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As pet owners, we often find ourselves inundated with an overwhelming array of products claiming to provide the best nutrition for our furry companions. Yet, the world of pet nutrition is not just about filling a bowl with kibble; it’s about making informed choices that can significantly impact your pet’s well-being throughout its life stages.

The following blog post delves into the essential nutrients, dietary trends, and the science behind pet food formulation, empowering you to make smarter decisions for your beloved pet. Keep reading to learn what your pet really needs to thrive.

Understanding Essential Nutrients

Just like humans, pets require a balanced diet to maintain optimal health. These essential nutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Each nutrient serves a specific purpose in your pet’s body and is crucial for its overall well-being. If you don’t have time to visit your local store, you can do a quick search online and find online suppliers like ZIWI Dog that provide high-quality pet food containing all these essential nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at each of these essential nutrients and their role in your pet’s nutrition.

Proteins

Proteins are the basic building blocks of the body, responsible for tissue growth and repair. They maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. As carnivorous animals, cats and dogs require a diet high in animal-based proteins to thrive. Look for protein sources like chicken, beef, fish, or eggs on your pet’s food label.

Fats

Fats provide your pet with energy and help maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system. They also aid in the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. It’s essential to choose high-quality fats from sources like chicken fat or fish oil that are easily digestible for your pet.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are often the primary source of energy in pet food, providing glucose to fuel your pet’s daily activities. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains or vegetables provide better nutrition compared to simple carbohydrates like corn syrup or white rice. Sometimes, it’s best to avoid high carbohydrate diets as they may lead to obesity and other health issues.

Vitamins and Minerals

Pets require vitamins and minerals in small amounts to maintain healthy growth and development. These micronutrients are responsible for various bodily functions like immune function, bone health, and vision. Look for pet food that contains a balanced blend of essential vitamins and minerals to meet your pet’s needs.

Water

Though it may seem obvious, water is an essential nutrient for pets. It helps regulate body temperature, digestion, circulation, and waste removal. Always make sure your pet has access to clean drinking water throughout the day.

Trends in Pet Food Formulation

As pet owners become more conscious of their pet’s health, the demand for high-quality and specialized pet food has increased. Various trends in pet food formulation aim to provide pets with optimal nutrition. Some of these trends include:

• Grain-free diets: These diets are formulated without grains like wheat, corn, or rice and often use alternative sources of carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or peas.
• Limited ingredient diets: These diets contain a minimal number of ingredients, making them suitable for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.
• Natural and organic ingredients: More pet owners are opting for natural and organic ingredients to avoid artificial additives and preservatives in their pet’s food.
• Breed-specific diets: Some pet food brands offer formulas specifically designed for different breeds, taking into consideration their unique nutritional needs.

Once you understand the essential nutrients and current trends in pet food formulation, you can make informed decisions about your pet’s nutrition. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet and choose high-quality, balanced diets that meet your pet’s individual needs. The next time you’re browsing the aisles of the pet food aisle, remember to read the labels, do some research, and choose wisely for your furry friend!

Pet owners
are looking to natural pet food brands for comfort
and peace of mind when feeding their pets. Honest Kitchen makes food
products and treats for cats and dogs and is
based out of San Diego, California. The company was founded in 2002 and
remained a husband and wife team for a few years before moving into the historic
Wonder Bread building in 2006. Honest Kitchen was the first human-grade dog
food company in existence when it was founded.

Today,
Honest Kitchen has around 50 employees and has over 5,000 distributors
throughout North America. The founder, Lucy Postins, originally had no plans to create a large business and thought
Honest Kitchen would sell locally as a direct-to-consumer business. Customers
grew in large numbers by word-of-mouth, helping to create what Honest Kitchen is today.

Customer Observations

Honest
Kitchen conducted their own customer
survey to see what difference was made in
their pet’s health after eating the brand’s foods. The survey took information from 6,200 customers and overall shows that
the majority of customers are pleased with the results.

• 80% of those
  surveyed reported better digestion
• 79% reported their
  pet had more energy
• 78% reported
  healthier skin and coat
• 64% of pets had an increase in
  appetite
• 60% of pets had an improvement with
  weight

Honest
Kitchen holds an annual benchmark survey to receive proper feedback from their
customers. This is used to make any
needed changes to their formulas.

Ingredients

Honest
Kitchen uses 100% human-grade ingredients. They make meals, treats, toppers,
and supplements/broth. The company is dedicated
to the highest quality of ingredients. There are:

• No GMO ingredients
• No preservatives or additives
• No by-products or fillers
• No corn, wheat, and soy are used
• No 4D meat (food that has been
  sourced from dead, dying, diseased, or disabled animals)
• No feathers
• Does not use ingredients from China

Honest
Kitchen is transparent with where they get their ingredients from. They get the majority of their ingredients within the United States but
receive some from South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa as well. Ingredients that Honest Kitchen use in their
pet food includes fresh fruits and vegetables
and raw food including:

• Free range chicken
• Cage-free duck
• Ranch raised beef
• Cage-free turkey
• Wild Salmon
• Marine Stewardship Council certified
  cod and pollock
• Apples
• Chickpeas
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Lentils
• Kale
• Potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Flaxseed
• Oats
• Barley
• Honey
• Green peas
• Sweet potatoes
• Quinoa
• And more

Suppliers
must adhere to a strict safety guideline, just as Honest Kitchen does. Honest
Kitchen prides themselves in their selection of suppliers, who are sustainable
and follow fair-trade practices. Each year the company reevaluates its suppliers to check that they are still
meeting their high set of standards; this
includes adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices, and that food remains at human-grade status throughout every step
of the harvesting and handling processes.

Human-Grade vs. Feed-Grade

Honest
Kitchen compares its food to brands that
are feed-grade. The distinction is an important one to make for many pet owners who want to know what they are
feeding their animals. Feed-grade brands use ingredients of lesser quality that
have looser regulations. Feed-grade meets the very
basic standards for animal feed and also use meats that are 4D or from
restaurant waste.

Human-grade
ingredients are subjected to stricter
manufacturing and quality control standards as well as stricter food safety standards. Ingredients
are of higher
quality and contain no by-products or 4D meats. Human-grade means that humans
can eat the food, too. Honest Kitchen
believes that if a human cannot eat their
pet’s food, why should owners serve it? The staff members do taste the food they are producing.

The Cooking Process

There are a
few different ways that pet food brands will cook their ingredients. They can
freeze-dry, air dry, or dehydrate the ingredients
to remove moisture. Honest Kitchen uses
the dehydration process. Their kitchen dehydrates
at a low temperature to ensure that the phytonutrients and antioxidants in the
ingredients are not compromised.

According to
Honest Kitchen, 40 pounds of fresh ingredients will make a ten-pound box of their food due to the
concentration of the dehydration process.

Honest
Kitchen recently put out the world’s first human-grade dry, dog food to the
market. They had to make a new facility that would allow this idea to come to a reality. The new process is coined MadeHonest.

The whole
food, human-grade ingredients are gathered,
cold-pressed, then roasted and dehydrated to create their clusters. All ingredients are minimally processed and are finely grained for easy digestion.

Sizing and Pricing

Dog food has
a wider range than Honest Kitchen cat
food does. Their dog food meals are typically available in a 12-pack of single
cups, one-pound box, four-pound box, and ten-pound box. Prices range from $20
to $70 based on size and product. Treats range
in price between $9 and $12.

Their cat
food comes in either a two-pound or four-pound box. The smaller box costs $25, and the four-pound box costs $46. Unlike the
broad range in dog flavors, cats can have either chicken or turkey.

Is it Worth it?

Honest
Kitchen’s mission is always to stay true
to having 100% human-grade ingredients. The company wants to produce safer and
healthier food than feed-grade brands. The company has been in production for
17 years and is still staying true to their promise.

Pros

• Uses 100% human-grade ingredients
• Uses eco-friendly packaging
• Published a recipe book called Made out of Love
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• The Honest Kitchen website allows
  customers to fill out a brief questionnaire to match them with the ideal food
  for their pet
• Honest Kitchen was featured on Food
  Network’s show, Will Work for Food in
  2009 and was featured on the cover of
  BusinessWeek in 2012
• The founder, Lucy Postins, was
  recognized twice by Forbes for the ethical efforts in her business
• Is continually innovating their
  products and producing new ones

Cons

• Compared to the 77 products for dogs,
  there are only five for cats
• Do not offer samples of their
  products before purchase

Honest
Kitchen has remained a relatively small business with like-minded people who
share the same goal- feeding their pets the healthiest and safest food
possible. The brand is highly reputable and lives up to their strict standards.
Honest Kitchen products can be found here.

Iams dog food stands out on the pet store shelf with its
bright and colorful packaging and incredible prices. You won’t find many dog
food brands that sell all-natural dog food for 30 bucks, most of the brands
that are known for being 100% natural and by-product free don’t go for less
than $60. Not many dog food brands can provide the same kind of nutrition and a great reputation for a price that isn’t
breaking the bank. It’s clear that the Iams
company has its priorities more sorted
out than other companies.

They understand that pet parents want to be able to give
their pet the best and healthiest option of food that they can get, but they also don’t want to spend hundreds of
dollars a month just to keep their dog
healthy. When dog food is made reasonably cheap, more people can adopt pets who need homes. Not everyone can
afford to support a pet, but Iams makes
it available to more people.

There are many reasons why you should go with Iams dog food; one of the reasons is that Iams is one of the
few dog food brands that offer a line of breed-specific dog foods. This can be hard to find because for a company to offer breed-specific made formulas, they have to add a significant number
of new foods to their brand.

More food options mean
more extensive research and testing beforehand;
it’s not a simple process. The reason they go through the trouble to
make dog food for certain breeds is that some
types of dogs have breed-specific health issues and problems, they need more of
the necessary vitamins and nutrients to live comfortably.

Iams has dry dog food formulas for these breeds:

All of the breed-specific dog foods by Iams come in the
adult size of dry dog food. Unfortunately, Iams doesn’t make a puppy version of
the breed-specific dog foods, only adult. Generally, most puppies all need the
same balanced diet of nutrients because their main concern is simply to grow into a healthy adult dog.

Some of the foods for smaller breeds like for Yorkshire
terriers, chihuahuas and dachshunds come in smaller sizes of bags, 3.3 lbs. or 7 lbs.
The bigger breed dog foods come in 15 lb. or 30 lb. bags, since they tend to eat more. These options are great for dogs
who are picky with their food.

Healthy Naturals Formula

Iams has an all-natural formula of dry dog food called
Healthy Naturals. It’s a great option for
dogs who are food sensitive or have allergies and for pet parents who want
something organic but also affordable. The 13.8-pound
bag of Healthy
Naturals costs just $35.69, which is much less pricey than other
all-natural dog foods made by other brands. It comes in an Ocean Fish and Rice
flavor, made with real fish, which is the first ingredient.

Iams’ all-natural dog food is
defined as having no corn, chicken by-product meal or soy, no artificial
preservatives, colors or flavors, and is enhanced with a blend of vitamins and
antioxidants. It’s the highlight of Iams dog foods.

Not Much to Choose From

Iams has fewer options
for dog food compared to other brands. There may be few, but they are staple options. There are dry dog foods for
puppies, adults, mature adults, big and small dogs, six breed-specific options and an adult weight management formula. They lack in dog food options for dogs who have
certain serious health issues.

The breed-specific foods help with this a bit since it’s catered to a breed’s specific needs and
health problems, but if your dog isn’t one of the six breeds they make food for,
then you’re out of luck with Iams. Wet food options are limited as well.

If your dog doesn’t have a serious
health ailment, but still has a problem with a sensitive tummy, Iams dog food
could still be a good option because it’s made
with a well-balanced blend of nutritious meats and vegetables. Simply putting your dog on a healthy diet can
help with sensitivity.

What Customers Think

It’s almost hilarious how well Iams works for people’s pets,
considering one of the most negative reviews you can find on it is that the
Beef and Lamb flavor of the adult dry dog food caused a lot of dogs to have
extra smelly gas (the chicken flavor is a good alternative). Overall, the
reviews of Iams dry dog foods are positive.

Some people have had problems with the chihuahua breed dog food formula, it caused
their dog to have diarrhea, but they weren’t sure if it was the dog food
specifically that caused it or if it was
due to a mistake made by the supplier they got it from. After looking further into the reviews, I came across more
complaints of diarrhea caused by Iams dog food, not just from the Chihuahua
formula. Most of these complaints are on Amazon.

Those who bought the dog food from Chewy
didn’t have issues with digestion problems in their dogs, but had problems with a general disliking and had to
switch back to a different brand.

Most people who have reviewed Iams dog food products decided
to use it in the first place because of a recommendation from either their
veterinarian or friends who were happy with it. Some dogs just don’t take to it well, but most do just
fine. Don’t feel turned away by the bad reviews;
these were just a handful out of
hundreds of good reviews. Iams is very much a good dog food brand to use.

In Conclusion

Iams brand dog food is the healthiest option you’re going to
find for a low price. Of course, higher quality is going to come with higher prices, but
if you’re looking to save some money without sacrificing your dog’s health and
wellbeing, Iams is the way to go.

Have you been told, or know, that your dog is obese or
facing obesity? Most dog owners have been in this situation before, but don’t
worry there’s dog food out on the market that will help you manage your dog’s weight while still being tasty to them.

Why Choose Weight Management Food?

How do you know if your dog is overweight? You can easily
tell by feeling around his ribs and spine. When doing this, you should be able
to locate both of them with only a thin layer of fat separating the skin from
the bone. If you can’t find the ribcage, your dog is overweight.

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop a whole lot of
other kinds of health problems down the line, such as arthritis, bladder
cancer, heart disease, and difficulty breathing. It also means that for your
dog, he won’t be able to play as much as he did before he was overweight.

Dogs gain weight from an increase in body fat, which is
often caused by overeating and a lack of exercise. There are other contributing
factors too, including age, feeding habits, breed, and whether your dog is
spayed or neutered.

If your dog is overweight, you can do things to help them
get back to their ideal weight. One of those things is putting them on Iams
Healthy Naturals Adult Weight Management dry food.

This food works by providing a higher protein content which
helps your dog feel fuller faster – thus preventing them from overeating. Since
your dog will be eating less food, they
will be taking in fewer calories which help them avoid building fat.

By combing Iams Healthy Naturals Weight Management dog food
and exercise into your dog’s life, you can help them lose the weight they don’t
need and help them live a better life. Once you start doing this, you’ll start to notice that your dog is becoming
leaner, stronger, and skinnier.

History of Iams

The Iams Company was founded
on the principles of quality nutrition and the belief that emphasizing advanced
nutrition might lead to innovation in the pet food industry and improve the
quality overall. They also stand by the mission of enhancing the well-being of
animals by providing them with world-class quality food.

Since day one, Iams operates under the philosophy that the
right diet can lead to amazing benefits in pets – lean muscle maintenance,
stronger immunity, improved oral health, healthy digestion, and a better sense
of overall wellbeing.

With this in mind, they created their Healthy Naturals
brand of dog food.

The Iams Healthy Natural Weight Management dog food is specifically formulated to meet a dog’s
nutritional requirements while helping to maintain a healthy weight. This dog
food contains L-carnitine that helps turn fat into energy, which helps your dog establish a path that will keep
him fit and trim.

Key Benefits

• This food is made using high-quality and
  farm-raised chicken with a blend of wholesome fruits and vegetables
• It is great for overweight dogs because it is
  low in fat and high in nutrition
• Avoids using chicken-by-product meals
• Provides a balanced diet for adult dogs by
  including essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals
• Has superfoods like
  anti-oxidant rich blueberries and fish oil added for a dose of extra goodness
• Made in
  the USA without corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors, preservatives, and
  flavors

Recall History

Iams has been in business for many years and has produced hundreds of thousands of bags of
dog food in those years, so it makes sense that they are going to have some
recalls.

In August 2013, there was an FDA issued a recall on a lot of certain Iams dry dog food, including Healthy Naturals Weight
Management. This recall was based on the
potential for suspected salmonella
contamination with the dog food.

This is the only recall for this
particular recipe of Iams, there are, however, many more for the company itself
and other brands they offer.

You should always consult with your vet before switching
your dog over to a new recipe of food. This way you’ll know what brand is best,
for instance, if Iams is a good choice,
and so you know how to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Pros:

• A cheap way to purchase weight control food for your dog
• Dogs love the taste of this food
• You’ll start to notice a difference within months
• Made with wholesome ingredients
• Customers who try Iams for their dogs tend to stick to it because their dog loves it so much
• Avoids known allergens and sensitivities that dogs can have (i.e., dairy)
• Can buy online at chewy.com or in pet stores near you

Cons:

• Iams has been on the recall list more than a few
  times in the past couple of years, and some customers might not like the idea
  of feeding their dog this brand for that reason

Final Thoughts

Iams is a well-known dog food company that has been around
since the 1940s. They are dedicated to
producing dog food that is healthy, delicious, and affordable. Their Healthy
Naturals Adult Weight Management dry dog food is a great choice for your dog if he is struggling to maintain a
healthy, lean weight.

This food is designed to help them feel fuller with more
protein in the food, but with less fat
and calories like other food. Even though it is a weight management food, dogs
don’t seem to mind the taste and tend to enjoy the delicious flavors.

While the Iams company is known for many recalls, there has only been one that is specific to this
brand of Iams food. However, this is
something that pet owners should know before they decide to purchase this food.

Overall, if you’re looking for a brand that has been around
for 80 years, then you should really
consider Iams Healthy Naturals Adult Weight Management dry dog food. It meets
all of the requirements to be a healthy food to help your dog get back into shape
and stay healthy.

There are very few brands on
the market today that have a history quite as illustrious as IAMS. Not only
does IAMS produce some of the best dog food out there but they were the very
first company that dared to use chicken by-product meal as well as animal
protein in their pet foods.

That step has proven rather fortuitous given the fact that canines
get the best of their protein intake from real meat as opposed to plant-based
proteins used by most other brands. That alone should tell you that IAMS is one
of those companies that have their eyes
on the future and are willing to explore new grounds just to bring your pet the best nutrition.

While IAMS has a long list of dog food options, today, we are going to take a closer look at their Proactive Heath Adult Optimal Weight Dry Dog Food. We will examine the kind of ingredients that go into this meal, which kinds of dog would most benefit from it as well as why you should consider getting it for your pooch.

This IAMS Proactive Health Adult Optimal Weight Dry Dog Food will
give you a good picture of the product itself and hopefully show you why it’s
worth considering.

IAMS Proactive Health Adult Optimal
Weight Dry Dog Food

The first thing you need to
know is that weight control diets for pets were
developed because obesity causes just as many health problems in your
pet as it does you. If you have an overweight dog, the excess energy that dog
has stored in its fat reservoirs fuels excessive growth in young dogs at a
maximal rate. While that might sound like something you want for your furry
little friend, it actually isn’t!

Maximal growth isn’t to be
confused with optimal growth. Optimal growth occurs when your pet develops the
right amount of muscle, body weight and gets the right kind of nutrition and
exercise to ensure that his or her limbs are well developed and strong.

Maximal growth, on the other
hand, causes problems because their little bodies can’t comfortably handle
maximal growth rates. Couple that with the heavy body weight they have to carry
around and you quickly find pets that have not
only ligament issues but also heart problems as well as orthopedic
diseases.

Obesity in dogs isn’t just a
mobility concern issue. Excessive weight in pets has been linked to various other diseases such as:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiorespiratory disease
• Reproductive disorders
• Urinary disorders
• Dermatological diseases
• Pancreatitis

It goes without saying that if
you have an overweight dog, you should be
doing everything in your power to control that weight and get them back to a
fit and trim level where they can run around without capturing any cruciate.

That is why pet foods such as the Proactive Health Adult Optimal Weight Dry Dog Food by IAMS are so crucial in the industry. They allow you to feed your pet with delicious meals they will enjoy all the while striving to keep them within optimal weight.

Key Ingredients in the IAMS Proactive Health
Adult Optimal Weight Dry Dog Food

There are many ingredients
used in the food, but we are just going
to look at a few that might be of interest to you as a dog owner:

• Cornmeal. While it’s not always a good sign to see the word
  “cornmeal” as an ingredient in pet food, IAMS says that the cornmeal
  in their ingredients list is a key factor in making this meal what it is. This
  is because it goes towards providing the animal with the right amount of energy
  through carbohydrates without necessarily adding too many calories to the mix.

• Chicken
  by-product meal. Chicken is a good source of protein and
  vitamin B6 as well as phosphorous, Selenium and Niacin. Additionally, the
  chicken in this meal does contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which are
  all wonderful substances that go towards
  helping your dog with joint problems.
• Chicken. As
  opposed to chicken by-products which could be argued to be less nutritious than actual chicken, this food also contains
  real chicken which is not only delicious but also instead packed with animal-protein which every dog needs.

This ProActive Health Weight Control is formulated using substances such as L-Carnitine which is critical in nursing your dog back to optimal health and weight. Because it has real chicken and chicken by-products, you can trust that it contains a high percentage of animal protein (22%) which helps to keep your dog’s muscles firm.

The meal also has antioxidants
which provide your pet with a strong
immune system that helps him or her fight
all the possible diseases that come with obesity as mentioned before. Also,
because this is a dry food, you can rest assure that your dog with have less plaque and tartar when he or she chews on these
crunchy kibbles.

Pros of Choosing IAMS ProActive Health Weight Control Dog Food

• Perfect for dogs with weight issues as well as
  dogs that get minimal exercise (20 minutes per day)
• Has a crunchy texture that keeps your dog’s
  teeth clean and breath fresh
• Has a host of natural ingredients that are
  healthy and tasty to your dog
• IAMS doesn’t use any fillers or artificial
  preservatives in this meal

Cons of Choosing IAMS ProActive Health Weight Control Dog Food

• Has cornmeal as part of the
  ingredients. This isn’t always
  good for dogs that have sensitive stomachs

While having corn as the first
ingredient isn’t always the best of signs, there is no doubt that IAMS has
taken every precaution to ensure that this meal is by far one of the best in
the market. The company has an illustrious history of using high-quality production methods and only the
best natural ingredients in their pet foods.

If you have a dog that has a
weight issue and could use a meal that has real chicken in it as the primary
source of protein as well as taste, then the IAMS ProActive Health Weight
Control Dog Food should be at the top of your list. 

IAMS is perhaps one of the
most recognizable brands in the pet lover’s industry. You have probably come
across those familiar four letters accentuated by a paw print at the vet’s
office at one time or another. While it’s true that this is a well-established
brand, it pays to familiarize yourself with its history, the kind of products
they have and learn about what IAMS can do for your pet. With that in mind,
here is a quick review of the IAMS brand and a look at some of the products
they have in the market today.

A Small History of IAMS

This internationally
recognizable brand has manufacturing plants in North Carolina, Ohio, and Nebraska. Established over 70 years ago in
1946, IAMS has a long and illustrious history of producing nothing but the best
products for dogs. In that time, IAMS has come up with a range of highly
customized dog food formulas and recipes for dogs of all life stages from
puppies to senior dogs. They also have a long list of breed-specific kibbles
which makes them one of the most popular brands in the market for people who
have pure-bred dogs.

IAMS prides itself in
consulting with the best animal nutritionists in the country. Their dog food is
one of the few products in the market today that has a relatively high
proportion of animal-based proteins. This
means that should you decide to go with IAMS as a brand; your dog will be feeding on a lot of real and natural meats that
have complete proteins, amino acids and a whole lot of the nutritional
components needed by your pet to grow big and strong.

What’s So Good About IAMS?

Perhaps one of the most
appreciated qualities of IAMS as a brand is that they bring a lot of variety to
the market. Over the years, the brand has developed a host of different
formulas that cater to almost every type of dog known to man as well as focuses
on specific needs. Within their recipe repertoire you will find:

• Weight management recipes that contain
  L-Carnitine which helps to burn fat
• Grain-free recipes that work very well for dogs
  that have issues with gluten
• Specially tailored recipes for
  specific breeds

The brand also takes into
account the most common health problems facing certain dog breeds and types.
For example, they produce large dog kibbles that are rich in nutrients such as
glucosamine which go a long way in helping large dogs fight certain common
health problems facing those specific breeds such as arthritis of cartilage
degradation.

On the other end of the
spectrum, the company also produces blends that cater to smaller canines as
well. These blends contain a high number of calories with every scoop which is
perfect to help your tiny pooch grow as fast as possible. Apart from that, all
of IAMS puppy blends are made with DHA in
the mix. This is the element that puppies
would naturally get from their mother’s milk and is an important addition since it goes a long way in helping your puppy
to develop excellent neural and cerebral
pathways. It’s IAMS firm belief that adding this element to their puppy blends
not only makes your puppy healthier and more alert but it also makes them
easier to train.

The Pros and Cons of Choosing IAMS as a Brand

There is no doubt that dog food can be rather expensive especially if you are looking to provide your pooch with the best of the best. However, you don’t need to get a second job just to keep your furry best friend well fed. You can go for brands such as IAMS Proactive Health and pick out any of their affordable dog food options well suited for your particular dog. Here are some excellent reasons why choosing IAMS might just be the best idea yet:

Pros of Choosing IAMS Proactive Health Dog Food

• The meals are slow-cooked in real broth. This is one of the main reasons why IAMS has created a host of amazing flavors such as the Iams ProActive Health Adult Beef, Rice, Carrots & Green Beans Flavor Chunks In Gravy Canned Dog Food that has real broth. Since IAMS products are made with real natural meat, the slow cooking process makes them even tastier for your pooch.
• Promotes healthy skin and coat in your dogs. Every single meal prepared by IAMS is infused with very high levels of an assortment of essential fatty acids that help to not only protect but also promote good internal systems as well as healthy skin and rather shiny coats.
• The products are very affordable. Apart from the fact that IAMS produces top quality dog food, they do so at an affordable price when compared to similar brands with similar quality. This may be the biggest selling point for this wonderful brand.
• Only uses natural ingredients. IAMS is focused on giving your pooch nothing but the best and that means only using natural ingredients supplied by local farmers in the United States. Their popular dog foods such as the Iams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is packed full of vitamins and minerals (like every other product produced by IAMS) and not only goes towards nourishing your pet but also goes above and beyond by keeping their teeth tartar free thanks to the crunchy yet tasty texture.

Cons of Choosing IAMS Proactive Health Dog Food

• Reports show that some of the products may cause gas in some dogs. Even though IAMS uses probiotics in products Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food to help with the dog’s digestive tract in terms of digestion and general health protection, some dogs still find these foods difficult to digest and as such, they become gassy.
• Not as packed with vegetables as advertised. Unfortunately, IAMS has struggled to keep their product prices low, and as such, they have probably had to cut a few corners. One of those corners involves including as many vegetables as advertised in their meals.

Despite these disadvantages,
IAMS remains one of the most trusted and
reliable brands in the market today. If you want your pooch to eat dog food
that tastes like the real thing, then getting them a bag or can of IAMS dog
food is the best way to go. 

Founded in 1988 at a family
ranch in Texas, Merrick has been a staple in the dog food industry for a number of decades now with good reason.
Merrick produces nothing but the best dog
food from handcrafted, all-natural
recipes that have the highest-quality ingredients with absolutely no fillers or
preservatives.

Merrick now not only has a
wide range of impressive dog foods, but
they keep coming up with new wonderful
alternatives for your furry little friends. They offer, among many other
options, grain-free and limited ingredient diet recipes as well as something
called “Lil’ Plates,” a
grain-free food specifically geared
towards small breed dogs.

To say that Merrick takes the
health of your furry best friend seriously would be to understate the matter.
Today, we are going to review some of their best dog foods on the market to
help you find the one that is just right for your dog. But first…

A Small History of Merrick Dog Food

Merrick dog food is manufactured by a company called
“Merrick Pet Care, Inc. In 2015, it was bought out by Nestle Purina Pet
Company, but Merrick still operates as an
independent arm.

All the ingredients used in
Merrick dog food are locally sourced, fresh, and
the facilities all adhere to strict FDA standards. Merrick tends to produce all the different foods in
small batches to ensure that the quality is high and that there are no
contaminants in the batches. Despite all
this, the company has had a number of
recalls in the past between 2010 and 2011.

The concern at the time was
that there was potential salmonella contamination of some of the small batches
released into the market. However, throughout the recalls, there were no pet
illnesses reported which goes to show
just how careful Merrick is about your pet’s health.

The Different Formulas Used by Merrick

Merrick has well over 200
recipes they use to make the array of dog foods in the market today. The
following list categorizes the formulas that they use to bring you and your dog
the best dog food:

• Merrick Grain-Free
• Merrick Classic – potato free with the addition of glucosamine
  and chondroitin to help the support the joints
• Merrick Treats
• Merrick Backcountry – High-protein with the
  addition of glucosamine and chondroitin to help with joint support
• Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
• Merrick Backcountry Raw – includes freeze-dried raw
  bits of meat, poultry, or fish

While all these categories are
quite nutritious for dogs, this review will focus on Merrick Grain-free recipes
and Merrick Classic since those seem to be the most popular with dog lover
across the country.

Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe is
one of the most popular with customers across the U.S. One of the main reasons
for that is because it’s high in omega fatty acids which not only makes it
perfect for most dogs but particularly so for dogs with long coats.

Some of the nutritious goodies
found in the recipe include:

• Chicken
• Deboned Buffalo
• Salmon
• Lamb
• Turkey
• Chicken fat
• Salmon oil
• Flaxseed oil

It also has a host of other
high-quality proteins that not only make this recipe tasty but very healthy for
your dog.

Pros:

• Excellent for active and working dogs that
  suffer from joint conditions.
• Perfect for dogs with long coats

Cons:

• May not be exactly perfect for typical active
  dogs without joint issues

Because it has high levels of
fat and protein, this recipe is perfect for working dogs or dogs that are quite
active and exercise for over an hour each day. Additionally, it is excellent
for dogs that suffer from joint conditions since it includes high levels of
chondroitin and glucosamine (1200 mg/kg each).

We mentioned earlier that this was one of the many highly innovative dog food options that Merrick has out on the market today. The Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe was specifically designed for small or toy dogs that are active such as Beagles and Yorkshire Terriers.

The recipe contains a high
level of omega fatty acids which makes it good
for long-coated dogs. It also has high levels of chondroitin and glucosamine
(1200 mg/kg each) which makes it good for
dogs that already have joint problems since it can help repair cartilage and
relieve pain.

Pros:

• Specifically formulated for toy or small dogs
• Good for
  dogs with long coats
• Can help with digestive problems as well as
  prevent them in dogs

Cons:

• It might not be suitable for typically active
  dogs

Within its formula, Merrick
includes a probiotic bacteria known as Bacillus coagulants that plays a big role in helping dogs with diarrhea and
prevent issues such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as ulcerative colitis.

The Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe was specially formulated for puppies because they need a different macronutrient balance than adult dogs.

Because this recipe is quite
low on the fat-content front, it’s good
for short-coated breeds of puppies as well as those that are typically very
active.

Pros:

• It’s good
  for active puppies
• It’s excellent for puppies that are prone to
  joint issues

Cons:

• It’s not exactly suitable for puppies that have
  long coats
• It may not be very suitable for puppies that are
  hyperactive

Because it contains
chondroitin and glucosamine (600 mg/kg each), this recipe is good for puppies
that are typically prone to having joint problems. The recipe will help support your pup’s joints and prevent potential
damage to cartilage.

Merrick tends to produce dog
foods using recipes that take into account the fact that your dog might suffer
from joint problems or could be prone to suffering from joint issues in the
future. Because of that, their recipes are not only nutritious and healthy, but they also have therapeutic and preventive properties that could be beneficial to a
vast number of dog breeds.

The company is committed to
producing high-quality dog food at very
affordable prices. If you have a dog or a puppy that falls into any of the above-mentioned categories or one that could
use some nutritious loving, then buying them a bag of Merrick Dog Food could be
the best way to go.

Like all the best brands in the world, Blue Buffalo believes that your pet is your family. That’s why they take extraordinary care to ensure that everything going into making their dog and puppy food is not only of high quality but also natural. Blue Buffalo is by far one of the most popular brands in the nation today.

That’s why we are going to tell you a little about the company and touch on a few of the different types of dog foods that they offer so that you are acquainted with what might be the number one dog food brand you didn’t know about.

 

A Little About Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is an American pet food company that was founded just a little over a decade ago. This is technically a family run business and the idea to start Blue Buffalo came about when the founding family’s pet developed some health issues that needed special attention. Started by a father and his two sons, the family started looking for ways to develop their own dog food that was focused on not only improving but also maintaining the health of their pet.

What they came up with was a wide variety of pet foods that followed different formulas to achieve specific health objectives for their pet and America as a whole. The pet food options provided by Blue Buffalo are grain-free meaning that they don’t contain any corn grains, soy flour or wheat grains. What stands out the most about this brand is that they use real meat as part of their various recipes which makes their dog food that much tastier for your furry friend.

 

What’s So Special about Blue Buffalo?

The thing about Blue Buffalo is that they take the time to come up with formulas that are specifically tailored to all kinds of dogs. Because this company was founded on the premise of trying to find the best nutritional solution for an ailing family pet, the owners are dead set on only giving your pet the best kind of food that is not only going to be tasty but also has a whole lot of health benefits to boot.

Each one of their breed and dog-size specific recipes are tailor-made to provide your hound with the energy and national value that they need at every stage of their lives. There is a whole list of Blue Buffalo pet food varieties from which you can choose from:

• Large puppy grain-free wet food
• Small senior dry dog food with grains
• Medium adult grain-free food

Blue Buffalo is all about giving you an amazing range of choices from which to choose. Not only are the formulas nutritionally sound but they also come in a wide range of flavors such as turkey and potato, lamb and even garden vegetables.

 

The Quality of Ingredients Used in Blue Buffalo Dog Food

One of the main selling points for Blue Buffalo is the fact that they make their pet food as holistic and as healthy as possible. The way they do that is to use only natural ingredients provided to the company by American suppliers.

Additionally, Blue Buffalo has patented LifeSource® bits that are found in every bag of pet food that they sell. These LifeSource® bits are loaded with minerals and vitamins that are carefully chosen because they have cancer-fighting properties. The patented LifeSource® bits were created with the help of highly qualified veterinarians in conjunction with the country’s leading animal nutritionists.

 

The Benefits of Blue Buffalo

By now you have probably already started to see why so many people love Blue Buffalo as a brand. Apart from the fact that their pet foods are clearly formulated from a place of love, other benefits come with giving your dog food that’s specially and carefully crafted by the professionals at Blue Buffalo. Some of the benefits that come with buying Blue Buffalo dog food include:

• Suitable for dogs and puppies that are gluten-intolerant
• Doesn’t have any ambiguous by-product fillers
• Doesn’t contain any non-natural add-ins nor preservatives. In fact, these dog foods do not even contain any dye or anything synthetic that would interfere with or affect your dog’s stomach and health
• The long list of options includes special and diverse alternatives that cater to people with dogs and puppies which have various sensitivities

Now that you know just how good these foods are, let’s take a quick look at a couple from the many diverse options available on offer.

 

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review

Blue Buffalo realizes that puppy food should be all about laying the best possible foundation for your puppy’s nutritional growth and health. That is why their puppy-centric kibbles are specifically engineered to achieve that, and the Blue Freedom Grain Free Puppy Dry isn’t an exception to that rule.

Blue Freedom Grain Free Puppy Dry Review

Pros:

• This is a special puppy-sized kibble specifically designed for those adorable small jaws
• Contains calcium, vitamin A and phosphorous to facilitate optimal bone development
• Has high-quality protein content as well as L-Carnitine for healthy muscle growth

Cons:

 

Blue Homestyle Recipe Wet

If you want to mix things up a bit for your furry little friend, why not give him/her something other than dry food? The Blue Homestyle Recipe Wet is the perfect chow to get your puppy excited and surprised every now and again.

 

Pros:

• Is made with healthy potatoes, carrots and a host of other garden vegetables that are a healthy source of vitamins and carbohydrates for your growing friend
• It contains 0.5% fish oil DHA for better brain function, vision and brain growth
• It has flaxseed which makes it a rich antioxidant meal

Cons:

• A bit pricier than regular dry foods

These are just two options chosen to show you how diverse the range of selection is when dealing with Blue Buffalo as a brand. The best part is that all the options are available are specifically formulated to provide your pet with every nutritional value that they might need.

Dave’s Pet Food isn’t like many of the big brand pet food companies on the market today. The main difference doesn’t stem from the pet food quality but from the fact that Dave does most of the marketing and selling himself. Today, Dave’s Pet Food is sold in well over 2,000 stores across the U.S, and more and more people are turning to this little, yet highly reliable brand for their pet food needs.

A Little about Dave’s Pet Food

Maybe it’s because Dave’s Pet Food doesn’t have to deal with a lot of overhead costs or maybe it’s just good business but the products from Dave’s Pet Food are not only made with the highest possible quality standard, but they have remained highly affordable despite their popularity. It’s this combination of having an excellent product in the market that has a reasonable price tag that has made Dave’s Pet Food a household brand name for many pet lovers across the U.S.

Started well over 20 years ago by owner Dave Ratner, Dave’s Pet Food is part of Dave’s Soda and Pet City stores. Dave started this because he wanted to provide the market with high-quality pet food that was also affordable. As a dog owner himself, Dave understood the fact that pet owners wanted to provide their furry friends with the best and most nutritious food but that they might not always be able to do so because that can be a little hard on the wallet. So, he created a brand that could merge the two worlds.

Dave isn’t shy about the fact that he isn’t a nutritionist but a salesperson. He acknowledges that he sought the help of a renowned animal nutritionist when he was creating Dave’s Pet Food. Slowly they created the first line of Dave’s Pet Food, and as that become popular and the brand grew, they gradually introduced other products into the line including grain-free pet food and wet food options.

Over the last two decades, Dave’s Pet Food has adhered to a strict level of professionalism and high standards of pet food production. In fact, the company has only ever had to recall their products once in its entire lifetime. That was in June of 2018 when the company itself initiated a recall of their 95% Premium Beef cans for fear that the product might potentially have unsafe levels of beef thyroid hormone.

 

Why Buy from Dave’s Pet Food?

Apart from the fact that it’s one of the few brands on the market that offers a premium product at unbelievable rates, there are several reasons why you should consider buying from Dave’s Pet Food:

• There are no artificial food colors, flavors, preservatives or fillers used in the food at all
• The formula includes mixed tocopherols that are used as a natural preservative
• The dry food line has a protein content of about 26%

If you consider the price and the sheer range or variety you get from Dave’s Pet Food, you will find that doing business with this brand is worthwhile for pet lovers who want to offer their furry friends the very best at an affordable price.

The thing about Dave’s Pet Food is that it has a wide variety of wet dog food but a limited selection of dry dog food. With that in mind, here is a review of a few options within their selection. This review looks at some of the popular products produced by the company and touches on the different kinds of pets that could benefit from them.

 

Dave’s Pet Food Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Delicate Dinner Dry Dog Food

Dave’s Pet Food Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Delicate Dinner is designed for dogs that have sensitive stomachs. It has easy to digest ingredients that are very high in fiber which helps your pooch maintain a healthy digestive system. It doesn’t have any wheat or even wheat gluten, and as is the norm with all of Dave’s Pet Food products, it doesn’t have any artificial colors or flavors.

Additionally, there is no beef, soy, corn or any dairy products in this particular meal. It does, however, have oligofructose which feeds the good bacteria in furry friend’s intestines thus improving his/her chances of better digesting their food.

 

Pros:

• It has no dairy products that could upset your dog’s sensitive stomach
• Contains on the best high-quality ingredients
• It’s wheat free because it’s designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• It has oligofructose that helps your dog maintain a healthy digestive system

 

Cons:

 

Dave’s Pet Food Stewlicious Meaty Beefy Stew Canned Dog Food

This Stewlicious Meaty Beefy Stew Canned Dog Food is in strict keeping with Dave’s Pet Food tradition and standards in that it’s nothing but the best beef sty in a can at the best and most affordable price. The recipe used in making this delicious beef stew contains real beef, carrots, beef liver, wild rice, green beans, red peppers as well as some fruit to give your dog a delicious, mouthwatering meal that is well balanced from a nutritional standpoint.

The best thing about this meal is that it comes with a rich beef broth that is naturally flavored with chunks of beef as well as vegetables. It doesn’t have any corn, soy, wheat or gluten which makes it very easy on your dog’s tummy.

 

Pros:

• Has no corn, wheat or gluten thus making it great for pets with sensitive tummies
• It has visible chunks of delicious beef for your hound to wolf down
• It’s packed full of minerals and vitamins thus delivering excellent nutritional value to your pet

 

Cons:

• It might not be the best option for dogs that don’t like chunks or chunks of beef

 

Dave’s Pet Food has continued its illustrious history of providing the market with nothing but the best food for your pet at an incredibly reasonable price. The fact that there has ever only been one self-initiated recall in its history shows that Dave’s Pet Food cares more about your pet’s health than it does its brand image or bottom-line. That is a company you can trust with the wellbeing of your furry friend.

Dogs are a man’s best friend, so why shouldn’t they be treated as such? Dogswell produces dog food and treats that help aid in a few different areas of health in man’s best friend. Founded in 2003, the company has undergone a few changes since then.

 

Most recently they have redesigned their packaging, website, and most importantly they have reformulated their food/treat recipes. The purpose of the reformulation was to improve the functional benefits of their products while providing a great taste dogs will love.

 

Ingredients and Products

Dogswell is committed to using premium ingredients that are free from animal by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. The company only uses fresh, high-quality ingredients from suppliers they trust. Common ingredients in their formulas include:

 

• Beef
• Turkey
• Lamb
• Duck
• Chicken
• Glucosamine hydrochloride
• Vegetable glycerin
• New Zealand green-lipped mussel
• Flaxseed
• Sweet potatoes
• Turmeric
• Rosemary
• Dried egg
• Chickpeas
• Apples
• Carrots
• Cranberries
• Blueberries
• Chondroitin sulfate

 

The brand mainly sources their ingredients within the United States but does receive some of them from other countries. Their beef is farm-raised in the US as is the chicken and turkey. All poultry is cage-free, too. Their duck is also farm-raised, although the country of origin is not specified.

 

Dogswell outsources their lamb where it is farm-raised in New Zealand, and they also get their green mussels from New Zealand. The salmon used in their recipes is Norwegian sourced and wild caught.

 

Dogswell has a large selection of dog treats and food. The dog food selection is separate from the treats and can be found under another sub-brand called Dogswell Food.

 

Dog food:

 

• Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe
• Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken Recipe
• Grain-Free Adult Chicken Recipe
• Grain-Free Adult Lamb Recipe
• Grain-Free Adult Salmon Recipe
• Grain-Free Puppy Premium Loaf Chicken Recipe
• Grain-Free Savory Stew Chicken Recipe
• Grain-Free Savory Stew Duck Recipe
• Grain-Free Savory Stew Lamb Recipe
• Grain-Free Savory Stew Turkey Recipe

 

Dog treats:

 

• Hip and Joint Beef Jerky
• Hip and Joint Chicken Jerky
• Hip and Joint Duck Jerky
• Immunity and Defense Turkey Jerky
• Immunity and Defense Chicken Jerky
• Immunity and Defense Duck Jerky
• Skin and Coat Lamb Jerky
• Skin and Coat Salmon Jerky
• Hip and Joint Chicken Mini Jerky
• Immunity and Defense Duck Mini Jerky
• Skin and Coat Salmon Mini Jerky
• Immunity and Defense Chicken Tenders
• Hip and Joint Chicken Grillers
• Hip and Joint Duck Grillers
• Hip and Joint Chicken Soft Strips
• Hip and Joint Duck Soft Strips

 

The three different categories of dog treats are formulated to benefit different aspect of dogs’ health. The Hip and Joint formula is made with glucosamine, vitamin E, and chondroitin which help support bone and joint health. The ingredients are safe for long-term use. The Immunity and Defense formula is full of antioxidants derived from vitamin A and E and is also made with flaxseed oil and turmeric.

 

These ingredients can help strengthen a dog’s immune system, helping them fight off illness and stay healthy. Lastly, the Skin and Coat formula is made to keep skin healthy while giving the coat a shine with the use of flaxseed oil, vitamin E, biotin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Safety Regulations

The Dogswell manufacturing facility is located in Missouri and is proud to be SQF level 3 certified. The certification stands for Safe Quality Food which is rewarded by the Safe Quality Food Institute. The certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative benchmark that requires certifications to be renewed. The Dogswell facility follows comprehensive safety and quality management standards.

 

They have integrated a HACCP food safety plan (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)- which controls and analyzes biological, chemical, and physical hazards that may be in or around the raw ingredients. These safety precautions apply to every step of the process from purchasing and handling the ingredients, making the food, and distributing the food.

 

Sizing and Pricing

Dogswell is a decently affordable dog that sells four-pound 22.5-pound bags of dry dog food. The four-pound bag retails for around $12 while the 22.5-pound bag retails for around $39. Their canned dog food comes in 13-ounce containers in a case of 12.

These retail for around $27. A 10-ounce bag of treats costs just under $20, a more expensive option in the Dogswell brand. The mini dog treats are much cheaper at just under $10 for a four-ounce bag.

 

Is it Worth it?

Dogswell is not one of the widely used dog food brands on the market but does have many happy and loyal customers. Their high-protein food is made with real meat and is supplemented with plenty of vitamins and minerals. The company is not as transparent with their ingredients and cooking processes as other brands may be. Is the brand worth a try?

 

Pros:

 

• Uses ethically sourced meat and poultry
• Offers a range of products for specific aspects of a dog’s health such as immune support, bone health, and skin health
• All treats are grain-free with no added gluten
• Follows strict safety guidelines and uses high-quality ingredients
• Large flavor profile

 

Cons

 

• Dogswell was involved in a dog food recall in 2013 for trace amounts of antibiotic residue that may be present in certain products they distributed
• Cannot be purchased through their official site – only through third-party retailers
• Uses a few controversial ingredients in some of their recipes such as canola oil and garlic powder
• Does not disclose where some of their ingredients are from

 

Overall, Dogswell has high standards for the safety of their food and mostly uses high-quality ingredients. The company does not disclose where they receive their vitamins and minerals, and it is suspected they are sourcing them from China. A customer can simply look-over the ingredients list on a product to decide if they find it suitable for their dog.

 

Unless an owner is highly picky about the food they are giving to their dog, Dogswell is an above average brand with affordable products that both dogs and owners will love. Dogswell food and treats can be found here on Chewy.com and at other retailers.