Healthy pets lead to happy pets. If you've ever wondered just what is in dog food, you're likely to pick the highest quality food for your four-legged friend, which is essential to many long, memorable years of companionship.
Just like with humans, meals that include balanced amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, oils, along with essential minerals and vitamins are key to a dog's long-term health. But unlike their human owners, dogs can't choose from an array of fruits, vegetables, meats and grains every day. Instead, dogs typically eat the same food at each meal, which is why picking a food that uses scientific research to formulate a precise balance of nutrients is important. It's also important to realize those needs change depending on your pet's life stage, size or special needs.
Since no two dogs are exactly alike, it's important to feed your pup a food specially formulated for him and his needs. For instance, a puppy needs food that is more calorie-dense and higher in protein and fats than food for adult and senior dogs. With how fast their bodies are growing, they require high-calorie nutrition with balanced ingredients.
A large dog is more likely to develop arthritis than a smaller breed of dog. So adding ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, both of which promote joint health, to a food like
Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Large Breed Dog Food, help address his needs as a larger dog that is more susceptible to mobility issues as he ages.
Dogs with certain special needs, like sensitive skin, may be able to find some relief by visiting their veterinarian and switching to certain therapeutic dog foods that are specifically designed to alleviate skin irritations through a blend of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamin E and other nutrients. These all work together to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat. Be sure to ask your vet if a therapeutic dog food is right for your dog if he suffers from a range of health conditions including weight, sensitivity, mobility and certain diseases. You can learn more about Hill's Prescription Diet products here.
So, how do companies decide what is in dog food? Quality dog food companies rely on evidence-based scientific research when it comes to developing foods with the right nutrition for your dog. Top-quality ingredients are an important part of the equation, but so is the proper balance of nutrients supplied by those ingredients. Hill's relies on more than 200 veterinarians, nutritionists and food scientists to develop products that meet a dog's nutritional needs, whatever his life stage, size or special needs. Every Hill's food goes through rigorous research, testing, and quality and safety standards before it ever hits the store shelves.
As a dog owner, you may have never considered the taste, size or texture of your dog's food, but all these factors—and more—are key to researchers as they look for ways to improve food to meet nutritional standards appropriate to a dog's health history and age. The pet food studies look at specifics like:
You should understand the vital role nutrition plays for your dog, because the food you choose can transform your pet's life and give you a chance at many years of happiness together. Just like you want to eat delicious food that keeps you healthy, you should be purchasing dog food that keeps your pup happy and feeling his best. Dog food manufacturers that put time, scientific research and testing, and passion into their product are the ones that you should be looking for. If they are willing to take the amount of time and effort into making their food it shows that they care about what they do, and that they want to ensure the best dog food for your dog.
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
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Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
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Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
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Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
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