Fillers In Dog Food

Be thoughtful when it comes to purchasing natural dog food.

Fillers in dog food.

It can come in many forms and names but is still considered to be just a filler. The ingredients typically thought of as dog food fillers corn wheat soy rice etc don t actually fit the description of fillers. There is no regulation when it comes to using the definition and all foods that call themselves natural are not necessarily created equal points out jamie richardson the medical chief of staff at small door veterinary a nyc based practice still if you are eager for a dog food that s responsibly formulated and free. Though it is a more complex carbohydrate it does very little in way of nutritional value.

For example the benefuls originals with real beef dry dog food lists beef as the main ingredient but it also contains five fillers or by products. Another common filler used in dry dog food is rice. There are also numerous artificial colors and flavors in their dog foods. Beneful s wet dog food products are made with wheat corn and soy ingredients as well as artificial flavors.

The best grain free dog foods typically contain more protein than those made with grain. When it comes to such a hotly debated topic here s our argument. Why are these ingredients used if they don t offer much benefit. What is a dog food filler.

Premium dog food will include meat for protein vitamin packed vegetables and fruit and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat freeman told nbc news adding it s also likely to have fewer fillers. Beet pulp tomato pumice the fiber in beans potatoes sweet potatoes and vegetables are true fillers. The only ingredients in pet food that fit that requirement are fibers. The best dog foods should contain quality ingredients such as whole meat fresh vegetables and quality grains or other sources of carbohydrate such as sweet potato.

But don t just take our word at face value let s break down the description and see if each of these filler ingredients fits the mold. Some higher end brands even go as far as selecting only locally sourced or organic ingredients. But many are made with grain substitutes that can upset the nutrient balance of the finished food. These ingredients fill out the food but they offer little in terms of nutrient value.

This formula is free from grain corn wheat filler artificial flavors colors or preservatives. That s because the 2 most common ingredients used to replace the corn rice and other cereal grains found in other dog foods include. The tomatoes blueberries and raspberries present in the formula will also help supplement these effects by providing your dog with valuable antioxidants and vitamins.