Nutrition myths for humans have emerged every year until the bubble burst after scientific research and shared experiences. The same issue started with the pet nutrition industry, a huge business market. Pet parents are careful about what they feed their dogs and a lot of food manufacturers take advantage of this to circulate a myth based on which they can make profits in business. We are here to break that bubble.
Over the last few years, tonnes of myths have emerged which we will address today.
The Grain-Free Dog-Food Myth:
This is the most common myth you must have heard without a doubt if you are a pet parent. When you go to buy pet food, for sure the pet store representative must have tried to sell your grain-free food, stating how beneficial it is for your dog and how it is nearly the same as feeding them in the wild.
In fact, there are premium dog food companies that boost themselves to be experts in grain-free diets and state how harmful carbohydrate is for the dog. Well, while the statements sound convincing as we humans also try to avoid carbohydrates as much as possible. Also, we assume that a no-carbohydrate diet will help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Well, speak to your vet and you will hear a different version of this. Every vet you meet will advise you against this diet for essential reasons. Before finalizing any diet, consult the vet and learn about the best soft dry dog food.
You will also read that grains in pet foods are actually poor-quality fillers, but this is again a myth created by the grain-free dog food industry. In fact, grains in dog food are essential for a balanced diet as it provides good nutrition, energy, and fiber.
FDA has found links between grain-free dog food and DCM, which is a heart condition that dogs develop. They are not sure yet, but research indicates that the ingredients used to replace grains in the food can be the leading cause.
Now you may get confused after reading all this, especially if your dog has some allergies, as you must have heard that a grain-free diet is great for dogs with allergies. Interestingly, this is also a myth as food allergies are rare in dogs and they are most likely to be allergic to meats and dairy than to grain.
A small number of pets can have grain allergies though and if you find out your dog is one, then you should consult a vet and plan the diet accordingly.
The Raw Diet Myth:
As a pet parent, I have heard many times on social media how dogs should be fed what their ancestors ate. This means they need to be fed raw meat, which is the best diet for them. It is all-natural and not processed, hence it is the best meal for them.
Honestly, there are no significant studies that can suggest this is true. Promoters of raw food say this is the closest meal they can have to their ancestor which researchers do not accept as dogs are not wolves for starters. What is good for wolves is necessarily not good for dogs.
Understand that wolves are carnivores who rarely eat fruits and vegetables but domestic dogs are not and they can digest plants as well as they have been scavenging for human food for years.
You will find vets who may recommend a raw diet as it feels more natural; but the uncooked meal can have bacteria, including salmonella, listeria, campylobacter, E. coli, and others which can harm the dog more than do good. Hence, the myth that a raw diet is the best diet for dogs is false for sure. A lot of established organizations are against feeding raw food to pets, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The Homemade Pet Food Myth:
With so many pet food recalls, another myth has developed that says to feed the dog homemade food, which is safer. While it is definitely a safe and fresh option, it does not mean it is the best. Dogs’ nutrition requirements are different from humans. You will need to add a few supplements to the diet as well to ensure it contains enough nutrition for the dog. Balancing nutrition is essential, which reputed pet food companies manage to do. If you are unsure, then stick to a high-quality dog food brand for the dough.
If you still wish to stick to a home-cooked meal for your dog, do consult it with the vet who will help you balance the diet by adding the needed supplements to the meal.
The Familiar Ingredient Myth:
Recently, I have seen a rise in pet companies who charge premium charges for pet meals only because the ingredients listed are what we humans can eat as well. They claim that how can you feed your dog products that use ingredients which are not heard of in human foods?
Well, there are several reputed pet food companies that have been researching the best dog diet for years. There are a few ingredients you will read which might not be familiar to you but that does not mean it is bad for the dog. In fact, it might be essential as well for the pet. Hence, do not fall into this fad.
The Bottom Line:
So, having busted all the myths, you may question what is the best meal for your dog? Well, a balanced diet is the best way to feed the dog. If you are comfortable with dog food, then ensure you choose a reputable company known for high-quality dog food, as there are many substandard dog food companies, too. You can make a few home-cooked meals in a week to add some variety to the dog’s diet. You can also feed the dog boiled chicken or veggies along with the kibble diet to excite taste buds.
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