Do you know what is in your pet's food?

If you are anything like me, you want to feed your pet(s) healthy, clean food, but when you read the list of ingredients on the bag, you have no clue how to pronounce them let alone what their function is. Below is a list of ingredients to stay away from, and what should be included in Fido's food.

BHT, BHA, ETHOXYQUIN are chemical additives used in some dog foods to prevent fats and oils from spoiling, thereby extending the shelf life of the product. However, it is considered a potential carcinogen.

CARRAGEENAN is a thickening agent often found in wet dog food. It can cause inflammation and gastrointestinal problems in some dogs.

Look for safer thickening agents like guar gum or xanthan gum.

ARTIFICIAL COLORS & FLAVORS: no explanation needed.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL is a synthetic compound used to maintain moisture in some dog foods, but it can cause health issues like skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems. Look for vegetable glycerin instead.

OATMEAL, FLOUR, WHITE RICE, SOY, WHEAT, CORN are cheap fillers that can cause digestive problems and don't have much nutritional value. Instead, opt for whole grains like brown rice or barly or grain-free options like sweet potatoes or peas.

MEAT BY-RPODUCTS OR BY-PRODUCT MEAL, MEAT MEAL come from the less desirable parts of animals (like beaks, feathers, and hooves) and can contain harmful bacteria. Choose named meat sources instead, such as beef or chicken.

SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE This chemical compound is sometimes added to dog food as a dental tartar reducer. However, it can cause skin irritations, digestive issues, and has been linked to kidney damage in dogs. Instead, look for foods that promote dental health through natural ingredients like enzymes and consider using other methods like dental chews or regular brushing to keep your dog’s teeth clean.

Now for the healthy ingredients:

Healthy Fats such as Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed, are important for maintaining your dog’s coat and skin health.

Natural Preservatives Instead of artificial preservatives, look for dog food that uses natural alternatives like vitamin E (tocopherols) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to keep the food fresh.

Probiotics Some dog foods include probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help support your dog’s digestive and immune health.

Fruits and Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system and overall health, but even some of these foods can be harmful to your pet. These include:

Leeks, onion, garlic, grapes & raisins, corn on the cob (cob can easily get stuck in the intestinal tract), dairy (most dogs are lactose intolerant), chocolate, macadamia nuts, bacon & avocado (high fat content), white bread (high in sugar and oil), salty snacks, cooked bones (brittle, can lodge in throat, intestinal tract).

* Personally, I prefer to cook brown rice and add steamed veggies and protein such as diced chicken. I make a big batch once a week and freeze the excess. I add a small amount of kibble and serve this as the morning meal. In the evening only kibble is served. I also alternate breakfast with sweet potato or pumpkin puree, and for snacks I will feed them carrots, apples, peanut butter and sometimes I bake them treats made of wheat flour, pumpkin and peanut butter. I encourage you to create your own mix of healthy foods and I guarantee your dogs will love you even more!