WHAT CERTAIN DOG FOOD INGREDIENTS MEAN?

By: Gladys Avery
Most of us would look at a label on a bag of dog food we purchase and think it was fine for our pets. Recalling what we learn in our science classes some of the nutrients listed down on a dog food label are familiar if not known to us. One deficiency of pet dog owners is to mistake our needs identical to that of our beloved pooch. Some things aren't just obvious to some pet dog owner...simply put our needs are worlds apart. Deciding what to give our pets and the nutrients they may seemingly need (according to ads and marketing hype), is tricky nowadays. Here are some of the familiar nutrients that sneak up on us in the dog food aisle.

PROTEIN
Protein is from the Greek word "prota" meaning "of primary importance". This is a nutrient that is important to the body. Proteins are organic compounds that are made of amino acids. They are needed to build sturdy and healthy skeletal bones, muscular structure and cellular (skin) systems. This protein is defined as essential to the body and is digestible. Although, there is another kind of protein which is NOT digestible and cannot be absorbed in the body. The best kind of protein is animal and vegetable protein which are essential to an animal’s development. To make it easier to understand, here's an example. A leather belt is 100% rich in protein BUT is 100% not digestible, while prime kibble has 30 % protein but is 100% digestible. What is the likely choice?

FAT
Fat is used as a calorie source. If a dog does not have enough fat in their diet the body will manufacture it from the protein intake. Fats are essential for nutrient absorption, glossy coat and supple skin. Most dog food goes through high temperature (extrusion) preparation which destroys whatever nutrients and fats are in the mixture. In baking food, nutrients and fat can be cooked into the mixture at a lower heat, like kibble. This allows a longer shelf-life and aids in the digestibility of raw protein. Usually to cut costs though, Omega 3 fatty acids are used as a substitute. Making baked kibble is preferred although the contents are not enough to get a dog its proper diet.

PRESERVATIVES
Manufacturers are not in the business to be charitable, most of the time the law of supply and demand is followed. Dog food makers stock up their distributors with kibble that will last a long time. For long lasting dog food, preservatives must be used. There are two types of preservatives: made from chemicals or made from vitamins. Chemical preservatives include BHT, BHA and Ethoxyquin, all known carcinogens. Vitamin preservatives are tocopherols (vitamin E) and a form of vitamin C, (ascorbyl palmitate), both are anti-oxidants and improve shelf-life to half a year. Some people think “Great! They are natural preservatives!” Wrong! Natural preservatives are used to extend the life of the food not your dog.

BY-PRODUCTS
These are technically left-over parts of animals that are deemed not suitable for human consumption. Most by-products are the inedible parts of beef, pork and poultry. True, these are high in protein, but again the question of digestibility comes up.

MEAL AND BONE
These are put in to improve the amino acid content in the profile of the feed. Making it a bit more like a window dressing for what its worth.

FILLERS
Corn cobs, corn and ground husks have tyrosine in them. Tyrosine is an amino acid that blocks the making of tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin, a feel good chemical to the brain. Tryptophan can cause headaches and bad behavior in dogs.

ANIMAL PROTEIN
There is no actual indication on what animal protein is included. The logic as to why it is a proponent makes you scratch your head and wonder.
We can only assume that there may be a number of ingredients that are not listed on dog food labels. The ingredients are listed by the higher content percentage in a descending order. If a label lists vegetable based contents before the meat content I would think twice before purchasing it. We are all programmed by advertising hype to be percentage conscious, but keep in mind whether it is digestible and whether the nutrient source is ideal for your dog to get proper nutrients.
Manufacturers spend a lot of money on packaging, presentation, plus % deals and rebates. One thing they have not considered is our ability to choose the right food for our pet.



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