Our dogs are not just animals, they are part of our family, and we would do anything to protect them and keep them safe. In most cases, dog owners spend more money on their four-legged friends’ food and health care than they do on their own! Much of this money ends up in the pockets of dog food producers and veterinarians, and these are paid to treat allergies and immune diseases caused by poor pet food choices.
In addition to drug therapy, special foods are often recommended to alleviate health issues. These speciality foods usually come with claims of being able to cure any problems. But they come with a hefty price tag.
So, it begs the question, in the 21st century, are dogs generally less healthy?
Feeding your dog is easier than ever!
Rarely has it ever been so easy to feed a dog as it is today.
An owner opens a can or removes the appropriate portion from a dry food sack, and that’s it! Meal complete! Even the worry of wondering what quantity of food to give your dog has been eliminated by the manufacturers. The whole process is simple and understandable.
However, it has been claimed that some feeds ensure good growth in puppies, some increase the activity levels and fitness of dogs and others suggest stable health and long life for our four-legged friends! But, how do the producers come to such conclusions?
The production of ready-made dog food is a billion-dollar business, and manufacturers are eager to earn more and more each year and increase their market share.
There is a common misconception that higher prices promise a higher quality feed.
However, this isn’t always the case. For an 800-gram can of dog food, the buyer pays between 70p and £6. In comparison, a 20kg bag of dry dog food is available for an average of £40. To get to this price point, beef, lamb or chicken are typically used sparingly, and instead, they will add various additives to the food.
The truth about dry dog food
Dry dog food has been attributed to various positive health stories. An example of this is that manufacturers promise healthy teeth thanks to the mechanical friction of chewing the food chunks, eliminating plaque. However, this is a myth and the idea that dry dog food is compatible with all breeds, ages, and types of dog is entirely wrong.
Feeding your dog dry food is as simple as opening the bag and putting the food into the bowl. But is this ease of use worth the possible damaging effects to the health of your pet?
It is important to note that just because your four-legged friend doesn’t experience diarrhoea with dry food, it does not mean that they are healthy.
Dry dog food is created by removing moisture from the food components. Added substances such as corn, wheat, rice gluten and sugar beet pulp can bind moisture. When they pass through the gut during digestion, they absorb any water that is there. Dry food is therefore by no means healthier than wet food.
