Are All Dog Food The Same? 5 Signs Your Kibble Is Good

Part of your duty as a pet owner is closely monitoring your dog’s overall health.

Meticulous pet owners sometimes even check the labels of the dog food they purchase just to ensure its quality.

For longtime dog owners, however, this has become second nature. They already know what to look for and what will be best for their dogs.

By looking at the dog food label, they can see if it’s a good brand.

If you also want to learn about the telltale signs of a good dog food product, read on!

We’ll discuss more about:

• Kibble flavors that you should purchase.
• Dog food ingredients that can be bad for your dogs.
• Factors that might contribute to your dog not eating well.

What is a good dog food for dogs?

When looking for dog food, you must check its protein source. High-quality protein sources include beef, chicken, and salmon. Low grain content is also desirable since it’s an indicator of low levels of fillings. Buying ones with probiotics and those formulated for your dog’s age is also beneficial.

5 signs your dog food is good

There’s no surefire way of knowing whether a kibble brand is perfect for your pet. However, there are a few things that pet owners must prioritize when checking pet food labels, which we’ll talk about in detail.

Protein source

A key component of any good dog is its protein source. Dogs mostly eat a meat-based diet and need a healthy protein source.

For this reason, you need to see what the protein source of your dog food is. Some brands cut costs and use low-quality meat by-products, which are far inferior compared to non-by-product meats.

“What type of meat should I look for”?

The most common ones in the market are: 

• Beef.
• Salmon.
• Chicken. 

These protein sources are tasty for dogs and packed with nutrients for their growth and overall health.

Low grain content

Grains are generally safe for dogs. However, some canines are sensitive to grains and other cheap sources of carbohydrates.

Some of the common issues dogs develop when they frequently eat grains include:

• Digestive issues.
• Allergic reactions.
• Gut health problems.

These things can lead to your furry friend not eating well, leading to several health problems. These include having: 

• Low energy levels.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Dull and patchy coat.
• Unhealthy weight loss.
• Weakened immune system.

As much as possible, try to look for kibble brands that have low levels of grain content, such as:

• Corn.
• Wheat.
• Rice bran.

Probiotics

Dogs have unique digestive needs and, therefore, will have specific nutritional requirements.

Probiotics are an important component of your dog’s gut health. This is why buying kibble brands that contain beneficial bacteria specifically formulated for dogs.

Your dog will have a better digestive system with the right type and amount of probiotics. They will also have lesser chances of experiencing gas, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Age-specific formula

Like humans, dogs also have different nutritional needs depending on their age.

Each age level will have a specific level of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. This is why it would be better to buy dry dog food made specifically for your dog’s age.

Puppies, for example, will need a higher level of calcium and phosphorous to help build their bones and teeth.

On the other hand, senior dogs will need lower levels of phosphorus to help keep their livers healthy.

If you purchase dog kibble not made specifically for your dog’s age, they might not get the required nutrients. An excess of certain ingredients can also cause illnesses in canines.

Certifications and recognitions

Having certain certifications and recognitions from governing bodies is also a huge plus in knowing the quality of a dog food brand.

One of the most well-known organizations in the world is the Association of American Feed Control Officials or AAFCO. If the pet food you buy follows the AAFCO set standards, there’s a high chance it has top-notch quality.

There are only a handful of brands that have all the aforementioned qualities. One is Taste of the Wild, which we highly recommend and use for our beloved Chow Chow, Monika!

What we recommend: Taste of the Wild Canine Pacific Stream (Salmon Flavor)

One of SnoryPaw’s trusted brands when it comes to dog kibble is Taste of the Wild.

A major reason why we recommend this brand is because they have an egg-free recipe. This means that the protein source of every dog food bag comes from high-quality meats - in this case, salmon (Monika’s favorite!).

The company also ensures its formulation is safe for canines with sensitive tummies. They do this by adding canine-specific probiotics while being grain-free.

This is also the dog food Dubai pet owners love. They’re also highly popular in the UAE and GCC areas due to their reputation and quality.

If you want to pick up a few bags of kibble from Taste of the Wild, we got you! 

Just click this link, and you can check out a few bags.

How much food should I feed my dog?

Dogs have different nutritional needs, which will vary depending on their breed, age, and activity levels.

Generally speaking, you can use this table from Taste of the Wild as a reference:

A good indicator that your pupper eats the right amount is that they’re not gaining unnecessary weight. On the other hand, they should also not go below their recommended weight.

Reminder: It’s still best to consult your vet to see how much dog food your furry friend should eat. They have a complete picture of your dog’s health and will be able to pinpoint their needs.

Why is my dog not eating his food?

Dogs not eating their food goes beyond them being picky eaters. There could be other underlying issues that can be remedied once you figure out what it might be. Who knows, it could be a simple solution that could be done in a few minutes.

Some of the major reasons why dogs don’t eat their food include:

• Spoiled food.
• Dental issues.
• Change in dog food/diet.
• Uncomfortable environment.
• Illnesses leading to loss of appetite.

If you think your furry friend is experiencing any health-related issues causing their poor appetite, visit your vet as soon as possible.