One of the most often discussed topics in my store is dog food. But, before we get into information about dog food, let's look at the history of our beloved furry friend.

Between 30,000 and 40,000 years ago during the late Pleistocene there was a species of wolf known as a Megafaunal Wolf that fed on very large animals known as Pleistocene Megafauna (any herbivore mammal of that era that weighed in excess of 97 pounds) . These large extinct wolves (approximately 150 pounds) had larger teeth and stronger bites allowing them to feed on animals as large as mammoths, easily tearing the meat and crushing the bones with their scissored premolars. While modern wolves are also related to the Megafauanl Wolf, their lineage is separate from domestic dogs that have more genetic markers common with the extinct species than our current apex predator.

Sometime during the existence of the Megafaunal Wolf, man began interacting with them and domesticating the species. One example was recently found frozen in permafrost estimated to be around 18,000 years old. As man domesticated the animals their structure, temperament, and diets changed.

Charles Darwin demonstrated that while natural selection controls the changes in species for optimal survival, we can rapidly accomplish the same thing through artificial selection. The selective breeding process created the dogs we know today, adapting dogs to specific tasks, traits, regions, and even diets.

While many people attempt to change dogs they are still predatory carnivores that depend on high levels of protein to function. When they digest proteins they are broken down into amino acids and restructured into new proteins that can be used in muscles, organs, skin, the brain, and as energy stores. When their distant ancestors took down large prey, they ate everything, including the grains in the stomach of their prey. While being carnivorous, they still ingested complex carbohydrates through the prey they consumed.

Many dogs share a common trait with their distant ancestors in that their stomach acids and intestinal functions make them more or less immune to bacterial issues that would plague other species. Many of us have caught our dogs eating a dead bird or rabbit and have witnessed the dogs having no digestive issues from the encounter.

Let's look at some of the current trends and definitions of ingredients in dog food:

Raw Diets

Many people believe that since their dogs are related to the wolf, and since the wolf eats a raw diet, it is best for their dog to do the same. However, the lifespan of a wolf in the wild is half that of a similarly sized dog fed a scientifically balanced diet. Also, while a dog is not susceptible to bacteria associated with raw meat, that does not mean we are not. When a dog consumes a raw diet, if it is contaminated with Salmonella, that bacteria is retained in the mouth, and if the dog licks itself, its bedding, or other surfaces, then those areas are also contaminated. If your dog is on a raw diet, simply petting it can expose you to Salmonella or Listeria. Recent tests have shown that 20 to 48 percent of all raw diets (including freeze dried) are contaminated with Salmonella and one third contaminated with Listeria. This is why dogs are not allowed to be therapy dogs if they are on a raw diet.

Grain Free

Another fad is grain free. Many think that because their dog is having an allergic reaction to food that it must be grain. That's not necessarily the case. Dogs function well when they have a complex carbohydrate in their food. There are three main parts to their diet (much like ours): protein, complex carbohydrates, and water. Imagine the body is like a fireplace. The protein is the wood that will provide the maximum amount of energy. Complex carbohydrates are like the kindling or fire starter you would use to get the wood burning. Water is the match to ignite the carbohydrates. In a nutshell, water breaks down complex carbohydrates and the body uses those to process the protein. Grain free food requires a carbohydrate in the mix, but that is often done with something like tapioca starch or corn, which are simple carbohydrates. These simple carbohydrates simply don't generate enough long term energy to help the body fully process proteins. However, grain-free foods aren't necessarily bad as long as they have all the necessary vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Very active dogs benefit the most from foods with a complex carbohydrate (brown rice, sweet potatoes, etc.). Some grain free foods (not all) have been found to be lacking in taurine and/or carnitine. The absence of these amino acids have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

Hydrolyzed Protein

Hydrolyzed protein isn't a fad. This is protein chemically broken down in a way so that it is easily digested with water. Some dogs require a protein that is extremely easy to digest due to digestive abnormalities or ultra sensitive stomachs. But, only necessary if deemed so by your veterinarian.

Meal

There are folks who avoid foods made with meal. With this they are cheating their dog out of a high source of protein. Basically, meal is where meat is boiled until it dissolves and then dried into a powder, much like whey protein that we consume. This extracts a high quality protein from the meat and makes it easy to digest much like hydrolyzed protein. When purchasing a food made with meal make sure the animal is mentioned first (e.g. buffalo meal, chicken meal, salmon meal, etc.). Avoid foods that simply use the term "meat" meal or by-product meal, like chicken by-product meal. Meat meal or by-product meals are made with the parts of the animal that can't be used commercially. Think of the non-consumable stuff they won't use in hot dogs.

Canned Foods

Canned foods are extremely low in protein and high in water. A healthy amount of protein in a healthy dog's diet should be between 20% and 30%. Canned food typically only contains around 7% protein. It can also contribute to canine plaque and periodontitis resulting in bad breath and loss of teeth. I never recommend soft foods for dogs. The exception is for special needs dogs where they have no teeth or have lost the ability to chew hard foods due to age or injury.

Pea Protein and Potato Protein

You will sometimes see these ingredients in foods. Their sole function is to increase the protein percentages in the food. They are an extremely inexpensive way to add proteins to the food without providing the complex meat proteins dogs need.

What to look for and avoid in a dog Food

I really like a high quality kibble. Make sure the first ingredient is a high quality protein and the second ingredient is a complex carbohydrate. Foods should meet AAFCO standards (it will be on their label). When buying a food, ask if the manufacturer utilizes a board certified veterinary nutritionist. If you don't know what something means on the label, ask.

Veterinarian approved doesn't mean anything on the label and should be ignored. Avoid foods that use corn as dog's have problems digesting corn. Watch out for corn syrups (yes, there are dog foods that use those), and foods with onion or garlic powder in the food. Those can upset your dog's stomach as they are poisonous in large quantities.

The Easy Tell

When you get your dog on a quality food, watch for certain signs of health. Their stool should be firm and pass easily. A lack of quality complex carbohydrates can cause constipation. Poor protein or too many carbs or fiber can cause loose stool. If they itch, lose hair, or have an odor, their food is not working for them. Some dogs react to the additives in food, while others may react to chicken or ruminant animals (cows, bison, buffalo). There are dogs who are yeast sensitive or who react to pea protein.

Don't be afraid to change your dog's food if they appear to have problems. You don't have to pay a veterinarian to get help with food unless your dog has a medical issue. Try different proteins to see what works best for your dog. You'll be surprised what good foods can do for your dog.