Natural Dog Food – 7 Benefits & Free Calculator

Natural Dog Food: Advantages, Components and Bestsellers

The nutrition of your dog influences the energy levels, coat, digestive health, and the life span of your dog directly. However, a lot of commercial dog food is comprised of artificial food additives, by-products, and fillers which do not add much nutritional value. Replacing your dog food with natural one can change the health of your dog, but to learn what actually makes food natural, one will need more than reading labels on the package.

What Would Be natural Dog Food?

Natural dog food is made of whole and least processed foods that are free of artificial colors, synthetic preservatives, and artificial preservatives. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines natural as any food that comes only out of the plant, animal, or mined source that has not been manufactured by chemically synthetic processes.
This definition is however limited. A product that contains a label of natural may have highly processed ingredients or low quality sources of proteins. This natural dog food must give priority:

The first ingredient is whole meat proteins

Familiar vegetables and fruits

• Preservation techniques of a natural origin (such as mixed tocopherols).
• The less processing with preservation of nutrients.
• No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Organic dog food goes one step further and demands certified organic ingredients that are produced without the use of pesticides, synthetic manure or GMOs. All organic foods are natural foods but not all natural foods are organic.

Major Advantages of Natural Dog Food

Improved Digestibility

Natural formulas are usually less in fillers such as corn, wheat and soy. Dogs digest entire proteins and vegetables more effectively, which results in enhanced absorption of nutrients and small and hard stools. Numerous owners of pets complain of a decrease in gas and bloating in 2 weeks of transition.

Enhanced Immune Function

The natural dog food brands use nutrient-rich ingredients that contain antioxidants, omega fatty acids and vitamins. The immune-enhancing substances cannot be produced by synthetic supplements and can only be found in blueberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Experiments indicate that dogs that are fed whole-food diets have a better immune system against pathogens.

Better Weight Management

Complex carbohydrates and quality proteins offer long lasting energy with no spikes in blood sugar levels. The empty calories are less in the natural foods and this means that it is easy to ensure your dog maintains the right weight. This is particularly useful in breeds which are likely to become higher-weight or diabetic.

Healthier Skin and Coat

The fish and flax seed oils contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that positively impact the skin by making its coat shiny and decreasing inflammation in the skin. Even dogs that are allergic or dry to the skin have been known to improve dramatically when given the natural formulas that have these vital nutrients.

Increased Vitality and Energy.

Whole food nutrition supports the functioning of a cell compared with processed options. The owners have often noticed that dogs on natural ration show more playfulness, greater endurance in walks and mental alertness.

Critical Ingredients to Consider – Dog Food

Premium Protein Sources

The top three elements must contain called meat proteins:

• Deboned chicken, turkey or duck: Poultry proteins are highly digestible.
• Salmon or whitefish: Omega-3 that keeps the skin healthy.
• Beef or lamb: Red meat proteins contain nutrients.
• Organ meats: Liver and heart contain nutrients in high concentration.

Do not use such generic words as meat meal or animal by-products because these terms show variable or poor sources of proteins.

Wholesome Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are energy giving:

• Pumpkin (digestive support) and sweet potatoes.
• Oatmeal and brown rice (non-stimulating sources of fiber)
• Lentils and peas (legumes which contain protein)
• Quinoa (whole grain substitute of protein)

Dietary Healthy Fruits and Vegetables

Find out produce with antioxidants:

• Berry (urinary tract health) -blueberries and cranberries.
• Spinach and carrots (vitamin A and iron)
• Apples (digestive fiber)
• Kale (phytonutrients and minerals)

Natural Preservatives – Natural Dog Food

There are brands that consider vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or vitamin C (ascorbic acid) instead of chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

Best Natural Dog Food Brands To Be Taken into Account.

On the review of the natural dog foods, the ingredient transparency, manufacturing standards, and nutritional adequacy statements should be examined.

• Wellness CORE provides protein-oriented grain-free formulas which contain named meat as the main ingredient. Their recipes contain probiotics that are helpful in digestive shots and glucosamine that aids in joint support.
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness is characterized by high-protein formulas that have LifeSource Bits- cold-formed nuggets of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which do not affect their nutritional value.
  Taste of the Wild offers grain-free meals based on the prehistoric dog food, with the use of new sources of protein such as bison, venison, and roasted fowl in addition to fruits and vegetables.
• Only Natural Pet focuses on the limited-ingredient formulas, which are ideal to dogs that are sensitive. Their culinary traditions focus on one-protein products and the least possible additives.
• Castor & Pollux Organix is USDA Organic certified, which means that its ingredients are of high standards, according to agricultural requirements. Their recipes use organic proteins with super foods such as coconut oil and chia seeds.

Best Pro Tips on switching to Natural Dog Food

Sudden food transition may upset the digestive system of your dog. These are professional suggestions, follow them:
Gradual Transition Method

• Day 1-3: New food/current food 25/75.
• Days 4-6: Increase to 50% new, 50% old
• Days 7-9: Feed 75% new, 25% old
• Day 10: Switching to 100 percent natural food.

Monitor Your Dog’s Response

Observe such positive changes as energy, shinier coat, and improved stool. Certain dogs do undergo a temporary digestive adaptation (soft stool or light gases) during the first week often it goes away as their digestive system becomes accustomed to it.

Store Food Properly

The natural dog food does not contain any artificial preservations and thus it must be preserved properly. Store bags in cool and dry places. Refrigeration of opened canned goods and consumption of dry food not more than six weeks after opening.

Common Mistakes to Avoid – Dog Food

The misunderstanding of Natural and Grain-Free

Natural does not necessarily imply grain free, Other dogs are good on whole grains such as brown rice and oats which contain good fibers and nutrients. Grain-free is only a choice that is taken when your dog is found to be sensitive to grain.

Ignoring Calorie Density

The natural formulas also tend to have more calories per cup than the traditional food as they are rich in protein and fats. Change the portions to avoid gaining weight.

Ignoring Life Stage Requirements

There is a difference in nutritional requirements of puppies, adults, and older. Check that the food complies with AAFCO guidelines of the particular stage of your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions – Dog Food

What is the price of natural dog food in comparison with ordinary brands?

Natural dog food is usually pricier by 20-40 percent as compared to conventional. Nevertheless, good digestibility can also lead to dogs consuming less food per meal and better health can also save on the long term veterinary costs.

Will my picky eater take natural dog food?

Natural formulas are favored by most dogs due to the fact that they are made of actual meat and they do not have artificial flavor boosters which attract addictive eating habits. The transition period is used to make dogs adapt to the real food flavors.

Is it possible to feed puppies on natural dog food?

Absolutely. Select formulas with puppy or all life display. Puppies have increased protein and fat requirements to enable the rapid growth and development.

What is the shelf life of natural dog food?

When kept in good condition, dry natural dog food has a shelf life of 6-8 weeks. Natural food in cans has a refrigerated shelf life of 3-5 days. People should always examine the date of expiry before buying.

Would you recommend adding vitamins to natural dog food?

The whole and balanced natural dog food recipes have all the required nutrients. There is no general need to add extra supplementation unless your veterinarian finds that there is a particular deficiency.

Switching: Why Your Dog Should Be Better

The decision to feed your dog with natural food is a long-term investment in the health and life of your pet. You can deliver nutritional benefits to ensure optimum physical performance and energy by focusing on whole foods, eliminating artificial preservatives, and choosing well-known brands.

The first one is to read the labels attentively on the packaging of the ingredients, compare possible sources of proteins and consider the needs of your dog in terms of age, activity level, and sensitivities. Converting to all natural dog food could need time and change of direction but the benefits; better digestion, better immunity and all the other benefits make it worth it.
Your pet is relying on you to make nutrition choices that determine the health of your dog. Natural dog food is a quality of life back to natural, species-appropriate nutrition that should be processed by the digestive system of dogs. The more transparent their ingredient list the more transparent can be your conscience about the fuel on which they run their day-by-day adventures.