More on Dog Food

A question about dog food is probably the most common query I get at hunt tests or even in the clinic.  Everyone wants a magic bullet food that will give their dog unlimited stamina.  Let's see what's best.

First, we need to assume the dog is actually healthy.  This means well conditioned, "in shape", and not suffering from any illness.  Importantly, they need to be parasite free.  This translates to either regular deworming (on a monthly basis via a broad-spectrum heartworm pill) OR checking the stool at the vet's office at least twice annually; certainly 8 weeks before hunting season.

Now, on the food:  Here's the simple formula:  chicken as the protein source in the 28-30% range, a fat-level, as fed (i.e. what the bag says on the label) of 20%, and from a reputable manufacturer.  On this chicken business, the term Chicken By Product Meal sound horrible but, actually, it can be an excellent protein source.  If it is refined and used by, again, a well-known company, I don't have a problem with CBPM.  The fat source can come from a variety of animal fats, even lard. But, most fats are high in Omega-6 fatty acids which, while not toxic, are not as good as Omega-3's which are primarily found in fish oil or flax seed oil.

As far as carbs, there's no real minimum requirement for carbs in a dog's diet.  They can live without any carbs.  But, if you try to feed a product with low carbs, the manufacturer has to use some very expensive ingredients.  So, to keep costs within reason, carbs (grains) are normally in dog food.  While any of them can be used, for all practical purposes, rice is the best one.

So, we find a food that has chicken (or CBPM) as the protein source,  a fat level of 20%, ideally with a lot of fish oil, and rice as the carb source.  There you go.