What Is Healthy Dog Food?

Along with the long list of supplies, you want to get for your newest furry family member, healthy dog food is at the top of that list. While you may be thinking, I need to get healthy dog food; you first need to ask yourself: What is healthy dog food? Let’s explore all the components of healthy dog food.

When you first pick up a bag or can of dog food, aside from the brand name, the next thing you may do is turn the bag or can around to read the list of ingredients. One of the signs of healthy dog food is if the first ingredient is a protein, even better if the second ingredient listed is a protein. This is important because ingredients are listed by weight. A great example of this is the Inception Dog Food line, that comes in Chicken Recipe, Pork Recipe, Fish Recipe, and Chicken & Pork Meal Recipe.

Take the Inception Chicken and Pork Meal Recipe, which has chicken and pork meal as the first two ingredients, which means it will make up a large portion of the dog food and will bring a lot of health benefits. Chicken, for example, is a lean meat that is also low in fat and calories. Pork is also a great protein that comes complete with a healthy amino acid profile. Lastly, the Inception Fish Recipe has two different types of proteins: Whitefish and catfish. Whitefish contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which are known to be good for your dog’s skin and coat. It also contains high levels of vitamin B3 and vitamin D and is high in selenium, which is known for supporting your dog’s immune health.

Protein is key when it comes to your dog’s food and health. “Protein consists of 22 amino acids, which can be thought of as the building blocks of protein,” says Dr. Bradley Quest, doctor of veterinary medicine, DVM. “Twelve of these amino acids a dog makes in their body, but the other 10 need to be supplied by animal sources such as meat, poultry, fish in the dog’s diet.”

Let’s take a closer look at the binders that are in dog food. Grains such as oats, millet, and milo can bring great health benefits to your dog. Oats, for example, are high in fiber and contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Millet is also a healthy source of carbohydrates for most dogs and is easy to digest and gluten-free which can bring other nutritional benefits such as liver, kidney and heart ailment. Lastly, milo contains micro-nutrients such as magnesium, copper, and zinc. Another healthy ingredient in Inception is potassium chloride which helps your dog with nerve and muscle functions as well as maintains fluid balance within their body.

All Inception Recipes are free from commonly used binding agents that are high in simple carbohydrates and starches. Instead only use low glycemic carbohydrates are utilized such as millet, oats, and or quinoa. The millet, oats, quinoa, sunflower meal, flaxseed, sun-cured alfalfa meal, and sunflower oil are non-GMO and are sourced from the United States and Canada.

The health benefits can seem endless when it comes to vitamins and minerals. We understand how important it is to take vitamins daily, and the same rule can be applied to your dog. Vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, among others, can bring tremendous nutrients to your dog. What’s even better, no pills are needed! It’s all packed into their healthy dog food. Taurine and L-carnitine also play an important role in your dog’s health which is why it’s added to your dog’s food. It helps to improve your dog’s cardiovascular health and it also plays the role of transport for fatty acids which is essential for the cellular production of energy.

A great example of complete and balanced dog food packed with vitamins and essential nutrients and supplemented with additional Taurine and L-carnitine is the Inception Dog Food line.

Take Inception Dog Food Fish Recipe, which has vitamin A and can benefit your dog’s fetal growth, immune system functions, and cell function. It also has vitamin D3 supplement which benefits your dog’s calcium levels. It also helps your dog prevent osteoporosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure among others. Fish alone brings great benefits such as strengthening your dog’s eyes, skin and coat.

“Most pet foods are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your dog’s overall health and can be important nutrients for body functions such as healthy skin and coat, digestive health, synthesis of hormones and enzymes and development of the brain and nervous system,” says Dr. Quest.

When weighing your options for the best healthy dog food for your pup, it’s also good to see if the AAFCO statement on the dog food. AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. “It is always important to look for the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the package or can of healthy dog food,” says Dr. Quest. “This ensures that it was formulated to meet at least the requirements for nutritional health for adult maintenance or all life stages of dogs depending on what age or type of dog the food was designed for.”

As always, it’s always important to consult with your veterinarian for any health questions regarding your dog and his specific health and dietary needs. You can also reach out to the pet food manufacturer of the food you’re considering feeding your dog to ask any specific questions you may have about their food so you can ensure you’re making the best decision for your dog.