Dog Food To Avoid: Protecting Your Pet's Health and Well-being 2024

Table of Contents

Introduction

Choosing the right food for your furry friend is crucial for their overall health and well-being. While there are many nutritious options available, it’s essential to be aware of the types of dog food to avoid. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various factors to consider when selecting dog food and highlight some common ingredients and brands to steer clear of.

As a pet owner it is important to choose high quality dog food that can meet your furry friend’s needs. Dog food affects your dog’s mood, its energy, its health, and its wellbeing in general. If you wish to increase your dog’s lifespan and improve your dog’s health it is important to avoid dog food brands that may prove harmful to your dog or that are made from cheap fillers such as corn or soy to cut on production costs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Food

Ensuring your dog’s diet is well-balanced and nutritious is vital for their health. Consider the following factors when selecting dog food:

1. Nutritional Content

Choose dog food that provides essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate proportions.

2. Ingredient Quality

Opt for dog food made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and avoid products containing fillers, by-products, and artificial additives.

3. Brand Reputation

Research the reputation of dog food brands, and opt for those with a history of producing high-quality, safe products.

4. Allergen Sensitivity

If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, select dog food formulated to address their specific dietary needs.

5. Life Stage and Breed

Consider your dog’s life stage and breed when choosing dog food, as nutritional requirements may vary based on factors such as age, size, and activity level.

Common Dog Foods to Avoid

However, due to the astronomical number of different dog foods out there it is nearly impossible to filter out the good and the harmful foods for your pet.

After much research and going through dozens of reviews we have composed a list of the top dog foods you should avoid to keep your dog healthy.

Keep in mind that the list is not made in any particular order (from worst to best or best to worst) so just try to avoid these dog foods when you next go shopping for dog food.

Kal Kan Complete Adult
Purina Dog Chow
Iams Dog Food
Ol’ Roy
Gravy Train
Kibbles’ n Bits

Kal Kan Complete Adult

The Kal Kan Complete Adult used corn as its main ingredient which is a big red flag. In addition, they use soybeans and wheat as fillers which give your dog the allusion that it is full and can’t eat anymore without offering any nutritional value. One of the main side effects of these fillers is that dogs that consume them will quickly feel full without even consuming an entire portion and will be starving to death a few hours later.

Other than that, the food doesn’t contain the necessary protein, vitamins and minerals which are vital for muscle preservation and a strong immune system.

Purina Dog Chow

This type of dog food can be found in most stores throughout the United States and is popular thanks to its price, which is one of the lowest you will find when it comes to dog food.

However, low prices obviously do not mean high quality. The Purina Dog Chow also uses corn and soybean as its main ingredients and what’s worse is it also contains unnecessary artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

To make matters worse Purina has also been involved in several lawsuits which accused them of toxic ingredients inside some of their products.

Iams Dog Food

Iams Dog Food uses chicken as its main ingredient which is actually a good sign and provides the dogs that consume it with much a much-needed source of protein.

The downside to this dog food brand, however, is that they use a large amount of cornmeal and sorghum as a filler.

Other than that, they include beet pulp in their mixture which is high in sugar content and often leads to rapid weight gain.

Ol’ Roy

Ol’ Roy is a popular dog food brand, which is sold exclusively at Walmart. While its low price point can be tempting remember that its quality and ingredients are all questionable.

It too is primarily made with cheap fillers such as corn and wheat and lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and an adequate amount of protein. In addition, this brand has been linked to a number of health issues, such as weight gain and digestive problems so make sure you take this into consideration before purchasing it.

Gravy Train

Gravy Train is a brand that has been the subject of controversy due to contamination with harmful substances such as salmonella and mold. Like most other brands on this list, they are also criticized for using cheap, low quality ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial flavors and colors.

Kibbles’ n Bits

Kibbles’ n Bits also contains corn as the number one ingredient. The potion includes soybean, wheat, and a sizable amount of meat byproducts.

All in all, much like most other dog food brands on this list Kibbles’ n Bits are more focused on cutting down costs than they are on creating an actual good product.

If you are looking for the best dog food brands to try out, make sure to check out our list with the top highest quality dog food (wet and dry for all ages).

FAQ About Dog Food To Avoid

Are all artificial preservatives harmful to dogs?

While not all artificial preservatives are harmful, some, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, have been linked to health issues in dogs.

Can dogs have allergies to common dog food ingredients like corn and wheat?

Yes, dogs can develop allergies or sensitivities to common dog food ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, leading to digestive issues and skin problems.

Is it better to choose grain-free dog food to avoid potential allergens?

While grain-free dog food may be suitable for some dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities, it’s essential to ensure the food contains high-quality, nutritious ingredients.

Are organic dog foods always a better option?

Organic dog foods may offer some benefits, such as fewer pesticide residues, but it’s essential to evaluate the overall quality and nutritional content of the product.

How can I determine if a dog food brand is reputable?

Researching online reviews, consulting with veterinarians, and checking for certifications such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) can help determine if a dog food brand is reputable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet’s health and well-being. By avoiding harmful ingredients and selecting high-quality, nutritious options, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys a long, happy, and healthy life.

Useful Equipment

Fresh Breathies to finally kiss bad doggie breath goodbye.
Brush for dog hair.
Dog Grooming Kit
Pet Hair Lifter
The Best High Quality Dog Food
Pet Merchandise.

Useful Courses

Brain Training for Dogs – the best & most effective dog training course in the market right now.

So, let us know do you agree with this list? Are there any dog foods, or any dog food brands you feel we left out? Have you had any personal experiences with any of these brands?

Let us know in the comment section down below!

If you are a dog or pet lover in general here are a few more articles you may find interesting: