Dog Food AnalysisA careful dog food analysis will reveal what's in your favorite brand. It should contain the right balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber. Here are some guidelines to use when you go shopping for the best dry dog food for your canine companion, along with some information about the dog food industry. Who's Monitoring The Dog Food Industry? The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) monitors dog food ingredients to ensure that dog food brands are appropriately balanced.It also regulates what nutritional values can be put on a dog food label and allows such statements as "complete and balanced." When you see that statement, it means it lacks no essential nutrients. The National Research Council (NRC), a division of the National Academy of Science of the United States, has compiled vast quantities of data in a study entitled "Nutrient Requirements of Dogs." This report establishes the minimum amount of each nutrient needed to maintain the health of the average adult dog, as well as the requirements for growing puppies. In order for commercial dog foods to be certified as "complete" in the U.S., they must meet or exceed all of the nutritional requirements established by the NRC. They must also pass actual feeding tests on dogs. That makes your dog food analysis research a lot easier! In general, if you stick with large, reputable dog food companies, your dog's health will be in good hands. Top dog food brands in the U.S. include Pedigree, Purina, Science Diet, Iams and Eukanuba. How Do I Decipher A Dog Food Label?With so many choices on the market, how can you be sure you're buying the right food for your dog? The information you need to make a complete dog food analysis is all there on the label--if you know what to look for.
The first three or four ingredients will tell you the bulk of what the food contains. Look for the highest-quality ingredients, like meats and grains, to be among them. The guaranteed analysis tells you what levels of protein, fat, fiber and moisture are in the food, in that order. You also need to keep an eye on bioavailability. For example, protein bioavailability is the amount of protein that your dog can actually use. If a dog food analysis only lists the total protein, without specifying the protein bioavailability, you should skip over that dog food label and move on to the next one. Why is Protein Important?Protein supplies amino acids, which are essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of strong bones and muscles.They're also essential in the production of enzymes and hormones. The absence of quality protein and its accompanying amino acids can result in poor growth, weight loss, a dull coat, and energy loss. Protein deficiencies may also result in a reduction in antibodies. That can make your dog more susceptible to numerous diseases. You need to get this one right! What's the Best Kind of Protein? In nature, dogs are omnivores and like to eat both vegetables and meat, which ensures they get a large variety of protein.Dog food analysis reveals that most commercial dog foods are made primarily of vegetable protein (generally corn, soybeans, wheat and rice). They're balanced with animal protein (usually from lamb, chicken, turkey, beef and their by-products). Surprisingly, an all-meat diet isn't as healthy for your dog as one that contains both meat and vegetable protein. That's because cereal grains supply the amino acids that the animal products don't. Your dog needs both. How Much Protein Does My Dog Need?
If your dog is a canine athlete, you may want to bump up that protein level to about 28 percent during his active seasons. Each stage of your dog's life calls for a different amount of protein. You don't want to overload a puppy with protein, as excessively rapid growth could result in structural problems for your pup. Puppy food brands should contain up to about 28 percent protein. As dogs mature and slow down, their protein and calorie needs are much lower than younger dogs. A good-quality senior dog food provides this proper balance of nutrients for your Golden Oldie. Is Fat a Good Thing?Unlike humans, dogs thrive on fat. It keeps their coats and skin healthy, and is an important part of a complete dog food diet.It's also a great source of energy, prevents constipation, and makes their food tastier.
Use careful dog food analysis to keep your Golden Retriever in excellent condition. For best results, select one of the top quality dry dog foods containing eight to ten percent fat. You can increase your working dog’s fat content during hunting season to maintain his energy and stamina by mixing a teaspoon of vegetable oil in with his food. Dogs deficient in fat, usually from dog food brands containing less than five percent fat, may have coarse, dry coats and scaly skin. On the other hand, too much fat in his diet can cause obesity. Why Do Dog Foods Include Carbohydrates and Fiber?Dogs have a minor need for carbohydrates, but because carbohydrates are an inexpensive source of calories, most dog food companies use them.Fiber, primarily from plants, is included to help dogs feel fuller. Better-quality fiber sources include beet pulp and rice bran. Even these good types of fiber should be used in small quantities. Too much fiber interferes with digestion and can cause diarrhea, gas, and larger stool volume. How Does All This Relate to Golden Retriever Nutrition?Why should you even bother with dog food analysis? Because that's how you'll find the best nutrition for your Golden.All aspects of canine nutrition affect your dog's total being, including his physical and mental health, immunity, temperament, behavior, trainability, and personality.
Of course, not all of these ailments are caused solely by a dog's diet. But poor dog nutrition doesn't support a healthy immune system, which leaves your pup wide open to all kinds of health problems. The best way to help your Golden Retriever get a balanced, high-quality diet is to educate yourself, as a consumer and a dog owner, and to buy the very best dry dog food you can, based on careful dog food analysis. You owe it to your furry friend to help him look and feel his best. Search here for more information on Golden Retrievers |
Ingredients are listed in descending order by dry weight.
For an active large breed dog like the Golden Retriever, the range of protein intake for an adult should be somewhere between 18 and 25 percent.
Fat content of either animal or vegetable origin contains essential fatty acids for dogs that help protect them against dry skin.
On the other hand, dogs that are fed a low-quality diet often have chronic ear infections, eye discharge, diarrhea, frequent bouts of vomiting, skin problems, allergies, and hyperactive temperaments.
