What Ingredients Are in Pet Food?
Your pets are a part of the family, and as their owner, keeping them healthy and safe is a priority. However, pet owners must be aware of what they feed any animal, as their food is essential to their health. Finding the right pet food ingredients can provide them with a balanced diet.
Common Ingredients in Dog Food
Dog food — or pet food in general — isn’t a one size fits all solution. Manufacturers create food for different ages, sizes, breeds and flavors. Your dog will enjoy a particular taste more than another and benefit more from certain types of ingredients.
Food designed for larger dog breeds typically focuses on helping dogs grow into their natural size while minimizing obesity, bone issues and heart problems. These foods are typically lower in sodium, fat and vitamin D. Smaller dogs usually need food with a higher calorie content due to their increased metabolism, which makes grains, fruits, vegetables and meats essential.
Some of the most common pet food ingredients for dogs include:
- Animal derivatives
- Dairy products and eggs
- Fish
- Byproducts
- Meat and bone meal
- Cereals
- Vegetables
- Fats and oils
- Sodium and chloride
What Are Chicken Byproducts in Dog Food?
One of the most controversial topics concerning pet food is whether meat byproducts are healthy for your pets. Chicken byproducts are a popular addition to dog and cat foods. These byproducts are leftover animal parts, including the lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, blood and bones.
Many will say that since these byproducts are deemed unfit for human consumption in the U.S., owners should not feed them to their beloved animals. In many countries, however, these chicken byproducts are often considered delicacies, regularly eaten in homes and high-end restaurants.
In reality, byproducts are safe for our pets to eat and offer extreme health benefits. The various organs contain essential nutrients, such as calcium, fats and minerals. They are highly digestible and provide around 60 to 70% protein in dog foods, allowing your pet to receive well-balanced nourishment.
Learn How Baker Commodities Eliminates Waste by Recycling Animal Byproducts
At Baker Commodities, we strive to do our part in eliminating waste by utilizing every part of an animal. We schedule regular pickups from butcher shops, meat processing plants and supermarkets and transport them to rendering facilities to offer an eco-friendly alternative.
If you’re interested in our animal byproduct services, check our website for more information, or contact our professionals to request help today!