History and Effects of Dog Food
As our loyal canine companions have journeyed alongside us through the annals of time, so too has their diet evolved, but has their nutritional needs? From the raw and rustic diets of their ancestors, rich in meat, bone, and natural gleanings, to the processed and often complex formulations that line the shelves of today's pet stores, the way we nourish our dogs has witnessed a profound transformation. As our loyal canine companions have journeyed alongside us through the annals of time, so too has their diet evolved, but has their nutritional needs? From the raw and rustic diets of their ancestors, rich in meat, bone, and natural gleanings, to the processed and often complex formulations that line the shelves of today's pet stores, the way we nourish our dogs has witnessed a profound transformation.
The history of cooked dog food and health
The production of dog food, which began around the 1950s, led to a shift from homemade dog food to factory-made. However, dogs are originally meant to eat a varied and raw diet. So when humans started cooking dog food, heating it, and adding grains, preservatives, dyes, and other unhealthy additives... health problems among dogs increased rapidly!
Dogs' need for a meat-based diet
Since then, allergies and food-related issues have increased. Today, there are a variety of dog foods available: dry food, canned food, fresh food, and more. Unfortunately, it can't be said that there's a good type of food or a perfect brand for all dogs. But one thing is certain, dogs have sharp teeth; they are carnivores. They should eat food tailored for a carnivorous animal! If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from food-related problems, read more about food allergies in dogs - symptoms and solutions.
Analyzing dog food: Turn the package upside down
So whether you feed dry food, canned food, or fresh food... turn over the packaging and read through the ingredients list. What's at the top of the list? Does it contain wheat, corn, rice flour, or something similar? If so, you are primarily feeding your dog something it's not meant to consume, something that can even become harmful if ingested... in the long run.And it's precisely the accumulation of toxins, allergens, and the fact that this happens over time that prevents some pet food manufacturers from being banned. To this day, not enough research funding has been devoted to investigating what grains and excessively high carbohydrate levels in dog food do to our dogs. If you want to change your dog's food, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to make a food change - and how to make the transition.
Tips for choosing a natural and healthy dog food
Try to turn back the clock a bit. Assume that your dog is an omnivore with a strong inclination towards being a carnivore. Feed accordingly. Choose protein sources that suit your dog and a diet that includes bones, organs, and minimal vegetables. Prefer berries over peas and grains. Scrutinize the contents carefully and make conscious choices. Then, evaluate the effects on your dog - observe the softness and shine of their coat, the brightness of their eyes, their overall health and well-being, dental health (tartar), pH levels (ear infections, redness around paws), energy level, recovery, stress management, happiness, and zest for life. Also, consider the consistency and frequency of their bowel movements, gas in the stomach, and the risk of anal gland inflammation (associated with loose stool). The goal is to have an alert and lively dog who doesn't produce as much waste as they consume. It's clear that the evolutionary journey of dog food has brought about changes, but it has also given us valuable insights. We can't return to the past, but we can ensure that our four-legged friends have the best possible conditions for a healthy and happy life by making informed choices about their diet. So let's remember both the old and the new lessons about dog food to give our loyal companions what they deserve - a healthy, appetizing, and balanced diet that will support them in all the adventures we share with our four-legged comrades. To understand more about how dog food affects your dog, check out the article How dog food affects your dog's well-being.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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