Finding the best dog food might not be so easy. After all… have you ever noticed how many different dog food “designs” there are out there these days?
High protein. Low carbohydrate. All-natural. Organic. Grain-free. Raw diet.
The list goes on and on.
You know, after years of searching for “the best” dog food, I’ve finally come to the following conclusion…
The ‘Perfect’ Dog Food
Doesn’t Exist
Yeah… yeah… I know. So-and-so says there’s nothing better for your dog than the Blah-Blah diet.
And your next door neighbor’s veterinarian recommends you only feed that special dog food… that he just so happens to sell.
Yet once you eliminate all the emotion… the marketing hype… and the greed… it all comes down to science.
And just one critical question…
What would a dog eat if she could choose for herself?
Dogs Don’t Come with an Owner’s Manual
Now… since dogs don’t come with written instructions… all we can do is try to find a nutritious feeding plan that works. And follow it.
But that’s the problem. There are dozens of feeding strategies… and literally thousands of commercial dog foods out there.
So, which one should you buy? Which plan should you follow?
You know, it’s all very confusing.
That’s why it’s such a good idea to have in your mind a picture of what the ideal dog food might look like… a model blueprint… a benchmark recipe against which all other dog foods may be compared.
That way, you’ll actually recognize a good dog food when you finally see it.
So, let’s go back in time to see what the preferred diet of the world’s first dogs must have looked like.
From Wolf… to Woof
in Just a Few Thousand Years
Today, it’s commonly believed that the dog first evolved directly from the wolf about 15,000 years ago somewhere in Central Asia1.
Now, of course, it should come as no surprise… wolves were… and still are… meat eating animals. Their teeth, their digestive systems and their behavior clearly confirm this fact.
But dogs have evolved over thousands of years in the constant shadow of Man… mostly surviving on the very food scraps and leftovers of human existence.
So, like Man… dogs are capable of consuming a widely diverse diet.
Are Dogs Carnivores… or Not?
Now, before we go any further… it’s important to make an important distinction.
One way or another, all animals are either…
- Carnivores (animal eaters)
- Herbivores (plant eaters)
- Omnivores (consumers of both animals and plants)
Dogs are, by their very genetic pedigree… carnivores… not herbivores (plant-eaters). Their teeth, their digestive systems and their behavior clearly confirm this fact.
Now, to be fair… and more accurate… dogs must also be given credit for their significant omnivorous ability, too.
After all, it’s true. They do have the ability to eat a remarkably diverse diet. But it’s wrong to ignore the fact that their bodies are optimized for eating meat.
Simply put…
Dogs can eat a variety of foods. But they naturally prefer meat
Even today’s canine digestive system still retains much of its original meat-optimized design of a dog’s earlier ancestors.
A Dog’s Ancestral Diet vs. Today’s Kibble
So, what should the protein-fat-carbohydrate breakdown of a dog’s diet look like?
Well, let’s compare a dog’s natural ancestral diet2 with the nutrient content of a typical dry dog food3…
After looking at this table something should become immediately obvious… the contrast.
It looks like the pet food industry may have taken advantage of the dog’s remarkable willingness to eat just about anything.
Notice the higher carbohydrate content of the kibble compared to the dog’s natural ancestral diet. Or how about the dramatically lower protein and fat levels?
OK… maybe the ancestral diet represents an extreme. But considering the dog’s evolutionary changes… it just seems that the pet food industry may have gone too far in the opposite direction.
It all comes down to a matter of common sense.
These two feeding plans are clearly too far apart.
Doesn’t it make sense for a dog’s diet to be more balanced… more like the canine ancestral diet? With more protein and fat… and fewer carbohydrates?
A design so many dog food companies choose to ignore.
If you agree with me, then you’ll probably want to pay close attention to the following seven suggestions…
What Would the Ideal Dog Food Look Like?
Well, compared to the average cost-first grocery store product, the ideal dog food would probably be…
1. Higher in meat-based protein
2. Higher in natural fats and oils
3. Lower in carbohydrates
4. Formulated from a named (non-generic) animal source
5. Free of animal or vegetable by-products
6. Free of artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives
7. Complete in all essential vitamins and minerals
So, relax… and take comfort in the fact that most canine feeding plans can actually work. Raw diets. Grain-free diets. Even vegetarian diets can work.
Yet when taken to an extreme… feeding 100% meat… or 100% barley… or 100% one (and only one) dog food… you run the risk of depriving your dog of at least one (or more) important nutrients.
Just the fact that so many dog foods even exist is more a testimonial to how incredibly tolerant these amazing creatures really are…and not the technical design of the products themselves.
Is It Really Worth All This Effort?
Am I just dreaming when I talk about this ideal dog food stuff?
Probably. But I want you to know I care a lot about your dog. And I want you to take whatever precautions you can to protect her.
So, take the time… make the effort… to give your best friend something closer to what she might actually choose for herself. Remember… your dog’s counting on you.
And of course, never forget…
Bad dog food sucks. Pass it on.
- Lindblad-Toh K, Wade CM, Mikkelsen TS, et al, “Genome sequence, comparative analysis and haplotype structure of the domestic dog”, December 2005, Nature 438 (7069): 803–19 ↩
- Brown S., Taylor B., “See Spot Live Longer”, 2007 Creekobear Press, Eugene, OR USA, pp 51-61 ↩
- National Research Council, National Academy of Science, “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats”, 2006 Edition, National Academies Press, Washington, DC, p 317 ↩
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Couldn’t agree with you more. I think “ideal” is a lofty ideal, but I make dog food with food as the ingredient base, and believe in variety. I have not bought the same kibbbel twice in a four month period for the last two years and I feed real food (raw, cooked, meat, vegies, grains, etc with every meal. I am sure my product (I make food for dogs commercially) fits your criteria . I believe they need real food as they had for the past 14,950 years before we started feeding them dry cereal as if it was a natural diet.
I base my philosophy much on Michael Pollan with a twist. For humans, Michael Pollan says “eat food, mostly vegetables, not much” in In Defense of Food. For Dogs, I say “eat food, mostly MEAT and vegetables, not much”. My dogs thrive on my varied meals of both high end kibble and my own recipes made of whole foods. We eat much of the same foods.
Dogs are carnivores, but they are also opportunistic eaters. They will eat non-meat foods during famine, but they must have a diet that is primarily meat, bone and organ.
They can also have a sweet tooth, much like humans, so occasionally dogs will be seen eating berries. Just because they “can” eat these items, it does not mean they should. After all, we can eat ice cream, but we certainly wouldn’t thrive on a diet of ice cream alone.
Dogs differ from the gray wolf by only .2% mDNA, so evolution is not a valid argument that dogs are different than wolves. Domestication has changed the looks and temperament of the animals, not their dietary needs.
Starting at the mouth, there are no physiological characteristics that would even hint that a dog would eat anything but meat. They have no flat teeth for grinding foods. Their jaws are hinged and move only up and down – not sideways to allow for turning veggies and fruits to mush. Their saliva does not aid in digestion. They crush their food in as few bites as possible and swallow as whole and as large as possible. They do not chew for digestion.
I prefer a prey-model diet for my dogs. I do not feed vegetables, grains, fruits, nor do I offer any oils other than salmon oil.
Feeding grains or vegetable oils to dogs, or even to humans, increases inflammatory issues like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, mental disorder and a host of other medical issues. This is due to the omega 6 essential fatty acids. Removing grains, grain-fed meats and vegetable oils reduces the prevalence of O6. By boosting the omega 3 EFAs, by supplementing with salmon oil, you’re aiding your dogs health immensely.
Lastly, by feeding meat, bone and organs that you purchase or hunt you are ensuring the quality of the foods fed to your dogs (cats and ferrets too). Dog food companies, regardless of their quality claims, are out to make a profit. Fillers and sub-par ingredients are a sure-fire way of keeping profits high.
Hi Dave… your points are well-taken. But not all commercial dog foods are bad just because they’re processed. Many manufacturers are fairly conscientious and routinely produce very high quality products. Some are even based upon a more “ancestral” diet like what I mentioned in my article. My previous article “Are Dogs Carnivores… or Omnivores?” takes a closer look at the question itself. By the way, profit isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many fine products we all consume every day generate profits for lots of well-meaning companies. My problem is only with companies that put profits first… ahead of the ultimate welfare of our wonderful pets. I plan to begin publishing my ratings sometime in November 2009, so please come back. Dave… thanks for your interesting comment.
Hi Mike – Thanks for the reply.
I’ll start off by saying that I strongly disagree with your statement: “…not all commercial dog foods are bad just because they’re processed.” I cannot be convinced that a quality product can result from combining a batch of foods, or by-products, that have been ground, crushed, mashed, rendered, heated, pressed and extruded. Even if the best possible ingredients were used, the cooking process pretty much voids the nutritional value of those foods.
Conversely, take quality bone-in meats and feed these to your pets and they are enjoying their meal as nature intended. The dog (or cat or ferret) will enjoy a mental challenge in figuring out how to eat the offering. The dog will gain physically from having to chew through meat and bone and possibly hide, depending on what is being served. The teeth will be cleaned. The jaws with be strengthened. Etc.
Also, please compare the moisture content of the two foods: Kibble has little to no moisture, where raw is full of moisture. In fact, kibble taxes the digestive system because it robs the system of moisture. Dogs MUST have water available after eating kibble to aid in digestion. A raw fed dog will actually drink less water because they are gaining moisture from the foods they eat.
Please read through this document: http://www.rawmeatybones.co.uk/articles/Nexus07_pub_articletext.pdf. I found it to be very educational.
Lastly, I will be back to the site, as I find it educations. I also find fault with companies that prey on consumers by using inferior products, in lieu of profits, and at the expense of our pets. I will whole-heartedly agree to that.
Hi Dave… I certainly do agree with your concept that fresh, unprocessed ingredients usually make for healthier foods. Who could possibly argue with the fact that fresh is better?
But here’s the “real-life” challenge (as I see it)… It’s simply unrealistic to assume that everyone has the ability (or the desire) to feed their pets a raw diet like the one you suggest… even though it’s probably better. Most people are either too busy or don’t seem to value feeding their pet this way. Plus it’s important to recognize the fact that many people simply can’t afford the cost.
A good quality commercial dog food can successfully fulfill an important need… and when scientifically designed and produced with care, it can help satisfy a dog’s overall nutritional requirements, too.
I can see you are passionate about raw feeding. As a true believer in the “ancestral diet” I plan to address this fascinating subject in later articles. And at that time, I welcome you to share more of your excellent knowledge regarding this unique approach.
Thanks for another compelling comment.
Hi Mike…been looking with particular interest at all your articles on canine nutrition, and you give a lot of interesting and very valid points. One issue that I haven’t seen covered which I believe is HIGHLY relevant when considering a dog’s diet is the amount of exercise in relation to nutrition – and because of this is find your ‘ancestral diet’ comparison slightly misleading.
True there’s little genetic difference between dogs and wolves so in theory the ‘ancestral diet’ should apply to both, but this doesn’t take into consideration the difference in ‘lifestyle’ between the domestic dog and wild dog species. African wild dogs can cover several hundred km, dingoes average round 20km and wolves have been tracked travelling up to 50km a day – how many modern domestic dogs do even close to that on a daily basis?
While I applaud the ideals of natural food/high protein diets, I do however think that you have a responsibilty to make people aware of other health issues that can arise from incorrect administration of unbalanced high protein diets (such as kidney problems). Apart from in the case of puppies or true working dogs, high protein diets can often be MORE deleterious (than commercial ‘kibble’) to the long term health of a dog – if only by health issues associated to weight gain. The majority of dog owners don’t have the time to exercise their dogs enough, let alone the time or knowledge to prepare nutritionally correct dog food. On the other hand, while consumers continue to expect the best product at a cheap price, the ingredients will never improve – this is one case where people must put their money where their mouth is to see change.
Of course in an ideal world dogs would receive the correct amount of exercise and perfect nutrition – in a cheap, easily servable, easily storable form! In the same world my dog would also bring me coffee, do the ironing, make my dinner…
Hi Rachel… thanks for your interesting comment. I’ll try to address both of your concerns. First, this article was only intended to suggest what an ideal canine diet might look like… in other words, the “qualities” of a good food. I made no effort here to discuss “quantity”. Of course, a dog’s daily energy requirements are directly related to her age and activity level… her life stage as well as her lifestyle. This is a critical point. Our dog food serving size calculator (located elsewhere on this website) requires a dog’s activity level in order to compute a proper serving size. This has little to do with whether a dog is fed an ancestral diet (or not). As to your second issue, modern veterinary science no longer believes renal health to be negatively impacted by a high protein diet. As a matter of fact, low protein may actually “cause” renal dysfunction. For an excellent review of this more up-to-date concept, I refer you to an important article by Dr. Kenneth C. Bovee (a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine) entitled, “Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function“. Thanks to your suggestion, Rachel, I plan to cover these two important issues in future articles. Thanks for calling them to our reader’s attention.
Hi Mike – I understand that your intention was/is to aim for an ideal dog diet, but few dogs’ lives in the modern world match the original ‘design’ – in the same way humans don’t live in trees or eat in the same way as chimpanzees – adaptation to some degree is necessary. I not saying its a bad thing to feed your dog large quantities of meat in an attempt to reduce carbs and reproduce a natural diet, but what were the chickens or livestock fed on?…most likely Grain!
How far removed from kibble is it really?
I agree that low/high protein diets do not directly affected renal health. More I was (mentally) refering to your 100% meat comment above and also the fact that (as you said in your great article on amino acids) those essential acids that cannot be synthesized by a dog need to be present in the diet – hence why I used the term ‘unbalanced high protein diet’ for the sake of brevity. I used kidney problems as an an example purely because one of the first signs of nutritional deficiency dog-owners often notice will be changes to a dogs’ elimination and drinking habits.
Certain breeds are known to be more prone to certain health problems due to amino deficiencies (eg L-carnitine in boxers or taurine in cocker spaniels – both which can lead to heart failure) – these issues I think should be addressed.
Exercise is relevant to diet as it not only effects how food is metabolised, but both can have an effect on such things as blood pressure (which in turn can effect regulation of the renal circulation, cardiovascular function and the blood flow to major organs), and rates of TMG utilization/production (where glucose in excess of the needs for energy is converted in the liver and muscles to glycogen and stored as fat, which can lead to canine obesity and all sorts of other health issues).
At the end of the day ingredients are not as important as nutrition. Along with a properly balanced amino acid content, the amount of ‘digestible’ protein is what counts for proper nutrition, not the amount of “crude” protein.
Hi Rachel… I think we’re probably saying much the same thing. As I mentioned in this post, using common sense is crucial… as well as avoiding extremes. A dog’s immediate ancestors were carnivores. And yes, of course, they have evolved. But 15,000 years (or so) in the science of evolution isn’t much time for major anatomical changes to become permanent. The reason I wrote this post was more to protest against how so many dog food companies have taken advantage of the dog’s “remarkable ability to eat just about anything”. There’s a huge difference between feeding 14% carbohydrates… and 74% carbohydrates. So, I use the Canine Ancestral Diet not as a “law”… but as a guideline… a benchmark. Otherwise, what do we shoot for? By the way, I am trying to limit the focus of this blog not for general canine health issues but rather dog food quality. In the business of dog food… ingredients ARE the most important clue as to the quality of a product. How could it be otherwise? As many of my previous posts prove, I am keenly aware of the difference between protein quality (biological value, digestibility, etc.) versus quantity. I developed my macronutrient dashboard not to glorify “crude” protein but because it is the only protein measurement manufacturers actually provide. I wish we could all get more detailed information. But the Ingredients List and the Guaranteed Analysis are basically all we get.
Hi again Mike…possibly we are saying much the same thing – just coming at it from different perspectives – for me what’s NOT been added to a dog food is often a better indication of nutritional ‘value’ than the ‘listed’ ingredients. (For example does NOT have ambiguous generic meat ingredients, byproduct meals or corn as the first ingredient, non-specific oil sources such as animal fat, poultry fat, vegetable oil, generic fish oil, mineral oil, potato product, middlings/mids, unspecified grain products, hulls, sweeteners, dyes etc).
Also bear in mind that meat meal (similar to high-protein freeze-dried meats) adds a more concentrated amount of animal protein but has less moisture content than fresh meat so will show as a lesser overall percentage of weight, while fresh meat, though less processed, adds far less concentrated animal protein to a product, since 60-75% of the weight is water, (which is removed during the manufacturing process).
Sure I agree that there are ‘dog food’ manufacturers who spend more on marketing than ingredients, but there are others who have been slated for using organs and muscle meat, which along with eggs are some of the most complete, most digestible protein sources for dogs. (When wolves bring down an animal what do they do first? Rip open the stomach and eat the internal organs!)
Bad dog food DOES suck, but I’ve met too many people who believe “what’s good for me is good for my dog”, believe dog food should be human grade meat (when there is NO legal definition for human grade in pet foods) and might interpret general advise as ‘All Manufactured Dog Food Sucks’…
…most are still WAAAAAY better than a dog diet based on table scraps.
Hi Rachel… true, a wolf DOES eat organ meat (and maybe even first). But a wolf never kills to eat ONLY the “by-products”. She consumes (mostly) the whole animal.
And that’s what’s so wrong about feeding a dog a commercial pet food loaded with by-products… day-after-day, year-after-year… endlessly. They’re OK as a food… on occasion.
But pets represent a captive audience. They are forced to eat only what we put in front of them… only what we ALLOW them to eat. They cannot make free choices.
By feeding a fixed, unvaried “by-products” diet, you are removing the rest of the animal… the prime cuts of striated muscle… leaving our dogs “the waste”. Over time, this cannot be natural… not the way nature intended the process to take place.
By the way, I have repeatedly pointed out throughout this blog that meat meals (when specifically “named”) can be a high-quality source of protein. And I regularly use the phrase “meat concentrate” to describe them.
But I cannot endorse “concentrates” of by-products (consisting of glands, organs, etc.) at the expense of quality muscle… just because they’re high in protein.
Let’s face it… to remain competitive, the dog food industry is notorious for using some of the cheapest (lowest quality) ingredients available.
And that is precisely why I created this website. I want to help my readers recognize (and patronize) the more thoughtful, conscientious manufacturers out there.
And avoid their “profits-first” competitors.
Hi Mike…Firstly, at no point have I advocated a diet or kibble based solely on meat meal – specified or otherwise. I was just pointing out that a kibble choice based purely on listed protein content in relation to listed carb content is not as straightforward as it seems, and meat protein sources should not be immediately written off because they are not the ‘fillet’ cuts favored by humans for their own diet.
After all,”chicken meal” could be a product made only from high-quality, deboned chicken breasts (there are a few!), or it could be made from the whole carcasses of old battery hens. Unfortunately, it’s up to consumers to contact manufacturers to find out this type of information…unless you do it for them Mike?!?
Secondly – if you feed a kibble that only contains fresh meat, the actual proportion of meat to grains or other carbohydrate sources is very low – and thus species inappropriate for an animal that is a meat eater by nature, with a digestive tract designed to process mainly meats and fat.
So for those who feed their dog only dry food – like most people do – kibble will make up almost all of a dog’s food intake, therefore it makes sense to look for a product that does contain one or more concentrated sources of animal protein in form of a (specified) meal (either by itself, or in combination with fresh meats). The other option is combining a kibble that’s fairly low in animal protein with fresh meat or high-quality canned food containing 95-100% meat, which has the advantage of adding less-processed meat to the overall diet
Hi Mike – I have more of a question than a comment. I am lucky enough here in Germany to have a butcher 100 yards away who does his own slaughtering of grass-fed beef. So with my border collie bitch (who is just 2 years old) I decided to follow my mother’s example from years ago (when there were no pet foods) and feed her mostly raw shin of beef, which she loves. However I am looking for a good-quality supplement for this as I am concerned that raw meat alone will not give her everything she needs. Do you have any advice for me? What else does she really need?
Hi Nick… there are a number of commercial supplements on the market for situations like yours. But they may not be available close to where you live or right for your particular pet. Here in the US, there are a number of manufacturers (The Honest Kitchen and Sojo Farms, for example) ) that supply products you can use as “mixes”.
These products usually supply the plant-based and micronutrient portion of the dog food while you add your own fresh meat.
I’m planning to review some of these soon. So, stay tuned.
Hi. I have a 3 year old vizsla. She has had many ear infections, occasionally develops hives, and constantly chews on her paws. She take hydroxyzine twice a day. My vet suggested she eat Iams skin and coat response ko to help with itching and in case she has food allergies. Although her coat is much better she recently got hives due to the spring weather. Her ears have not been infected too much but that still exists occasionally too. She has never stopped chewing on her paws. The dog food from the vet is $90 which I can’t afford. But, of course, I want my dog to be allergy free. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for your help.
Hi Kathy… like so many signs and symptoms of disease, not all can be directly traced to food. However, there is a scientific link between certain diseases and the cheap grains used to make many dog foods. If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to read my 2-part article… “Dangerous Canine Diseases Linked to Grains in Dog Food“.
It is our belief that many dogs who suffer from food allergies suffer more from what’s in the grain… rather than from the grain itself.
If you believe your dog may be allergic to cereal grain contamination, look at the top navigation menu our website for the tab labeled “Tag Cloud”. Click on that tab. Then look for the tags “grain-free” or maybe “hypoallergenic” This will list the brands that contain at least one dog food that meets your needs. Look for the 4 or 5-star products.
There may only be one dog food in each brand that meets your requirements… so search with care. And, of course, check with your vet to confirm your choice before feeding it.
Maybe another reader can make a suggestion to help you solve your dog’s problem. Hope this helps.
Hello,
Was at a dog event the other day. A salesperson gave me a sample of “Nature’s Select Super Premium Pet Products” “Chicken Rice and Lamb” “Holistic Formula”. It’s sold nationwide.
The prices, if this is a 5 star food, seem to be much better than the others; because she said they skip the middle man.
Could you please let me know if this is 5 stars?
If it isn’t I believe I’m going to go with the Blue Buffalo Wilderness for my 9-month old lab mix. It’s much less expensive at Petsmart than the other 5 star brands.
Thank you
Hi Adee… thanks to your suggestion, we’re planning to review the Nature’s Select product line in the very near future. So, stay tuned.
Hi Mike,
I checked out this food and was impressed. I will be anxious to see your review. I have started my new pup on the hi protein chicken and rice, along with evangers 100% meat and the honest kitchen. I like mixing things up a bit. Also, Natrues select has told me they are coming out with a grain free formula very soon.
Kim
So, i just found your site and I can’t stop reading everything you have on here!
)
After reading this article, I’m looking for a suggestion regarding food.
My Onyx is an 8yr old Dobie/Shepherd mix, no allergies, not overweight, still spunky (as per her vet) and has always eaten dry food.
Would you suggest a perfect dog food for her?
And, also do you think I should be giving her some wet food also?
I’ve asked her vet and of course they suggest exactly what is on their shelves in the waiting room and I’d like a more unbiased opinion.
thanks for your time and a HUGE thanks for this site!!!!!
shar
Hi Sharon… “Hey, Mike. What’s your favorite dog food?” I get asked that question all the time. But I can honestly say I don’t have one. I do like a number of dog foods I think are better than the others. And most of them are already listed in our 4 and 5-star categories.
By the way, I’ve finally come to the conclusion there are no perfect dog foods out there. Heavens knows I’ve sure looked. But I’ll share with you what works for us. We’ve learned to feed our dog a quality kibble. Then we add a nice canned food as a topper. And mix well. Bailey loves it.
We try to “rotate” the canned foods with each flavor change but using the same product line for the process. Hope this helps.
Hi Mike,
My 8 year labrador has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in one leg and after surgery he is now in the first week of chemotherapy. We are looking for a good brand that covers his needs in this process. We live in an apartment and he is three legged now so he does not exercise a lot . We have been reading that the ideal diet for a dog with cancer would be high quality protein and low carbohydrates, but not sure in which percentage. Could you recommend a good brand?
Thanks in advance and congrats for this site!
Cristina
Hi Cristina… Since I’m not a veterinarian, it would be misleading for me to assure you that a particular food would result in specific health benefits for your dog.
In any case, most of the better quality foods (4 or 5-star here on our website) are generally higher in meat content. And as a rule, the higher the meat content of a food, the higher the protein and fat. That automatically implies lower carb content, too.
Remember, kibble is actually a bakery product. So, as another rule, it’s easier to find canned foods with low carb content.
Why not consider feeding a quality kibble mixed with a quality canned food. Your dog will probably love this mixture. Be sure this concept is in line with your vet’s plan for rehab. Hope this helps.