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Debunking dog food labels
Debunking dog food labels Food labels can be very confusing and often manufacturers are happy for you to be confused as they can hide the not-so nice ingredients under mysterious names! In this article I will look at the most used ingredients and de-mystify them so that you can make better choices for your dog! Meat derivatives / Meat by-products The term ‘Meat derivatives’ covers all warm-blooded land animals. Usually, it means the bits of the carcass that remain once the ‘good bits’ have been removed for human consumption. As such, generally this means organ meat (now organ meat is very nutritious, so this is not so bad) as well as the rest of the carcass in its entirety (beaks, feathers, hooves, etc – less ideal). The advantage to the manufacturer is that they can change the animal source at any time to suit what they have in stock. This is not great for us, dog-owners, as you don’t actually know what you are purchasing and if your dog has any intolerances or sensitivities, products with meat derivatives in could cause undesirable health side-effects. Additionally, the manufacturers will use the cheapest ingredient available at the time of production and unfortunately cheap usually means poor quality. It’s rather interesting that in the USA meat derivatives are referred to as 4Ds by those who know what they mean, which are Dead, Dying, Disabled, Diseased. The EU has stricter rules therefore one can assume that roadkill animals for instance, would not be used under meat-derivatives. However, now that the UK is no longer in the EU, more care must be taken when purchasing dog food originating from the USA. Vegetable derivatives These are ingredients from plants and they can mean many different things, similarly to meat derivatives. It could mean the cellulose part of vegetables, which are not digestible by dogs (or humans) or it could mean beet pulp or who knows what? Beet pulp is a by-product from the processing of sugar beet which is used as fodder for horses and other livestock. Beet pulp is the fibrous material left over after the sugar is extracted from sugar beets. In other words it’s a sugar filler and as such can cause weight gain! Cereals / Grains Cereals usually mean wheat, corn and rice or other similar types of carbohydrate. Whilst cereals in a human diet can be beneficial and essential especially if the right type is chosen, they are usually not so great for dogs. Wheat, rice, and other grains can be difficult for dogs to digest. Furthermore, these grains are often treated with a number of chemicals prior to harvesting. These chemicals can transfer into the dog food formula and slowly cause issues as the years progress. Some grains are ok to use in a dog’s diet, in small quantities and these are: millet – easy to digest rice / brown rice sorghum oat spelt quinoa Dogs do need some carbohydrates, however, vegetables are the ideal sources for them such as carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, etc. When it comes to cereals, rice is one that can be included in small quantities especially if your dog has an upset stomach. Corn (aka Maize) should be avoided as dogs cannot actually digest it (neither can we and the evidence is there for us to see ). Manufacturers use corn to bulk up the food. Vegetable oil This could mean any vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, palm oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil and the likes. There is no need for a dog to consume any of this and unfortunately simple vegetable oils like the ones mentioned are highly inflammatory meaning that they will make certain health conditions worse or simply cause some. For instance, skin conditions can be due to the inclusion of these vegetable oils and if your dog suffers from health conditions such as irritable bowel, arthritis, diabetes or any local inflammation, vegetable oils will worsen these. Brewers Rice We already know that rice should not form the main part of a dog’s diet but I thought I’d just clarify what Brewers Rice is. It is the smallest fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of rice that is milled. Many within the pet food industry describe grain by-products such as Brewers Rice as “Floor Sweepings”. While this may seem like a joke, it is not and is not an inaccurate description of these type of ingredients. Along with Rice Flour, and Brewers Rice, other examples of low-quality grain by-products are Rice Bran and Rice Gluten, as such these are, without a doubt, a low-quality grain ingredients and low-cost fillers which should have no place in dog food. Glycerine Glycerine is basically used as a sweetener albeit it is also helpful as a binder to bind ingredients into a chewy form. Not only should it not be in a dog’s meal but it is also dangerous if it’s origin is other than vegetable as it could actually be the by-product of processing diesel! Preservatives The worst offenders are butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which are added to oils to prevent them from going rancid. Sadly, they are carcinogens, i.e. cause cancerous tumours! Natural preservatives, such as antioxidants are much better to use as preservatives. However, we are lucky if our human foods are preserved with these (vitamin C & E are the most common ones) never mind our canine’s food! Bone meal Bone meal or ground bone is added to some dog foods as a natural calcium and phosphorous supplement. Its definition is very vague as it could come from any animals so if your dog is intolerant to a specific meat, bone meal is probably best avoided. Hydrolysed Animal Proteins Proteins are formed from long chains of amino acids and by using enzymes and/or acids to perform a process called hydrolysis, these chains can be broken down into their constituent parts. The resulting substance, now called protein hydrolysate or hydrolysed proteins are then spray dried to form a powder which can be useful in pet food for a number of reasons, such as: flavour enhancers for those dogs who are allergic to certain protein as these allegedly don’t trigger an allergic reaction cheap source of amino acids found in protein (amino acids are building blocks or thousands of things in dogs and humans therefore extremely important) The starting product for hydrolysed animal proteins usually come from slaughterhouse castoffs albeit some companies use better quality ingredients. As a nutritionist, I believe that what is best for dogs and us humans are the natural things in life, things that look like nature intended. It’s a bit like being a vegan and eating nothing but Quorn or fake meat for protein (instead of healthy options such as tofu, legume, nuts & seeds. Now that is no way healthy in my view and that person would do much better if actually ate some good quality steak or chicken. Same rule applies to dogs, if it’s not natural it shouldn’t form the main part of the diet. Meat meal Meat meal is made from the parts of animals that aren't consumed by humans. This could be up to a third to a half of the original animal and generally includes residual meat, offal, connective tissues and in some cases bones. It is a fine, dry, brown powder which, for many years, has formed the backbone of the dry dog food industry around the world. Ash Ash is not an added ingredient, it simply refers to the mineral content of the food, therefore it shouldn't be viewed as bad or good. Summary Look for ingredients like meat (be it human-grade, dried or freshly prepared), vegetables (other than the ones mentioned above or those toxic to dogs), herbs, fruit, acceptable grains but only in small quantities and that’s it really. Added vitamins and minerals can be included but not necessary.
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Vegetables for Dogs
Vegetables for Dogs The healthiest choices Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, cancer-fighting chemicals, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and as such it would be a shame not to include them in your dog's diet. It is a much healthier way to boost their nutritional needs than putting them on supplements. An argument you might hear (especially from dog food manufacturers) is that if you feed your dog a complete, balanced diet, you don't need to supplement it. However, that argument only stands if your dog is in optimal health to start with and even then there can be issues with absorption! Additionally, when we look at wolves the ancestors of dogs, we know that they survived by being scavengers and eating everything and anything they could. Even today, wild dogs, wolves and dingoes will scavenge for meat as well as fruit and veg. Given the nutritional values of fruit & veg, it is great to include them in the diet but remember: dogs don't have the same nutritional requirements as humans, so only small quantities of fruit & veg should be included. See the top choices below. Carrots Did you know that chewing raw, crunchy carrots eases anxiety and cleans teeth? Eating carrots is also great for eyesight and boosts the immune system with antioxidants. It’s no surprise that carrots are a favourite among dogs and dog-owners. They contain vitamins A, C, D, E and K and also high in beta carotene, potassium, and fibre. Carrots are good for your dog’s vision as well as his skin and for cleaning teeth and gums. Other minerals found in carrots include riboflavin B2), niacin (B3), calcium, phosphorous, sodium, magnesium, and iron. These important vitamins and nutrients support the immune system and digestion. Some dogs find raw carrots hard to chew and can choke. If you see undigested carrot pieces in stool, chop into smaller pieces and serve cooked, which can also help avoid choking. Broccoli Broccoli contains vitamins A, C, D, beta carotene, folic acid, as well as fibre, calcium, and chromium. When you cook broccoli, cancer fighting enzymes are released. Broccoli also contains several phytochemicals, substances that halt carcinogens in their tracts, and as such help to ward off cancer. If all those benefits were not enough, Broccoli contains a substance that improves immune functions. Although broccoli seems like the perfect food, feed this one in moderation (max 10% of daily food). Too much can reduce his thyroid functioning and also cause wind! Asparagus Try adding cooked asparagus tips (cut into small pieces to prevent choking) to your dog’s meal for variety, flavour and a boost of vitamins, and minerals. Sometimes a new flavour or texture is all it takes to renew interest in his usual food. Asparagus contains vitamins including A, B1, B2, C, E, and K. You’ll find an even more notable list of minerals, including folate, iron, copper, fibre, manganese and potassium. Squash/Pumpkin Squash and pumpkin contain vitamin A and have a good amount of potassium which regulates blood pressure. Pumpkin also contains small amounts of vitamin C, Iron, phosphorus, magnesium and folate and it’s rich in fibre which helps to regulate bowel movements. So if your dog is suffering from constipation or diarrhoea, heap on a spoonful of pureed pumpkin to his regular diet. Pumpkin also promotes overall heart health. Dogs can eat the seeds, but they need to be crushed and turned into a powder. Green beans Green beans are not one of the first choices when it comes to vegetables for dogs but actually it is a really good one to give to dogs! Green beans are high in fibre aiding digestion and bowel regulation, and have heart-healthy omega-3s as well as vitamins A, C, and K. They are low in fat so if your pooch is trying to lose weight, it’s good to bulk up his food with some cooked green beans. Kale Kale isn't just a superfood for people! It boasts tons of benefits like fighting heart disease, arthritis, allergies and urinary tract problems. While too much can cause gas and bloating, adding one ounce of steamed, chopped or dried kale to your dog's meal can boost its health value. Parsley Say bye to the doggy breath! Parsley is an ideal breath-freshener. It also adds potassium for muscle and joint health and beta carotene for eyes. Add just a sprinkle of chopped parsley to your dog's meal to boost its nutritional value. Sweet potato Cooked mashed or pureed, sweet potato is a healthy and tasty treat that fills a dog's tummy and boosts his system with vitamins, minerals and fibre. They have vitamin A, B6, C and E and are loaded with minerals as well. Sweet potatoes contain iron, potassium, copper, calcium, folate, thiamin, and folate. Most dogs love the naturally sweet taste but as with any of these selections, you can overdo a good thing. Root veg (parsnip, turnips, etc.) These root vegetables are a healthy choice for both you and your dog. They contain Vitamins B6 and C and they are also high in antioxidants that can help fight cancer. They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Since they are low in calories they also make a good choice for a treat. They are a source of calcium and folate and, best of all, they are low in calories. Peas Peas are loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals. Dogs tend to love the taste and can tolerate peas cooked, frozen or raw. Peas contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and K. They also contain thiamin, phosphorus, manganese, fibre, and folate. Dog food manufacturers will often include peas in their ingredients because they are a natural source of protein. Potatoes Potatoes are often found in dog foods that are considered grain-free because it offers a decent source of starch and fibre. Dogs can share your potatoes, but should not eat them raw. Potatoes are rich in vitamin B6 and contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Do not eat or give the leaves, flowers, sprouts, because they are poisonous. Potatoes do not have that many calories, but it is how they are prepared and what we add to them that can make them calorie dense. Courgette Courgette is fine for dogs to eat and offers few calories if your dog is watching his waistline. It is a very healthy vegetable for both you and your dog and is packed with Vitamin C and B6, manganese, potassium and folate. They can be eaten raw or cooked and because they are slightly sweet in taste, dogs tend to love them, albeit some have issues with its texture. Cucumber Can dogs eat cucumber? YES! What better summer-time treat can one find than a cool cucumber that contains almost 96% water. Dogs love these vegetables too. But just as with all vegetable treats for dogs, moderation is important. Too much of a good thing can cause stomach upset and even diarrhoea, so don't share too many of your cucumbers with your dog. Lettuce I was quite surprised when I threw some lettuce leaves on the floor for my dog and she wolfed it down! It seems like that dogs do like to munch on crunchy, refreshing lettuce. Lettuce is a good source of Vitamin K and A. The provitamin A, beta-carotene is also found in the dark green lettuces such as Romaine. Darker varieties of lettuce provide folate and iron. The forbidden veg There are certain fruits and vegetables that you should not give to your dog. The list below shows the worst-offenders but the full list is a bit longer. Onions, shallots, leek, and garlic – destroy red blood cells Rhubarb - may cause kidney failure Green Tomatoes, Tomato Stalks and leaves (Red tomatoes are fine) Avocados Grapes and Raisins or Currants How to feed veg to your dog Always core apples before giving the fleshy part to your dogs. Don't feed seeds. Many dogs love raw carrots, but if yours does not, steam or boil them slightly. Always remove seeds from fruit before giving them to your dog. Keep treats down to about 10% of your dog’s total daily food intake. If your dog makes a mess with mushy bananas, pop some slices in the freezer and offer them frozen. Alternatively mash up bananas with a fork and spread it on a lick mat (like the lickpad which comes with 3 suction pads and keep it in place) You can offer vegetables raw (unless otherwise noted), slightly steamed, boiled, or baked; sliced, diced or pureed. If your dog is suspicious of anything new you give him, try a spoonful of vegetable baby food mixed with his regular food. Watch your dog’s stools after giving vegetables. If diarrhoea develops or he appears to defecate more frequently and in larger quantities, reduce the amount of vegetables you are providing. Whilst vegetables should be included in a dog's diet, remember that they are not herbivores and therefore should not be put on a vegetarian or vegan diet!
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Nutrition for Dogs
The importance of nutrition for your dog’s healthWhy it matters what you feed your poochNutrition for dogs is just as important as for humans and good nutrition relies on similar principles.Most people understand the importance of nutrition for their own health. We know that eating lots of veg, fruit, healthy protein and avoiding fast food, junk, sugary processed food is the way to have a healthy long life. However, somehow many people still fail to see that the principle of ‘you are, what you eat’, which is also true for dogs. If you feed them cheap, processed food full of animal by-products, vegetable derivatives, fillers, flavouring, and other artificial products they will incur health problems sooner or later.The quality of ingredients is key as quality ingredients provide a better quality of life, resulting in fewer skin conditions, less itching, fewer ear infections, shinier coats, less inflammatory bowel disease, better muscle tone, stronger bones, more energy, better temperament and other immediate physical benefits of better nutrition. Dogs are happier and feel better overall.Cost is often a problem. However, the more digestible the food is, the less you need to feed, so the bag of food at the higher cost will last longer. The more palatable a food is the less waste you have, so there’s less thrown out because your dog didn’t eat it. Premium food will keep your dog healthier and a dog as fit as a fiddle will reduce your vet bills in the long-term as well as guarantee that your best 4-legged buddy will be by your side for much longer.What makes a food high quality?Higher quality foods are foods that ideally contain real meat (and maybe some meat meal – the pros and cons of meat meal is for another article). Dogs need the same macronutrients that we do, albeit in different proportions:Protein Protein is extremely important for building and repairing muscles and other body tissues. It is needed to form new skin cells, grow hair, build muscle tissue, and more. It also assists in creating body chemicals like hormones and enzymes that are needed for normal function. It provides energy and keeps the immune system strong.Proteins are made up of amino acids, and dogs require 22 amino acids to make necessary proteins. A dog’s body is able to make about half of these needed amino acids, but the rest must come from the food your dog eats every day. Because these amino acids are so important, they are called essential amino acids. Deficiencies of any of the essential amino acids over time can lead to health problems.Fat Fats are very important in both human and canine diet as they are needed for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Without enough fat, a dog with an unlimited supply of those vitamins cannot benefit from them. Fat also serves as a source for essential (unsaturated) fatty acids (EFAs) that canines can’t manufacture but they are needed for cell membrane integrity.Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are also required but grains should be minimised. You want to avoid corn, wheat and soy components that are often used as fillers and sometimes found to be the first allergic component when a dog presents with an intolerance or allergy to their food.With a higher quality food the pet gets better nutrition through better digestibility and absorption of nutrients. It’s important to know the difference in digestible protein versus crude protein. Lower quality foods may add crude protein such as chicken beaks, cow hooves, goat hair, any and all sources of protein but not necessarily digestible protein, which means it passes through in the stool with no nutritional benefit to the pet. Meat sources of protein versus cereal grain sources are also important as dogs are carnivores with a digestive system geared toward meat, not corn, wheat or soy.Some less expensive or lower quality brands will add sugar or artificial flavourings to make their food more palatable, so watch out for these unnecessary ingredients.There is no one type or brand of food that’s best for all dogs. Each dog’s age, medical condition (if any), immune system (allergies, hot spots, itching, weepy eyes . . .) and lifestyle (a working dog, active sports dog versus a family pet) needs to be considered in choosing a food brand.Is premium quality food really worth the expense?Absolutely! However, not everybody can afford the highest quality food but I think we can all make wiser choices and better decisions for the health of our dogs. It is important to read the labels and know what to look out for. If it has something you would not eat yourself, don’t make your dog eat it!If you want to know more about food labels, read the Debunking dog food labels article.
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Welcome Post
Hello! I’m so excited that the website is live! I hope you all like it! I thought long and hard about what my first blog post should be about and whilst I have many doggy subjects in my head, it felt like that the first blog post should be about my little company, Chomp & Chew. So let me tell you why I’ve set it up and what it stands for. I’ve always been a huge animal lover and as a kid I loved spending time at my grandparents’ house as they had lots and lots of animals. Those summer days were filled with feeding little chicks, getting carrots and greens for the bunnies, playing with the dogs, eating strawberries in the garden, going for long walks – I loved it all! Then life got busy and it was years before I had my first two dogs – Roxy and Luke. Luke is still with us and now we also have a crazy, fun-loving, very sweet Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, Sparky (check out the About page for more on our history). Before bringing Sparky home I spent endless hours, days, weeks researching dog food, treats, toys, beds – everything. I found it quite frustrating and time-consuming. When I found a dog food that I was happy to feed her, they either had nothing or very little in terms of treats, never mind toys! Every time I wanted a different product, I had to do more and more research as companies sold only one or two products other than the big names in the market. Those big marketplaces had everything a new dog owner could ask for, but I knew from my research and studies that even though they advertised their food as ‘natural’ it was not even close to it! Having recently qualified as a nutritionist, I now know what good food looks like and can easily read labels and recognise the ingredients that are just fillers, unnecessary additives, or just plain ’baddies’ for our dogs. I don’t know about you, but I value convenience as I’m always busy, so I want to get all of my dog supplies from under one roof. Hence, I’ve decided to set up Chomp & Chew to be that shop. I want to make it easier for dog-parents to find 100% natural, delicious food and treats free of chemicals and mysterious, unnecessary ingredients, as well as toys, dental & grooming products and lots more. I will be using my extensive knowledge of nutrition to advise you on all matters relating to diet & food (and other doggy-related matters) so that you can provide your loyal, loving doggy with the best, wholesome, nutritious meals and treats. I will be sharing my knowledge in blog articles on the website as well as tips on Instagram (check out @chompandchewuk). I want to make it fun for all of us, so there will be a monthly competition (Dog of The Month) that you can all take part in and win a bag of natural goodies for your pooch. The Loyalty Scheme offers many ways to collect points, which will help you save money! It also comes with additional perks and offers and of course as a loyal customer you can influence the shape of the company, the products we sell and the services we offer. I hope you will like the website and the products on offer. Should there be any initial problems or mistakes, please forgive me, I’m only human and trying to do my best. If there’s anything specific you would like me to cover in future blog articles, please let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts on anything I’ve mentioned. Similarly, if you have any questions, please drop us a line. Thanks for reading this article and visiting the site. Bernadett
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