Like low-quality food for humans, cheap dog food will often be full of fillers, additives and preservatives that have no business being in your dog’s bowl. Below are a few ingredients you should look out for when picking a new bag of kibble. How many of these can you find in your dog’s current brand? This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, Dr. Marty. Read till the end for more on the food Kim feeds her dog, Abby.
1. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
This dangerous chemical is a known carcinogen used as a preservative. It may extend the product’s shelf life but at the cost of your dog’s kidney and liver function.
2. Meat of dubious origin
Meat meal is much like the stuff you’ll find in cheap fast food burritos. Unsurprisingly, it contains much less meat than it appears to, often through extra water or other fillers. Low-quality meat from unusual animals or meat that’s too old to sell in its unadulterated form might all be included in filler meat. If the label doesn’t say what it is explicitly, proceed with caution.
3. Flour
Flour is a perfectly acceptable binder for human food. For dogs, refined and bleached starches can spike blood sugar levels and even contribute to pet obesity.
4. Vegetable oil and rendered fat
Fat and oil in excess aren’t healthy for your dog. Rendered fat should be avoided for the same reason meat filler should be. Some sources claim that the carcasses used to make it can occasionally be sourced from animal shelters.
5. Nitrates and nitrites
Both meat-curing ingredients have been linked to high blood pressure and cancer in canines. They’re found in things like bacon and cured ham, so limit how much of these treats your dog gets.
6. Corn syrup
Like shopping for yourself, foods containing corn syrup (especially in excess) are best left on the shelf. This stuff can give your dog diabetes and cause them to gain weight. Studies show that it might even be chemically addictive.
Treat your pup to some five-star cuisine
What are you feeding your dog? Chances are, even if it’s premium or organic dog food, it contains 50% to 64% processed cereal byproducts with little nutritional value. For 45+ years, Dr. Marty Goldstein has been a pioneer in pet nutrition. Nature’s Blend is a premium freeze-dried, raw dog food made in North America, designed to mimic what your dog would eat in the wild. Get this: 81% of the food is made from real cuts of raw turkey, raw beef, raw salmon and raw organ meats. The rest is omega-3-rich seeds, superfood veggies and fruits. They offer a hassle-free, full refund within 90 days of purchase if your dog doesn’t love it. For a limited time, save 54% on your first order, plus get a free bag of Dr. Marty’s bestselling dog treats. Tap or click here to visit DrMartyPets.com/Kim, or just text KIM to 511511.
