What is in Your Dog's Food?

High-quality food is an important ingredient in your dogs’ health and behavior. The right nutrients and protein can make all the difference in your dogs’ energy level, stamina, and coat. Because dogs can suffer skin allergies from foods that contain common allergens, owners often see behaviors that stem from their dog’s frustration with feeling itchy and irritated. Research has also indicated a link between some aggressive behaviors and the balance of proteins and carbohydrates.

Understanding the label is the first step in ensuring your pets’ nutrition, so you must learn to read a label. Check to see that the first ingredient is a direct meat source or meat meal (not by-product). All good foods will have one of these meat sources as the first ingredient, because label ingredients are listed by weight.

(Note that if the first ingredient is chicken and not chicken meal, that ingredient is actually 70% water because of the water content in fresh chicken).

Next, look for the common allergens: corn, wheat, artificial colors, and artificial preservatives. Always consult your vet before changing your pet’s diet to make sure they get the best nutrition possible for their age, activity level, and any existing conditions.

Pet Chef Express is a Grant Park based company that delivers all natural food to your door. James and Bridget are happy to answer additional questions about the formulas you’re currently feeding, or their own formulas of dog food.