What should I feed my dog?
Malibu, my puppy
Loves chewing on everything, not just food!
A friend of mine asked what treats are suitable for dogs. She’s getting a new pup soon and knows I was looking for ideas for a blog post. Of course, I’m always buying treats for my dogs, but when she asked what treats were good for her new puppy, I’m pretty sure she noticed the confused look on my face. I didn’t have the answer. I know enough to tell you all food is not created equal. The ingredients used and how food is manufactured and made in our kitchen vary. Nutrition can be lost or maintained depending on the quality of the food you select and the handling, such as how you store it or whether you stew or use an air fryer. Many well-meaning pet parents also think they’re doing right by their dog sharing food for human consumption. Still, something seemingly as innocuous as a couple of grapes rolling onto the floor can harm your canine companion. The same goes for onions. Just because it’s safe to season your food with them, forget sharing them with your dog. They are toxic.
What treats do I give to my dogs? That feels like a loaded question when I think about it. Are Milk Bones safe? I’ve never checked the list of ingredients on the box for preservatives. I don’t know what words to look for. I know that preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of products, but are all preservatives bad? My mind goes to strange places sometimes. Thinking about preservatives reminds me of this nineties headline from Weekly World News saying, “Junk food keeps American corpses fresh as daisies!" (See the link at the bottom of the page)
As a kid, I loved seeing the outrageous headlines staring back at me from the supermarket shelves. I know, it says a lot about my personality. The outrageous claim still makes me laugh.
The theory that preservatives kept us fresh beyond the grave was debunked by Snopes, a website that got its roots in fact-checking legend and lore in 1994; they did the research and consulted an expert in forensic anthropology, who said decomposition had to do with the environment, mainly where the body is buried, not the preservatives in American food.https://www.snopes.com/articles/465223/food-human-corpse/
Still, the headline sticks years later, and general knowledge that artificial, in general, preservatives and other things are not ideal for human consumption or our canine companions. Indeed, with modern science and all the research done, an alternative must exist. What do you replace artificial preservatives with? More importantly, what else should I know about feeding my puppy? I decided to expand the topic to include food, not simply treats. If it goes into your dog’s mouth and belly, I don’t think it’s mutually exclusive.
Now, leaving my wild tangent about headlines and preservatives behind, I narrow my line of questioning to ingredients in particular. What ingredients, besides artificial preservatives, should I avoid giving my canine companion? The search results of ingredients to avoid in dog food are not all that surprising. Ingredient number one is preservatives.
Now, a disclaimer before I begin sharing my research…
DISCLAIMER
I’m not a veterinarian, vet tech, or a dietitian. I am a pet-parent addressing a question about feeding pets. I’m sharing the question and the research I’ve completed in case you have a similar question. Please consult a veterinarian if you have questions regarding your pet’s health or his or her specific nutritional needs that you are unsure about.
Ingredients to Avoid
Artificial Preservatives
Dry dog food and treats are as loaded with preservatives as a bag of trays of double-stuffed Oreo cookies. Don’t get me wrong, I love Oreo cookies. I love just about all cookies. The problem isn’t with the cookies or the dog food itself, nor is it the idea of weight gain, though that can be something to think about; it is that processed food for humans and our canine companions is loaded with preservatives, primarily artificial ones such as ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT. Frequently used to prevent food spoilage, the same preservatives are found in toxic substances such as anesthesia, antifreeze, and pesticides. These preservatives are linked to cancer, liver and kidney failure, and other severe health problems.
The bad preservatives
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
Ethoxyquin
Nitrates/Nitrites
Propyl Gallate
Carrageenan
MSG
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Found at https://unionlakeveterinaryhospital.com/blog/ingredients-to-avoid-in-dog-food-treats-and-bones
While it may take large amounts of preservatives, it’s better to be too err on the side of caution. If you’re like most, including myself, you wonder what you should offer Fido.
Options that don’t include artificial preservatives
Natural Preservatives such as tocopherols or vitamin E, ascorbic acid or vitamin C, and rosemary or other plant extracts prevent food spoilage but have a lower shelf life, meaning you’ll need to pay close attention to the date on the packaging and make frequent purchases. This may work for you if you aren’t looking to buy items in bulk and don’t have an entire pack of hounds to feed. Still, make sure to read the ingredients list. The words “All natural” can mean many things. You’ll also want to check for the preservatives listed above. Found at https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/dec/natural-artificial-preservatives-in- dog-foods-29523
Alternatively, you can purchase canned food for your dog. Since canning seals food into an airtight container, preservatives aren’t necessary. Fat is the ingredient that spoils. Oxygen in the air is what makes it rancid. The downfall of canned food is its expense, which generates more waste. Still, I believe my dogs are worth it. I should probably wear a shirt that says, “Will work for dog food.” I spend half of my earnings between the vet’s office and the local pet store.
Avoid Corn Syrup, Xylitol, or Food Dyes
Corn Syrup, xylitol, and food dyes are additives manufacturers use to sweeten your dog’s food and treats. Dogs don’t crave sweets or even particularly care for sweet food. Thank goodness. I don’t want to think about the match that could ensue between Maze and me if she did crave that Hershey’s bar my husband left in the refrigerator.
Corn syrup derived from cornstarch with added flavor is in practically every food manufactured for human consumption. It’s inexpensive and creates a smooth texture. Think of all the lovely pastries and pies. Corn syrup comes in different forms—for example, high fructose corn syrup in sodas.
Corn starch from which corn syrup is derived is another debatable topic, according to what I’ve learned. The corn kernels are a minor source of vitamins and minerals. Corn starch is more accessible to digest regarding allergens than flour. Still, it’s not lower on the glycemic index that rates how quickly the carbohydrates we consume raise our blood sugar levels. Corn starch is an energy source for dogs. The critical takeaway is to use corn starch in moderation in a balanced diet.
Only let Fido help himself to an excellent buttery ear of corn off the dining room table if you know the Heimlich maneuver. Lastly, don’t purchase products for pet consumption that utilize corn syrup, or you’ll increase the likelihood of his development of diabetes and possible heart failure in the long run.
Found at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/corn-in-dog-food-what-you-need-to-know
Xylitol, found in “berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and other fruits,” is a natural sugar alcohol manufactured and processed into a white powder. Manufacturers use birch trees and corn fiber mainly to produce xylitol. It became a natural alternative to sugar because it is lower on the glycemic index and contains fewer calories. It’s found in many products, from nasal sprays to lozenges and toothpaste. It’s also found in many foods suitable for human consumption, such as peanut butter, that dogs love. Check the label if you give your dog peanut butter with his medication, as I’ve done before, or let him lick it off the spoon occasionally. Natural does not mean it is safe for your canine companion. Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Unlike humans, xylitol can result in extremely low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, a potentially fatal condition for our canine companions. The sweetener settles in the dog’s bloodstream rapidly. The pancreas delivers a whopping dose of insulin, thus dropping your furry friend's blood sugar to a level that can result in severe consequences, including liver failure and death. Think about your mother or a friend who has diabetes, and keep products containing this harmful ingredient far away from your furry friend.
Xylitol-containing products vary in sweetener levels, but any dose is too much. Found at https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs
The research on dyes in dog food and treats is extensive so that I won’t go into great detail about this subject. It could be a blog post of its own. Natural coloring comes from berries, turmeric, and other natural sources, but artificial colors are petroleum-based. Numerous synthetic dyes have been linked to cancer. Many have been banned after the fact, but the legal dyes are widely available and found in products manufactured for pets and humans alike. Found at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23026007/
Avoid Meat Meal and unhealthy fats.
Meat meal is another debatable topic. Whether you should avoid products that contain the word meal in the ingredient list or not is up to how you feel about the topic.
After reading up on the topic at the website Dog Food Advisor, I learned that meat meal is added to increase the protein content in dog food and treats.
Chicken, for example, is “70 % water and 18% protein,” according to charts found on the Dog Food Advisor website. Manufacturers make meat meal out of meat through a process called “rendering,” which boils down to the meat being stewed until the water content is evaporated, after which the remainder is baked. A concentrated protein powder remains. The meat meal powder contains “65% protein and 10% water.” The main caveat to allowing your dog to consume meat meal is that you do not know where the meat originated from or that it was fresh. Found at https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/about-meat-meal/
Manufacturers use scraps. After the animal is killed, the lean meat of muscle is taken for human consumption, and the remainder (all the blood, bones, beak, and other gory stuff referred to as animal byproducts) is rendered in a sizeable commercial vat to make the powder called meat meal.
Not only do manufacturers cut costs with the byproducts of carcasses added to their list of ingredients, but they also use what is called 4D meat. This topic disgusts and saddens me for the sake of all animals. Dr. Donna Spector states, “4D" livestock animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled)…” https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_pet_food_for_your_pets_sake
I came across a website called Grey2K USA Worldwide about greyhound racing. Headlines stated that the industry uses 4D meat to cut expenses. Unfortunately, 4D meat may be a host to pathogens or tiny organisms that contain bacteria such as salmonella and Escherichia coli that can be lethal to dogs. The website has a PDF version of Amelia Cook’s High Stakes Greyhound Racing in the United States handbook. It paints a very disturbing picture of how the greyhound breed is mistreated. https://files.grey2kusa.org/pdf/High_Stakes_Greyhound_Racing_in_the_United_States.pdf
In my opinion, and I’m confident I’m not alone in thinking this way- always check to see where your pet food is manufactured. Not all countries have the same manufacturing standards or cleanliness. Manufacturers may include scraps from animals that have been deceased for an extended period. To begin with, how much protein is in the meat is hard to say.
Leftovers unfit for human consumption may also be used in the rendering process. Expired supermarket meat, leftover oil, and fat from restaurants are all thrown into the same vat to boil off and create this concentrated powder.
You may be wondering what I should look for in the ingredients list in my dog food bag. If it says byproducts, avoid it. Sources lumping protein into broad categories, for instance, meat or bone meal, animal meal, and chicken-by-product meal, are a good indication of low-quality protein. Remember the meat that you and I didn’t want. The beak, the spleen, and the organs left over are animal by-products.
Options that don’t include the word “Meal”
Look for explicitly stated protein sources, for example, venison and lamb for beef. Chicken instead of “chicken-by-products” that can mean anything. Found at https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/about-meat-meal/
At this point, you are probably thinking the same thing I was in my research. Should I make my dog food? I’ve made stews for the dog. Throw the chicken and vegetables in a pot of water and turn on the heat. The problem with making your dog food boils down to offering your dog a balanced and nutritious diet. Manufacturers of quality dog food and treats know the right amount of vitamins and minerals your dogs need. They know how to cook pet food to maintain the quality. They know the levels of vitamins and minerals and how to incorporate them into your dog’s diet without compromising the levels.
It’s an involved process that many of us don’t know enough about and don’t have enough hours to make it part of our routine. Also, vitamin and mineral deficiencies result in health conditions that can be avoided.
Avoid Melamine.
Lastly, avoid melamine in your dog’s diet. Although the United States Food and Drug Administration disapproves of using melamine in food for humans and pets, it may be of consequence in certain situations. Melamine, a byproduct of the coal industry, is a chemical compound long used in making dinnerware, paper products, and coatings. Outside the United States, it has been used in fertilizers.
Oddly enough, the FDA warns us not to heat our food on our melamine dinnerware. After all, it’s dinnerware, but it’s akin to heating plastic in the microwave.
In 2008, Melamine was added to baby formula in China. It falsely raised the protein content. Nearly 300 thousand children were exposed to the chemical compound. Of those children, six died, and 53,000 were hospitalized. Melamine poisoning impacted their kidneys, causing the tubules of the kidneys to fail.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-melamine
In 2007, the FDA published a fact sheet about numerous pet food recalls based on pet exposure to melamine. Related compounds and melamine were discovered in products labeled wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate from China. Pet food manufacturers in the US used the ingredients that resulted in 14 animal deaths in the country.
Melamine is not approved for manufacturing human or pet food. It won’t be on the list of ingredients on your pet food bag, but think back to the melamine dinnerware we may unknowingly heat our food in. A more recent example of contamination is the microplastics in water bottles. Contamination is possible. Melamine doesn’t have to be directly salted over pet food in sprinkles to make our furry friends sick. The manufacturing process is prone to mistakes. Byproducts can constantly be introduced through processing techniques. Found at https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/recalls-withdrawals/melamine-pet-food-recall-frequently-asked-questions#
How to avoid melamine in pet food is a difficult question to answer. Again, the answer to many of our concerns regarding pet food boils down to knowing the source.
Who is the manufacturer?
What country is the product manufactured in, and what are their standards?
Does the manufacturer use imported goods from other countries?
Remember, melamine may be on a micro level in foods from soil fertilized with the chemical compound.
Dog Foods and Treat Recommendations
When selecting dog food, “…check the label on the bag of dog food to see if it meets AAFCO Dog Food Nutrition Profiles for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. The AAFCO has strict requirements to ensure a product is complete and balanced for dogs (or cats),” says the American Kennel Club website.https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/choosing-right-dog-food/
Complete means the product contains the required nutrients. Balanced means the nutrients are in proportion with a dog’s needs. For more information to understanding what is included in dog foods ingredient list, you can check out the link below for the AAFCO https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/whats-in-the-ingredients-list/
The ingredient list won’t tell you the quality of the ingredients, but it will tell you what is in the food. If you have questions about whether your dog needs a special diet, consult your veterinarian. Whether to feed raw or not and whether to try a grain-free diet is a blog post for another time. In my opinion, these diets have their own drawbacks. The veterinarians I’ve taken my pets don’t recommend specific diets unless the pet can’t get what he needs through the product accessible on the pet store shelf.
Based on my own experience as a pet parent and on my research, grains, fruits, and vegetables are perfectly safe and nutritional for dogs unless they have an allergy that needs to be addressed. Always do your research and talk to your vet.
The best food is the one that will meet all of his nutritional requirements. It’s as important to look at life stages when feeding your dog. Just like humans, metabolism differs between old and young. My puppy Malibu needs to eat more often and is extremely busy, while Max, my senior guy, sleeps more than he used to.
Even if you don’t nail the nutrition requirements the first time, don’t fret. An accidental preservative or a byproduct containing bird beak will not likely kill your dog, just as the double-stuffed Oreo cookies haven’t killed you. Enjoy your furry companion and learn as you go.
Max, my senior guy on the right, looking at Maze
Maze, pleading with her eyes. Please don’t make me play with Malibu again. It’s your turn, Max.
Sources:
Brennan, Dan MD. "What Is Melamine?" WebMD, 10 Jul. 2023, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-melamine. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
Burke, Anna. "How to Choose the Best Dog Food." American Kennel Club, 1 Feb. 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/choosing-right-dog-food/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
Coates, Jennifer DVM. "The Pros and Cons of Preservatives in Dog Foods." PetMd, 7 Dec. 2012, www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/dec/natural-artificial-preservatives-in-dog-foods-29523. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
Cook, Amelia. "The Issues / 4-D Meat 4-D Meat Is Used by the Racing Industry to Reduce Costs." Grey2K USA Worldwide, files.grey2kusa.org/pdf/High_Stakes_Greyhound_Racing_in_the_United_States.pdf. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
Dapcevich, Madison. "Food Preservatives Delay How Fast Human Corpses Decompose?" Snopes, 16 Sept. 2023, www.snopes.com/articles/465223/food-human-corpse/. Accessed 3 Feb. 2024.
Dexter, Beatrice. "Junk-food Diet Keeps American Corpses Fresh As Daisies!" Google Books, 7 May 1991, books.google.com/books?id=AvQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA5&dq=preservatives+bodies+decompose&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7zuTPlJyBAxVJGDQIHfT6BwcQ6AF6BAgEEAI#v=onepage&q. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
"Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food, Treats, and Bones." Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, 31 Mar. 2022, unionlakeveterinaryhospital.com/blog/ingredients-to-avoid-in-dog-food-treats-and-bones. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
"Ingredient Standards." Association of American Feed Control Officials, www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ingredient-standards/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
Johnstone, Gemma. "Corn in Dog Food: What You Need to Know." American Kennel Club, 3 Nov. 2022, www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/corn-in-dog-food-what-you-need-to-know/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
Kobylewski, Sarah, and Michael F Jacobson. “Toxicology of food dyes.” International journal of occupational and environmental health vol. 18,3 (2012): 220-46. doi:10.1179/1077352512Z.00000000034
"Meat Meal — The Mysterious Meat Concentrate Most People Know Little (or Nothing) About." Dog Food Advisor, www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/about-meat-meal/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
"Melamine Pet Food Recall-Frequently Asked Questions." United States Food & Drug Administration, 7 Oct. 2009, www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/recalls-withdrawals/melamine-pet-food-recall-frequently-asked-questions#. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
Schmid, Renee DVM,DABVT, DABT, and Ahna Brutlag DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT. "Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs." VCA Animal Hospital, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
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