What Is Really Hidden in Your Dog's Food?

The complete label reader's guide: what's really hidden in your dog's food?

You know that moment in the pet store? You are standing in front of a huge wall of colorful sacks. The promises on the packaging are big and impressive: "premium", "holistic", "natural ingredients". But when you turn the bag over and try to read the small letters on the back - it feels a bit like a chemistry exam.

on"Zemach Israpet", we believe that an owner who knows more - is an owner who chooses better. Therefore, we decided to sort out the mess and give you the keys to understand what exactly you are pouring into the bowl. It is not just a matter of satiety, but the basis for the health and longevity of your best friend.

The first law: the order does determine

The list of ingredients is not written randomly. The law requires manufacturers to register the components in descending order by weight. The rule of thumb is simple: the first five ingredients are the "heart" of the food. They determine its quality more than anything else. If you see mostly simple carbohydrates there and the meat is relegated to the fifth place - it's time toCompany No.Another bag. Company No.A food source in which a quality protein source (such as chicken meal, beef or fish) appears at the top of the list.

Glossary: ​​to understand the "chemistry" behind health

Many times we are frightened by long names or names that feel too industrial in the list of ingredients, but the truth is that these are usually quality ingredients that are essential for the development of the dog. Here are some stars that appear in our foods, and a brief explanation of why they are there:

• Fish hydrolyzate  :Sounds like a word from a laboratory, but it is actually a protein that has undergone primary breakdown ("early digestion"). The result? A protein that is absorbed by the body at peak speed, hypoallergenic, and very easy to digest. Excellent for sensitive dogs.
• Sorghum:  An ancient and great grain that sometimes replaces wheat. It is gluten-free (mostly), has a high nutritional value and releases energy in a slow and balanced way, which helps maintain a feeling of satiety and normal blood sugar levels.
• Choline chloride: A scary name for an essential component of the vitamin family B. It is critical for liver function and maintaining your dog's brain and nervous system.
• Beet pulp : This is a quality source of dietary fiber. They help the motility of the intestines, maintain normal and firm stools, and contribute to the feeling of satiety.
• Probiotics and prebiotics: Just like with us, health begins in the stomach. These special fibers encourage the proliferation of "good bacteria" in the intestines, improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.
• Omega 3 and 6:  Company No.Sources such as fish oil or flax. They are responsible for the shine in the fur, the health of the skin and even help with cognitive development and brain function.
• Di-calcium phosphate: Sound like an industrial plugin? In fact, it is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus - the building blocks of strong bones and healthy teeth.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: The winning duo to protect the joints. It is especially important for large dogs and adolescent and elderly dogs, to prevent cartilage wear and maintain flexibility of movement.
• Edible organic acids and antioxidants: Our way of maintaining the freshness of the food and the health of the dog, usually with safe means that prevent spoilage of the fats in the food and strengthen the immune system.

Fresh meat or chicken meal? make order

While fresh meat contains a lot of water, "chicken meal" is meat that has been dried and ground, so it is a very concentrated and powerful source of protein (much more protein per gram than fresh meat). The correct combination in the food ensures that the dog will get all the amino acids it needs to build muscle.

7  The tips of the professionals: this is how you will know if the food is really of high quality

So how do you summarize all this information for a quick decision in front of the shelf? We have prepared a quick checklist of 7 points for you:

1. The first test: Is the first ingredient animal protein (such as chicken meal, meat or fish)? If so - this is already an excellent start.
2. Source brightness: Prefer a manufacturer that specifies exactly what is inside. "Chicken fat" is much better than general "animal fat"..
3. Without food coloring: Your dog doesn't care if the dumplings are brown, red or green. Food colorings are unnecessary and sometimes harmful. Quality food will usually be a natural and uniform brown color.
4. Vitamins and minerals: Make sure that at the end of the list there is a detailed list of supplements/nutritional values: vitamin E, A, zinc, iron, etc'. This list of nutritional values ​​(of course in accordance with the daily intake recommendation) is the sign that the food is a "complete food" that satisfies all the dog's needs.
5. Adaptation to life stage: Make sure the food is suitable for the dog's age. A puppy that is building bones and an older dog that needs to maintain weight have completely different requirements.
6. The feeding table is only a recommendation:  On the back of the bag you will find a table with quantities. At the same time, it is important to remember - this is a starting point. An active dog that runs needs more energy than a dog that sleeps most of the day on the couch. Consult the veterinarian and adjust the amount to the dog's physical condition.
7. The result test (yes, it is unpleasant): The best indicator of the quality of the food is the dog's stools. Quality food that is well absorbed will produce small, solid stools. If the dog produces large amounts - a sign that the body is not absorbing a large part of the food.