In this article, I’m going to show you a few things you need to keep in mind when reading wellness dog food reviews. There is so much conflicting information on pet nutrition out there that it’s really quite difficult to get a true grasp on it all. Therefore, it’s important to do your homework and gather as much information as you can before making any health or weight-related decisions. Hopefully by the time you’re finished reading this, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid.
First, make sure you read the ingredients listed on the wellness dog food reviews you read. Most of them don’t mention any ingredients at all. This may be because these companies don’t want you to know they use a dangerous preservative in their products. However, there are some ingredients I’d like to not see in a regular dog food, but they are nothing proven to be extremely dangerous.
Some of the ingredients most commonly used in wellness dog food reviews include by-products and antibiotics. Both of these are known irritants and a potential health threat. Bacteria and other contaminants from raw meat may also find their way into the mix. The by-products and antibiotics are frequently used in animal feeds and supplements as well. Just like with human foods, you need to pay careful attention to the ingredients list.
Many wellness dog food reviews also don’t mention quality protein sources. Typically, if you’re feeding a raw, puppy-grade diet, you should be able to get enough protein in your dog’s diet to meet their nutritional needs. Common protein sources used in meal programs for puppies include chicken and turkey. You can also get quality protein from fish, eggs and cow’s milk. For puppies under twelve weeks of age, it’s important to provide them with adequate amounts of calcium.
It’s difficult to obtain the necessary calcium in dog food without using by-products and antibiotics. Most companies add these things because they make it easier to control the bacterial infestation. If you add by-products and antibiotics to a healthy raw food diet, you’ll end up with a pet that has the raw protein it needs but no calcium for teeth or bones. Holistic veterinarians recommend natural grain free, vegetarian diets to help pets get all the necessary nutrients without putting their health at risk.
Many of the best dog foods will contain a variety of vegetables, fruits and nuts as well as a variety of protein sources. The key is to select a product that offers a wide variety of high quality grains and fruits. If you feed your dog a variety of commercial brands, the by-products and antibiotics still enter the system. This means your pet is getting unnecessary amounts of these items that could be good for him or her. Many holistic veterinarians recommend switching to a variety of commercial brands if you’re concerned about what might be entering your dogs’ system.
Many commercially prepared dog foods use a variety of common fillers including corn and wheat. These fillers may be well tolerated for some dogs, but there are many others that are known to cause gastrointestinal upset and other health problems. The filler is just one of the problems with commercial foods that use by-products and antibiotics. Other problems include reduced fat, sugar, sodium and various forms of calories. Holistic veterinarians recommend a healthy diet consisting of a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts with as few as one percent to two percent artificial flavors and added flavorings.
For a complete and balanced meal, look for a holistic veterinarian-approved brand that uses only ingredients approved by holistic veterinarians and holistic medicine practitioners. Look also for a brand that offers both a raw and cooked meal. You want to provide your dog with the very best nutrients at a time when he or she is in the best physical condition possible. And always look for a meal that offers a variety of protein sources such as non-meat proteins, eggs, rice and other sources that are good for your puppy’s health.
