Choosing what to feed your dog is something that every dog owner has to do. And it’s especially important when it comes to waterfowl dogs, which need the appropriate fuel to retrieve bird after bird in the field.
But navigating dog food brands can be difficult, and reading through the long lists of ingredients in standard kibbles can leave gun dog owners feeling sure about how to provide the appropriate nutrition for their canine hunting buddies. Here’s what you need to know about dog food ingredients.
It’s not really about the ingredients
According to Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, the senior veterinarian for Purina, macronutrients are more important than the ingredients that provide those nutrients. “As humans, we get really focused on ingredients, like whether we’re going to have chicken and spinach or tacos for dinner,” she says. “But what our dogs really need are nutrients like protein, fats, and carbohydrates.”
While some dogs may have mild allergies to chicken or have taste preferences for other ingredients, in general, the most important consideration is providing enough protein and fat. And as for the right protein source? Well, there is “no single perfect protein on its own that can provide all of the amino acids that our dogs need.”
This is why many dog foods have multiple protein sources, regardless of whether they’re labeled as a “salmon” or “beef” based product. And some of those sources might even be classified as “meal” or “byproduct,” which Lobos says is not a big deal—we’ll dig into that later. Instead of fixating on the protein source, gun dog owners should make sure that the chosen kibble has sufficient protein, which is something that a veterinarian can help with. Another good resource is Tufts University’s Petfoodology website, which has a nifty pet food nutrition calculator. Additionally, look for reputable pet food brands that have veterinary experts on staff to help develop their pet food.
Don’t fear grains
According to Lobos, a common refrain she hears from sporting dog owners is that grains like corn are bad dog food ingredients. She says this is an incorrect assumption. “Our dogs are omnivores,” she says. “They have genetically modified themselves over the years and years of domestication. Now, they actually do have the genes to digest carbohydrates in the form of grains, unlike their wolf ancestors. Wheat, rice, and corn are good for things like GI health and providing fiber…corn actually has some really great fatty acids in it. It’s about getting a food that’s a complete package.”
Are “meal” and “by-product” ingredients bad?
Every bag of dog kibble likely has some ingredients you’ve never encountered: byproduct meal of some kind, usually of chicken or fish. The term “by-product meal” doesn’t sound particularly appetizing, but they’re not something that gun dog owners need to avoid. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), animal byproducts “can be safely used to provide nutrition for lots of animals.” In terms of pet food, byproducts are “often the excess materials left over after processing human foods.”
For example, animal by-product meal is typically composed of organ meats, tissues, and bones, but it never includes inedible things like hair and feathers, nor does it involve meat from sick or disabled animals. Those ingredients are typically rendered and then made into a powder that is high in nutrition. As long as you get pet food that follows AAFCO and USDA guidelines, byproducts are not harmful pet food ingredients.
A long list of ingredients is to be expected
Dog foods often contain a compendium of ingredients, including so many that it can feel overwhelming to read. Additionally, many of the ingredients have scientific names that are difficult to decipher. According to Lobos, this is the result of being required to list all of the vitamins and minerals in the food—and these things are necessary, considering our dogs “require 23 vitamins and minerals to make sure they’re getting the micronutrients that they need.”
Often, long scientific words are simply the official form of common nutrients. For example, “mixed tocopherols” are a naturally-occurring blend of Vitamin E—a natural preservative and antioxidant.
Consult with an expert when home cooking
Because dogs require so many vitamins and minerals, as well as a specific blend of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, it can be difficult—but not impossible—to provide the right nutrition when home cooking for your dog, especially an athletic dog. When taking this route, it’s important to consult a veterinary nutritionist and use resources like Balance.it to develop a balanced diet for your canine. Often, you’ll need to incorporate additional supplements to make sure your dog is getting enough nutrients.
The Final Word on Dog Food Ingredients
Understanding what goes in your gun dog’s food can be empowering, but what’s most important is making sure they get the right blend of macro and micronutrients. This article details some common questions and concerns about dog food ingredients. To dial in the best diet for your hunting buddy, it’s important to use reputable dog food brands and work with a licensed veterinarian to pick the right fuel for your dog.