Ingredients to look for when choosing dog food

Because we love our furry family members and want them to live long and healthy lives, concentrating on their nutritional needs is an important aspect of good doggy care. Knowing what nutrients and foods work best for your dog can be a confusing and, often, contradictory task, so we have provided you a list of essential ingredients to look for in commercial dog foods. These same nutrients can be found in human food if you choose to go with a homemade diet for your dog.

Pork and chicken provides the protein necessary for all aspects of your dog’s growth and development, important components of cellular structure, and contribute to a healthy immune system. They also deliver essential amino acids not manufactured in your dog’s body, including arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. A deficiency in any of the amino acids can cause health problems.

Turkey contains selenium, necessary for a healthy thyroid and immune system, and Vitamins B3 and B6, needed for a healthy coat and bone growth.

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Salmon and ocean fish lower cholesterol with their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and have been shown to help lessen the effects of canine senility in senior dogs.

Brown rice, a whole grain, provides complex carbs for energy, and fiber for intestinal health.

Oatmeal is rich in fibers, Vitamin B1, and minerals promoting bone and muscle growth.

Flax seeds are great for fiber and full of the omega-3 fatty acids that aid in cardiac health.

Eggs are the perfect blend of no carbs, high proteins, and saturated fats that can provide energy without adding unnecessary calories.

Canola oil works as a light coating for upset stomachs.

Blueberries and cranberries are full of fiber and the Vitamin C necessary for a healthy immune system.

Apples are rich in Vitamins A and C, and the mineral potassium, making them a great supplement for dogs with heart disease.

Celery is a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium. It is known to lower blood pressure, prevent age-related vision loss, and have anti-cancer properties.

Beets are high in antioxidants and are a good source of Vitamin C and manganese. Beets are also rich in folates, an important B vitamin for a healthy heart and normal tissue growth. They also contain the essential minerals iron, potassium, and magnesium.

Parsley contains high levels of the mineral potassium that is good for the heart, is rich in calcium needed for bones, and high in the Vitamin A that encourages good eye health. Parsley also helps your dog’s breath smell better.

Spinach is high in beta-carotenes, Vitamins A and C, and the antioxidants that increase immunity from disease.

Lettuce contains good fibers for a healthy digestive tract, breaks down cholesterol in your dog’s body leading to a healthy heart, and is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Vitamin A encourages good eye health and works for overall skin and coat health.

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Vitamin D3 is important for healthy bone formation, boosts the immune system, and promotes proper muscle and nerve control.

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy

Vitamin E works to boost the immune system and protect your dog from disease. This vitamin is essential for maintaining a healthy skin and hair coat.

Zinc promotes cell growth and replication, skin function, metabolism of proteins and carbs, and assists in wound healing.

Manganese is essential for the metabolism of enzymes in your dog’s body, promotes healthy neurological functions, and increases bone development in puppies and traumatized animals.

Calcium regulates the heartbeat, is necessary for building bone and tooth tissue, and aids in blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve transmissions.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) aids in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in the body. It lowers cholesterol and helps with the synthesis of hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

Finding a good, all-natural commercial dog food can be a trial if you shop at your local grocery or pet store. We recommend DOG for DOG manufactured devoid of the additives found in most commercial dog foods and free of corn, wheat and soy. DOG for DOG contains all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed to keep your dog healthy and happy, and was recently awarded the Best New Product Award at the Global Pet Expo 2014. Additionally, when you buy one bag of DOG for DOG, another bag is donated to local and national animal shelters to help other dogs in need.

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