think about changing.
69 or < = F AWFUL! CHANGE!
Here are some foods that have already been scored.
Scored Dog Foods:
Arkat VF Large Breed Puppy 103 A+
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula 99 A
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice 97 A
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold 97 A
Authority Harvest Baked 116 A+
Canidae 112 A+
Chicken Soup Senior 115 A+
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium 122 A+
Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato 106 A+
Foundations 106 A+
Innova Dog 114 A+
Innova Evo 114 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables 110 A+
ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley 103 A+
Royal Canin Bulldog 100 A+
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult 106 A+
Wellness Super 5 Mix Chicken 110 A+
Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice 92 B
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice 87 B
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy 87 B
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold 73 D
Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium 73 D
Bil-Jac Select 68 F
Diamond Maintenance 64 F
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice 23 F
Purina Beneful 17 F
Purina Dog 62 F
Purina Come-n-Get It 16 F
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ 63 F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies 69 F
Wood, Kim. "Nutrition and Dog Food." Health Issues Nutrition N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.doublebarrelbulldogs.com/healthissuesnutrition.htm>.
basic list of foods not to feed your dog
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WHY SOLID GOLD DOESN'T USE SUNFLOWER OIL
The Swedish National Cancer Institute conducted a breast cancer study on women. The study divided the women up into three groups. One group was
given flaxseed oil, the second group was given canola oil, and the third group was given sunflower oil. At the conclusion of the study, the flaxseed and
canola oil groups showed no difference from before the study. But the sunflower oil group showed a 69% increase in the risk of cancer. The study was
concluded in 1999. When the health food stores read the study, they removed sunflower oil from the shelves. Immediately, sunflower oil became the
cheapest oil available since no one wanted it. Just as immediately, many dog food companies put it into their dog foods. Some dog food companies claim
that their sunflower oil is organically grown. They just show their ignorance! Whether it is or not, has nothing to do with the cancer problem. Omega 3 fatty
acids are anti-inflammatory. Omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory. Solid Gold uses flaxseed and canola oils. They have the perfect ration of one part
omega 3 and four parts omega 6. However, other oils are way off balance. Sunflower oil has no omega 3's and, but has 233 parts omega 6's. This is the
disaster! Safflower oil is worse with no omega 3's and 243 omega 6's. Corn oil is the worst of all. It has no omega 3's and 310 omega 6's.
"Why Solid Gold Doesn't Use Sunflower Oil." San Diego Reader 28 May 2009: 15. Print.
The Swedish National Cancer Institute conducted a breast cancer study on women. The study divided the women up into three groups. One group was
given flaxseed oil, the second group was given canola oil, and the third group was given sunflower oil. At the conclusion of the study, the flaxseed and
canola oil groups showed no difference from before the study. But the sunflower oil group showed a 69% increase in the risk of cancer. The study was
concluded in 1999. When the health food stores read the study, they removed sunflower oil from the shelves. Immediately, sunflower oil became the
cheapest oil available since no one wanted it. Just as immediately, many dog food companies put it into their dog foods. Some dog food companies claim
that their sunflower oil is organically grown. They just show their ignorance! Whether it is or not, has nothing to do with the cancer problem. Omega 3 fatty
acids are anti-inflammatory. Omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory. Solid Gold uses flaxseed and canola oils. They have the perfect ration of one part
omega 3 and four parts omega 6. However, other oils are way off balance. Sunflower oil has no omega 3's and, but has 233 parts omega 6's. This is the
disaster! Safflower oil is worse with no omega 3's and 243 omega 6's. Corn oil is the worst of all. It has no omega 3's and 310 omega 6's.
"Why Solid Gold Doesn't Use Sunflower Oil." San Diego Reader 28 May 2009: 15. Print.
NO Part of this web site may be used in any form or by any means without the express written consent of Night Watchman Kennels. Any use of this data without such written consent
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