Dry Food
DRY FOOD OR KIBBLE, CROQUETTES.
It is usually presented in bags or sacks. Products are typically differentiated based on the dog’s stage, size, breed, and in some cases, they focus on specific deficiencies, pathologies, diseases, or special needs of the dog.
The production process involves mixing all the ingredients in their initial state to obtain a
Wet Food
WET FOOD FOR DOGS.
With a process similar to that of dry food, the goal is to obtain a tastier wet paste for the dog. In this case, the food is cooked slowly at a low temperature and then canned. Once packaged and sealed, the container undergoes a sterilization process to eliminate any bacteria.
BARF Diet
BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE RAW FOOD
According to the literal translation, we are talking about a diet based on the raw intake of meat, organs, bones, and a complement of fruits and vegetables.
This diet aims to mimic
the natural and wild diet of the ancestors of the current dog. It is the way wolves feed in their natural habitat.
Homemade Diet
HOMEMADE OR HOME-COOKED FOOD
This involves cooking at home and daily providing a mixture of ingredients, nutrients, and necessary elements, controlling where and how they are purchased and cooked by ourselves. In many cases, some of these foods are even kept raw to maintain all their natural properties.
Dry Food
DRY FOOD OR KIBBLE, CROQUETTES.
It is usually presented in bags or sacks. Products are typically differentiated based on the dog’s stage, size, breed, and in some cases, they focus on specific deficiencies, pathologies, diseases, or special needs of the dog.
The production process involves mixing all the ingredients in their incorporated state, resulting in a homogeneous mixture with the necessary moisture level. This mixture is then subjected to an extrusion process, creating a paste that, after a cooking process where the moisture is extracted, is shaped into the desired form.
Finally, it can be coated with an ingredient that may enhance the flavor or preservation of the final kibble. The moisture extraction, drying, and cooking processes facilitate the preservation and packaging of the product, resulting in formulas that can be stored for up to two years in their original packaging.
Wet Food
WET FOOD FOR DOGS.
With a process similar to that of dry food, the goal is to obtain a tastier wet paste for the dog. In this case, the food is cooked slowly at a low temperature and then canned. Once packaged and sealed, the container undergoes a sterilization process to eliminate any bacteria.
BARF Diet
BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE RAW FOOD
According to the literal translation, we are talking about a diet based on the raw intake of meat, organs, bones, and a complement of fruits and vegetables.
This diet aims to mimic
the natural and wild diet of the ancestors of the current dog. It is the way wolves feed in their natural habitat.
Homemade Diet
HOMEMADE OR HOME-COOKED FOOD
This involves cooking at home and daily providing a mixture of ingredients, nutrients, and necessary elements, controlling where and how they are purchased and cooked by ourselves. In many cases, some of these foods are even kept raw to maintain all their natural properties.
a homogeneous mixture with the necessary moisture level, which is then subjected to an extrusion process, creating a paste that, after a cooking process where the moisture is extracted, is shaped into the desired form. Finally, it can be coated with an ingredient that may enhance the flavor or preservation of the final kibble.
The moisture extraction, drying, and cooking processes facilitate the preservation and packaging of the product, resulting in formulas that can be stored for up to two years in their original packaging.
- The mentioned diets and other alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages, as well as followers and critics.
- Supporters of DRY FOOD highlight its convenience, stability, and ease of consumption, while critics point out that the industrial process can eliminate nutrients and the lack of control over ingredients.
- WET FOOD, although popular, often contains a high percentage of water, and its long preservation may compromise its nutritional properties.
- The BARF diet is criticized for being deficient in fiber, minerals, and other essential nutrients, and it is suggested that it requires freezing or sterilization processes to ensure food safety.
- The HOMEMADE DIET offers control over the ingredients but can be difficult to balance in nutrients and maintain its stability in the long term. Additionally, it requires time to properly purchase, cook, and store the food. Additionally, it requires time to properly purchase, cook, and store the food.
- The mentioned diets and other alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages, as well as followers and critics.
- Supporters of DRY FOOD highlight its convenience, stability, and ease of consumption, while critics point out that the industrial process can eliminate nutrients and the lack of control over ingredients.
- WET FOOD, although popular, often contains a high percentage of water, and its long preservation may compromise its nutritional properties.
- The BARF diet is criticized for being deficient in fiber, minerals, and other essential nutrients, and it is suggested that it requires freezing or sterilization processes to ensure food safety.
- The HOMEMADE DIET offers control over the ingredients but can be difficult to balance in nutrients and maintain its stability in the long term. Additionally, it requires time to properly purchase, cook, and store the food. Additionally, it requires time to properly purchase, cook, and store the food.
What is the best type of food? Dry, wet, BARF, or homemade?
None of the four is the most suitable. BARF and homemade diets may seem the most appropriate, but they are not. Neither dry nor wet foods are the worst.
As always, it is a bit more complex. It is not about the industrial process or the control we have over it.
The secret to good nutrition is the formula. The ingredients. The content. It cannot be any other way. We are what we eat. In all cases, the importance lies in what we consider as ingredients in each formula. In their quality and in the most appropriate proportions. In what they include and what they do not include as well.
We can certainly add some concepts that can, in general, generate some consensus.
- Packaged dry food, canned wet food, dehydrated and chopped packaged products offer convenience.
- Refrigerated, frozen, or cold-preserved food carries the risk of breaking the cold chain and requires more attention.
- Cooking food improves its quality, palatability, and eliminates many risks of infection or nutritional degradation.
THE INGREDIENTS ARE THE KEY
Let’s see what are ingredients and what are not ingredients.
THE INGREDIENTS ARE THE KEY
Let’s see what are ingredients and what are not ingredients.
Advertising
Advertising is not nutritious. the best-selling brand, the most famous one.
The best food for your dog can be found anywhere: in a specialized store, under a little-known brand, or advertised on television or social media. Similarly, the worst options can also be found in the same places. The popularity of a brand does not guarantee its quality, as some well-known brands may not offer the best products.
Advertising does not always reflect the quality of the food; some brands spend a lot on advertising without offering the best products. The best-selling brand is not necessarily the best option for your dog. In conclusion, the quality of a product is not determined by its popularity, media presence, or sales, but by other factors.
Packaging
Packaging, the first impression we get is the bag or the can:
Wolves running, green mountains or wild rivers, pictures of red meat or fruits on the bag or the can label. That is not quality; those are just pictures.
Many manufacturers make great efforts to communicate the quality of dog food through the image.
The bag and the can are not ingredients, and the name even less so. Some contain words like nature, wild, natur, fish, meat, or names that want to communicate positive concepts about the product.
On other bags, there is a dog like ours, and they explain that this food is suitable for that specific breed. Let’s not fall for that. Let’s ignore this part; it’s not quality, it’s just image.
Read the label
Why don't we read the label? Can we see if it is of good quality or not?
Although the law still allows some excesses and tricks, manufacturers are required to detail what they include in their recipe.
As a rule, and it tends to be true, those who have nothing to hide and make high-quality food have nothing to hide and nothing to invent. Ambiguity in the ingredients or the user’s lack of understanding comes more from those who manufacture low-quality food… it seems logical.
* Be wary of a manufacturer that hides or does not provide all the information.
* Be wary of labeling that does not include percentages or lacks information.
* Be totally wary of ingredients that are not understood or do not clarify their origin or nature of their source.
Advertising
Advertising is not nutritious. the best-selling brand, the most famous one.
The best food for your dog can be found anywhere: in a specialized store, under a little-known brand, or advertised on television or social media. Similarly, the worst options can also be found in the same places. The popularity of a brand does not guarantee its quality, as some well-known brands may not offer the best products.
Advertising does not always reflect the quality of the food; some brands spend a lot on advertising without offering the best products. The best-selling brand is not necessarily the best option for your dog. In conclusion, the quality of a product is not determined by its popularity, media presence, or sales, but by other factors.
Packaging
Packaging, the first impression we get is the bag or the can:
Wolves running, green mountains or wild rivers, pictures of red meat or fruits on the bag or the can label. That is not quality; those are just pictures.
Many manufacturers make great efforts to communicate the quality of dog food through the image.
The bag and the can are not ingredients, and the name even less so. Some contain words like nature, wild, natur, fish, meat, or names that want to communicate positive concepts about the product.
On other bags, there is a dog like ours, and they explain that this food is suitable for that specific breed. Let’s not fall for that. Let’s ignore this part; it’s not quality, it’s just image.
Read the label
Why don't we read the label? Can we see if it is of good quality or not?
Although the law still allows some excesses and tricks, manufacturers are required to detail what they include in their recipe.
As a rule, and it tends to be true, those who have nothing to hide and make high-quality food have nothing to hide and nothing to invent. Ambiguity in the ingredients or the user’s lack of understanding comes more from those who manufacture low-quality food… it seems logical.
* Be wary of a manufacturer that hides or does not provide all the information.
* Be wary of labeling that does not include percentages or lacks information.
* Be totally wary of ingredients that are not understood or do not clarify their origin or nature of their source.
This is how the law allows me to say that I include parts of the chicken without specifying which parts. Chicken by-products or animal by-products is the way to mask parts of the chicken that provide no nutritional value and are not fit for human consumption. Without getting into gruesome details, if necessary to explain, here parts like the beak, claws, crest, and bones are camouflaged as chicken. They serve no purpose other than allowing the manufacturer to label it as chicken and confuse the consumer. Discard any food product—dry food, wet food, or supplement—that includes the word by-product in its ingredients, and the more, the worse. Do the same with snacks or biscuits for dogs. They are the same problem.
This is how the law allows me to say that I include parts of the chicken without specifying which parts. Chicken by-products or animal by-products is the way to mask parts of the chicken that provide no nutritional value and are not fit for human consumption. Without getting into gruesome details, if necessary to explain, here parts like the beak, claws, crest, and bones are camouflaged as chicken. They serve no purpose other than allowing the manufacturer to label it as chicken and confuse the consumer. Discard any food product—dry food, wet food, or supplement—that includes the word by-product in its ingredients, and the more, the worse. Do the same with snacks or biscuits for dogs. They are the same problem.
Chicken, meat, or fish meals are usually scraps, leftovers, and surpluses that the slaughterhouse discards for human consumption. These meals have little to no nutritional value in practice. We can validate some meals if they come from a specific source, a particular protein, and have minimal complementary presence. In short, seeing MEAL or a BY-PRODUCT as the main ingredients is clearly a sign that we are buying a very low-quality product. The word “meal” or “by-product” is a way to avoid saying what part or quality of meat it really is.
Chicken, meat, or fish meals are usually scraps, leftovers, and surpluses that the slaughterhouse discards for human consumption. These meals have little to no nutritional value in practice. We can validate some meals if they come from a specific source, a particular protein, and have minimal complementary presence. In short, seeing MEAL or a BY-PRODUCT as the main ingredients is clearly a sign that we are buying a very low-quality product. The word “meal” or “by-product” is a way to avoid saying what part or quality of meat it really is.
INGREDIENT SPLITTING
Fragmenting ingredients to hide lower-quality ones and make the main ones appear more prominent.
For example, by showing 8% meat as the first ingredient and splitting meat meals into three portions of 4% each, it gives the impression that meat is the main ingredient when in reality the product contains 12% meat meals. The same applies to cereals, where 7% meat is presented as the first ingredient, but in reality, the product contains 22% cereals with no nutritional value (5% wheat, 5% corn, 6% wheat starch, 6% oats).
These practices, while not illegal or toxic, result in lower-quality products, where manufacturers try to hide the truth. By identifying these practices, we can discard manufacturers that do not offer quality-assured products. Shall we continue?
Fragmenting ingredients to hide lower-quality ones and make the main ones appear more prominent.
For example, by showing 8% meat as the first ingredient and splitting meat meals into three portions of 4% each, it gives the impression that meat is the main ingredient when in reality the product contains 12% meat meals. The same applies to cereals, where 7% meat is presented as the first ingredient, but in reality, the product contains 22% cereals with no nutritional value (5% wheat, 5% corn, 6% wheat starch, 6% oats).
These practices, while not illegal or toxic, result in lower-quality products, where manufacturers try to hide the truth. By identifying these practices, we can discard manufacturers that do not offer quality-assured products. Shall we continue?
Certainly, chewing kibble allows the dog to perform a kind of “dental cleaning,” although not as dramatically as some portray it. The right kibble shape will indeed help your dog eat more slowly, as chewing is more engaging than consuming wet food. Both elements, chewing and the friction of the kibble on the jaw, are beneficial.
However, we do not agree as much on the color and shape. Differences in colors indicate different industrial processes and the incorporation of colorants. Rest assured that the shape or color of the kibble matters very little to your dog. The smell and taste are what attract them.
There are many cereals with various characteristics, but we will basically say that cereals like wheat or corn are not necessary. They have always been used as fillers to reduce the cost of the recipe. Dogs do not need these sources of carbohydrates. In some cases, they are responsible for intolerances, allergies, indigestions, and many other problems.
Which ones can we find interesting? In some cases, oats, and more recently, quinoa and chia seeds are incorporated, although we do not have a stance on them. In any case, brown rice is noteworthy for its fiber content, low glycemic index, high digestibility, and as a potent carbohydrate that is practically hypoallergenic.
Certainly, chewing kibble allows the dog to perform a kind of “dental cleaning,” although not as dramatically as some portray it. The right kibble shape will indeed help your dog eat more slowly, as chewing is more engaging than consuming wet food. Both elements, chewing and the friction of the kibble on the jaw, are beneficial.
However, we do not agree as much on the color and shape. Differences in colors indicate different industrial processes and the
incorporation of colorants. Rest assured that the shape or color of the kibble matters very little to your dog. The smell and taste are what attract them.
There are many cereals with various characteristics, but we will basically say that cereals like wheat or corn are not necessary. They have always been used as fillers to reduce the cost of the recipe. Dogs do not need these sources of carbohydrates. In some cases, they are responsible for intolerances, allergies, indigestions, and many other problems.
Which ones can we find interesting? In some cases, oats, and more recently, quinoa and chia seeds are incorporated, although we do not have a stance on them. In any case, brown rice is noteworthy for its fiber content, low glycemic index, high digestibility, and as a potent carbohydrate that is practically hypoallergenic.
CHICKEN AND TURKEY
High protein value and easy digestion, appreciated by dogs. Rich in vitamin B, phosphorus, selenium, potassium, and sodium. Strengthens the immune and neural system, improves muscle development. Contiene vitamina A para salud ocular.Contains vitamin A for eye health. Tryptophan combats depressive states. Low in fat, suitable for weight loss diets and older dogs.
DUCK
Tasty and nutritious, more calories than chicken. Ideal in single-protein diets for allergic dogs. Hypoallergenic, suitable for food sensitivities. Highly appreciated for its taste and aroma.
CHICKEN AND TURKEY
High protein value and easy digestion, appreciated by dogs. Rich in vitamin B, phosphorus, selenium, potassium, and sodium. Strengthens the immune and neural system, improves muscle development. Contiene vitamina A para salud ocular.Contains vitamin A for eye health. Tryptophan combats depressive states. Low in fat, suitable for weight loss diets and older dogs.
DUCK
Tasty and nutritious, more calories than chicken. Ideal in single-protein diets for allergic dogs. Hypoallergenic, suitable for food sensitivities. Highly appreciated for its taste and aroma.
LAMB
Very caloric and tasty meat, appealing to all dogs. Suitable for sensitive or allergic stomachs. Tends to be more expensive than chicken. Ideal for sensitivities, intolerances, or picky eaters.
PORK
Very caloric and tasty meat, appealing to all dogs. Suitable for sensitive or allergic stomachs. Tends to be more expensive than chicken. Ideal for sensitivities, intolerances, or picky eaters.
LAMB
Very caloric and tasty meat, appealing to all dogs. Suitable for sensitive or allergic stomachs. Tends to be more expensive than chicken. Ideal for sensitivities, intolerances, or picky eaters.
PORK
Very caloric and tasty meat, appealing to all dogs. Suitable for sensitive or allergic stomachs. Tends to be more expensive than chicken. Ideal for sensitivities, intolerances, or picky eaters.
WILD BOAR
High protein content and low levels of fat and cholesterol. Wild boar meat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Strong flavor.
BEEF
Excellent source of protein for adult dogs with normal activity. Considered a white meat due to its high nutritional value. More expensive and with higher protein content than other meats. No carbohydrates, but rich in potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, especially B12, niacin, B6, and riboflavin.
WILD BOAR
High protein content and low levels of fat and cholesterol. Wild boar meat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Strong flavor.
BEEF
Excellent source of protein for adult dogs with normal activity. Considered a white meat due to its high nutritional value. More expensive and with higher protein content than other meats. No carbohydrates, but rich in potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, especially B12, niacin, B6, and riboflavin.
DEER
Deer meat is similar to fish due to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Rich in protein and easy to digest. Abundant in amino acids and antioxidants due to the deer's diet. Low in fat, primarily unsaturated, which is beneficial.
COW
Suitable for healthy dogs with normal activity. Considered a red meat. It is the most common or most found in dog foods or preparations because it is cheaper than veal without losing quality or nutritional value. Free of sugars and carbohydrates. It has fewer B vitamins than veal and is rich in potassium and zinc.
DEER
Deer meat is similar to fish due to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Rich in protein and easy to digest. Abundant in amino acids and antioxidants due to the deer's diet. Low in fat, primarily unsaturated, which is beneficial.
COW
Suitable for healthy dogs with normal activity. Considered a red meat. It is the most common or most found in dog foods or preparations because it is cheaper than veal without losing quality or nutritional value. Free of sugars and carbohydrates. It has fewer B vitamins than veal and is rich in potassium and zinc.
SALMON
An exceptional source of healthy proteins and omega fatty acids, considered to be of high biological value. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, such as phosphorus, selenium, iodine, potassium, vitamins B6, B12, D, E, thiamine, and niacin. Highly appreciated for its taste and aroma, due to its 12% fat content, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Its protein content is 18%.
OX
Not suitable for a dog with high physical activity. Meat that is harder to find. Low nutritional value, although it is rich in minerals such as iodine, manganese, zinc, and selenium. Suitable for low-protein diets, for weight loss, or for senior dogs.
SALMON
An exceptional source of healthy proteins and omega fatty acids, considered to be of high biological value. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, such as phosphorus, selenium, iodine, potassium, vitamins B6, B12, D, E, thiamine, and niacin. Highly appreciated for its taste and aroma, due to its 12% fat content, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Its protein content is 18%.
OX
Not suitable for a dog with high physical activity. Meat that is harder to find. Low nutritional value, although it is rich in minerals such as iodine, manganese, zinc, and selenium. Suitable for low-protein diets, for weight loss, or for senior dogs.
TUNA
Salmon is an exceptional source of healthy proteins and omega fatty acids, considered to be of high biological value. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, such as phosphorus, selenium, iodine, potassium, vitamins B6, B12, D, E, thiamine, and niacin. Highly appreciated by dogs for its taste and aroma, due to its 12% fat content, which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Its protein content of 18% is similar to that of beef.
SARDINE
Sardines, an economical and easy-to-find fish, offer an affordable option for an Omega-3 rich diet. In canine nutrition, sardines promote the health and beauty of the coat, strengthen the immune system, and improve cognitive health. However, on their own, they do not fulfill all the nutritional needs of a dog, so it is important to combine them with other protein sources such as salmon or meats in dog food.
TUNA
Salmon is an exceptional source of healthy proteins and omega fatty acids, considered to be of high biological value. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, such as phosphorus, selenium, iodine, potassium, vitamins B6, B12, D, E, thiamine, and niacin. Highly appreciated by dogs for its taste and aroma, due to its 12% fat content, which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Its protein content of 18% is similar to that of beef.
SARDINE
Sardines, an economical and easy-to-find fish, offer an affordable option for an Omega-3 rich diet. In canine nutrition, sardines promote the health and beauty of the coat, strengthen the immune system, and improve cognitive health. However, on their own, they do not fulfill all the nutritional needs of a dog, so it is important to combine them with other protein sources such as salmon or meats in dog food.
RICE... ALWAYS BROWN
Brown rice is a good way to complete your dog's diet. It is the most suitable carbohydrate for achieving the necessary texture and the nutritional complement that accompanies the protein. Brown rice is not refined, has not undergone any chemical or industrial process, is hypoallergenic, highly digestible, and has a low glycemic index. Its satiating effect and its contributions in minerals and fiber are very suitable.
POTATO OR SWEET POTATO
Both potatoes and sweet potatoes are quality carbohydrates that can be suitable as part of a dog's diet. Sweet potato, also known as yam, is especially recommended due to its low glycemic index and superior nutritional content. However, its consumption should be controlled, as it can contribute to weight gain in dogs. Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber and provide a pleasant taste. It is recommended not to exceed 10% inclusion in the kibble formula or nutritional recipe.
RICE... ALWAYS BROWN
Brown rice is a good way to complete your dog's diet. It is the most suitable carbohydrate for achieving the necessary texture and the nutritional complement that accompanies the protein. Brown rice is not refined, has not undergone any chemical or industrial process, is hypoallergenic, highly digestible, and has a low glycemic index. Its satiating effect and its contributions in minerals and fiber are very suitable.
POTATO OR SWEET POTATO
Both potatoes and sweet potatoes are quality carbohydrates that can be suitable as part of a dog's diet. Sweet potato, also known as yam, is especially recommended due to its low glycemic index and superior nutritional content. However, its consumption should be controlled, as it can contribute to weight gain in dogs. Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber and provide a pleasant taste. It is recommended not to exceed 10% inclusion in the kibble formula or nutritional recipe.
LEGUMES
Legumes such as lentils, peas, or chickpeas are commonly used in dog food. Although they are not strictly carbohydrates, they are considered a source of vegetable protein and carbohydrates, which contributes to the maintenance of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Dog foods that contain legumes in their formula are usually more suitable than others, as they are rich in fiber, protein, iron, and mineral salts, benefiting the health of the dog's hair, skin, and immune system.
VEGETABLES
Dogs are not naturally vegetarians, and their diet should be primarily meat-based. Vegetables can be beneficial as a supplement but should constitute a minimal part of their diet. For example, zucchini provides vitamins and minerals that promote kidney and bone health, spinach supports intestinal activity, and peas offer additional energy. Pumpkin improves intestinal transit and has diuretic properties. However, their inclusion in the diet should be limited.
LEGUMES
Legumes such as lentils, peas, or chickpeas are commonly used in dog food. Although they are not strictly carbohydrates, they are considered a source of vegetable protein and carbohydrates, which contributes to the maintenance of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Dog foods that contain legumes in their formula are usually more suitable than others, as they are rich in fiber, protein, iron, and mineral salts, benefiting the health of the dog's hair, skin, and immune system.
VEGETABLES
Dogs are not naturally vegetarians, and their diet should be primarily meat-based. Vegetables can be beneficial as a supplement but should constitute a minimal part of their diet. For example, zucchini provides vitamins and minerals that promote kidney and bone health, spinach supports intestinal activity, and peas offer additional energy. Pumpkin improves intestinal transit and has diuretic properties. However, their inclusion in the diet should be limited.
