Dog Nutrition - Comparing the Guaranteed Analysis on Dog Food Labels - Why You Need to Know This

There are several premium dog food companies that will actually provide other nutrients along with their Guaranteed Analysis to let you know that they are using premium ingredients. Examples of these are phosphorus, sodium, calcium, etc. which are excellent for your dog. In order for you to know you're getting premium food, here's an example of how the guarantee analysis label should look like.

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Guaranteed Analysis:

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Crude Protein - 28.0%

Crude Fat - 16.0%

Crude Fiber - 5.0%

Moisture - 1.0.0%

The guaranteed analysis is based on "AS IS" or "call it as fed". Don't worry, this is fine. But you need to compare the products on their different moisture content. Make sure you calculate the percentages for each product you are looking at. This isn't difficult, so let me show you how to compare different brands.

Example:

Let's start out with three fictitious companies that you want to compare. Paws Foods, Barking Foods and Dog Food Excellence. (no, these are not real companies)

Paws Foods: Protein:22%, Fat:12%, Fiber:4%, Moisture:10% AS FED. This would contain 90% dry matter. (100-10=90%)

Barking Foods: Protein:22%, Fat:12%, Fiber:4%, Moisture:12% AS FED. This would contain 88% dry matter. (100-12=88%)

Dog Food Excellence: Protein:22%, Fat:12%, Fiber:4%, Moisture:14% AS FED. This would contain 86% dry matter. (100-14=86%)

I think you're getting the picture here. The more moisture the guaranteed analysis shows you, the less nutritious dry matter there is. You are paying more for the extra water and getting less nutrients. In the case above, the better dog food company would be Paws Foods.

Another thing you should see on the label in addition to the guaranteed analysis is one of two statements coming from the AAFCO (Association of the American Feed Control Officials)

1. "Paws Foods" is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.

The AAFCO lets you know they have passed all the proper nutrient tests that a dog food requires by their standards. The dog food contained the proper amount of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients that a dog needs to stay healthy.

2. Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that "Paws Foods" provides complete and balanced nutrition.

This lets you know that the dog food has actually been feed to dogs using certain guidelines by the AAFCO and has been found to provide proper nutrition.

I hope you now have a better understanding on how you can choose a good premium dog food. Naturally you want your ingredients to start out with a good protein, carbohydrate and fat. In addition you should always check "Guaranteed Analysis" and one of the statements from the AAFCO. All this combined should help to put your mind at ease.

Dog Nutrition - Comparing the Guaranteed Analysis on Dog Food Labels - Why You Need to Know This

I sincerely hope this article was helpful to you. If you would like more information on any dog needs whether it's natural/organic nutrition, dog training, tuff dog toys, dog gifts, allergy kits, flea control and more, please visit http://www.TailWaggingSolutions.blogspot.com While you are there you can enjoy reading "Just For Doggie Laughs" and "Putter's Doggie Tips for the Week". Here's to loving your dog.

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Homemade Dog Food and Your Dog's Nutrition

A dog is a person's best friend. This is how most people treat their pet dogs. That is why they want only the best for their dogs, most especially when it comes to their food. Given that fact, convenience usually takes a backseat when dog nutrition is the subject. Most dog owners would sacrifice their time and effort just to make sure that they give their pet dogs' healthy food. Rather than buy ready made commercial food in the grocery, which ingredients they are not sure about, these dog owners would opt to have a homemade dog food prepared for their pets.

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After all, with the huge number of dog food recipes found online, they will never lack of sources for the daily food to serve to their dog. What is important however is to make sure dog's nutrition is taken in consideration in every recipe they will cook.

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With the potential for danger not only from commercial foods but even some of the ingredients for homemade ones, some vital information should be remembered for the sake of your dog. The usual healthy dog food would basically have a mix of vegetables, meat and starch. If your dog is switching from commercial to homemade food, you can mix a little of the former to the one you prepared to allow your dog to slowly get used to it.

It would be better to ask your veterinarian if it is a wise move to switch. Bear in mind that a well-balanced dog diet is one with 30% veggies, 30% starch and 40% meat. It would be good to note that most often than not, the meat in commercial foods is of a certain quality that is not fit for human consumption, why give it to your dog then?

Rotate the type of food you will give to your dog so as it will not tire of its food. For your pet's starch requirement, you can make use of rice, pasta, oatmeal or potatoes. For a variety of homemade dog food recipes, you can always refer to the internet and you will surely not lack of choices. But always keep in mind of the nutritional value contained in the ingredients of your homemade dog food.

Homemade Dog Food and Your Dog's Nutrition

What is a well balanced homemade dog food recipe? Dog food nutrition is important. Using the right ingredients in the right proportions will provide the right nourishment for your dog and keep him happy and healthy. The ingredients used in commercial dog foods are not always the best. And some homemade dog food recipes found on the internet use questionable ingredients. Visit http://www.onlinedogfoodrecipes.com and learn what are the right ingredients to use when making your own dog food recipes.

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