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Healthiest Dog Foods

It is always essential to invest in the health and longevity of your dog. Dog owners often wonder about the healthiest foods for their furry friends. There are many products with unnatural ingredients on the market, so it could be challenging to find the right solution.

As an owner, you must do your research and locate healthy food options with natural ingredients. Not only will these components promote better skin, gut, and weight, but the ideal combination will help your dog live a happier, healthier life. This article investigates the most critical ingredients to look for and the top five healthiest product options available.

Healthy Ingredients to Look for in Dog Foods

Each dog owner may have his or her own personal diet preference, but it is crucial to consider the healthy ingredients inside your furry friend’s food. Not only should your dog have a fresh diet, but it should have a balanced one too. Below is a list of essential ingredients to incorporate into your dog’s diet.

Authentic Meat

You want to focus your search on dog food options with real meat. Because dogs are carnivores, they require meat to satisfy their natural instincts and hunger. When you study the label, you should ensure that it lists the specific type of animal the meat comes from, such as beef, chicken, or lamb. Every dog is unique, but your dog should get 30% of its diet intake from lean protein.

Vegetables and Superfoods

Dogs require vegetables just like humans, so you should look for food labels that highlight vegetables first. Your furry friend should avoid corn because it is tough for it to digest and is typically utilized as a filler. Superfoods are also one of the best ingredients you could look for in healthy dog foods. The best brands will list components like blueberries, chia seeds, kale, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamins and Minerals

Dogs need their foods to combine vitamins, including Vitamin A, B, D, E, K, and choline. Most vitamins come from natural foods, but sometimes your furry friend will need an additional boost. Minerals are also crucial for your dog’s diet because they prevent health issues like joint and bone disorders, anemia, and impaired immunity. Try to focus on ingredients like ferrous and manganese sulfate.

Fiber

Both insoluble and soluble fiber ensure that your furry friend’s digestive tract is working correctly. Fiber also promotes a healthy weight balance, combats obesity, and prevents anal gland disease. Incorporating the right fiber levels can be tricky, so you should consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure.

Healthy Fats

Fats are not always bad, but they are a vital component of a dog’s diet. Healthy fats, typically found in quality meats, will promote optimal cell function. An optimal fat intake will ensure a healthy outer coat for your dog. The best sources of healthy fat include coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil.

Healthiest Dog Food Products on the Market

Check out our top picks for the healthiest dog foods available.

Diamond Naturals

The Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat dog food is a tasty and healthy treat for your furry friend. The salmon and potato formula is a must-try because it is filled with essential nutrients and probiotics for a healthy coat. This dog food is perfect for all life cycle stages, and its amino acid complex is built for leaner, stronger muscles.

Diamond Naturals’ product also contains an ideal balance of superfoods, antioxidants, and fatty acids. The company also mentions no corn or wheat fillers, providing your furry friend with a clean and reliable meal. Customers love that you receive a quality, grain-free product for a much more affordable price than other brands.

Pros:

• Formula is suitable for all ages and life stages
• No corn or wheat fillers
• Probiotics and nutrient-rich formula provide easy digestion

Cons:

• The food does not smell good to some dogs
• Causes skin problems in various dogs

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Blue Buffalo checks all the boxes for a complete healthy meal. It contains the highest quality protein sources with its red meat, which maintains stronger muscles. The food is also packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, which boost your adult dog’s immune system in the long run. The Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids provide the necessary ingredients to improve your dog’s coat and skin.

Customers love that the Blue Buffalo formula is easy to introduce to dogs because they love the smell. Although you get a higher price point with Blue Buffalo, it beats the competition with its comprehensive list of ingredients. For dogs with high cholesterol, Blue Buffalo has worked for dog parents in lowering their furry friend’s blood sugar too.

Pros:

• Excellent option for weight management
• Great combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals
• Made with real meat and other natural ingredients

Cons:

• The brown rice in the formula contains arsenic, which can be harmful to some dogs

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe

The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Grain Chicken Recipe provides a tasty set of ingredients with its free-range chicken, bananas, carrots, and organic oats. All components are also carefully dehydrated for easy digestion and optimal nutrient retention. Because the natural food recipe eliminates artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products, it is suitable for dogs of all ages.

Customers also receive an authentic final product because the food is prepared in a human food facility with 100% human-grade ingredients. The company only sources its ingredients from reliable sources for maximum nutrition. Consumers also remark how this food product’s ideal cost is equivalent to what they would spend to make the food themselves.

Pros:

• High in protein because of the human-grade chicken
• Great option for all dog ages
• Food is made within a human food facility

Cons:

• The potatoes are not as tasty as the other ingredients
• Not budget-friendly

Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Healthy Formula

The Purina ONE SmartBlend is a formula catered for your furry friend’s unique needs. Its most significant selling point is its weight loss capabilities. The high protein content helps promote lean muscle for proper weight management. Purina’s formula also includes an ideal fiber content to combat weight loss and encourage smoother digestion.

Many of Purina’s customer reviews remark how effectively the formula contributes to stronger muscles and a healthy heart. Your furry friend can enjoy the fantastic taste but not worry about gaining weight. The product is from one of the most reliable companies in the industry, so the ingredients are backed by thorough research.

Pros:

• Excellent taste
• Good for weight management
• Backed by research from a reliable company

Cons:

• Contains meat by-products and fillers
• Pricier than other alternatives

Lucy Pet Formulas for Life

The Lucy Pet formula is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Because of its antioxidants and grain-free ingredients, your furry friend gets an extra boost of immunity as well. The salmon, pumpkin, and quinoa formula also deliver the essential fatty acids for your dog, promoting a healthy coat and skin. Each bite of this formula is filled with the necessary nutrients to satisfy dogs of all ages.

When you choose the Lucy Pet formula, you are investing in a quality company as well. The Lucy Pet Foundation provides free spay & neuters to dogs in low-income geographical areas.

Pros:

• Good option for gut health and sensitive stomachs
• High amount of fatty acids promotes healthier skin and coat
• Percentage of revenue goes toward helping animals

Cons:

• Not as good of an option for smaller dogs
• Tends to give dogs bad breath after eating

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s health and happiness is always a top priority, so an investment in healthy dog food is an important decision. There are many products on the market, but all the options on this list provide essential nutrients, real meat, and excellent taste to keep your furry friend coming back.

The important thing to remember is to provide your dog with the ideal meal plan for its specific needs. Some dogs need food for proper weight management, while others may require a high-protein meal plan. No matter what you decide, always keep your best friend’s interest at heart.