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When it comes to our pets, we would move mountains for them if we could – they deserve it after all the unconditional love, support and hugs they give us. Aside from regular vet checkups, dental cleanings and grooming appointments, nutrition is probably at the top of the priority list when it comes to your dog. Providing the best dog food is important, and it’s something your vet can help you choose.
How to Determine the Best Dog Food Ingredients, According to Vets
Once the vet has provided feedback on your puppy’s specific nutritional needs, there are ways to make sure you’re choosing the dog food formulas above. That starts with knowing which ingredients to look out for — and which ingredients to avoid.
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“Look for high-quality sources of animal protein,” says board-certified veterinary nutritionist Korinn Saker. He says things like chicken, turkey, beef and fish should be the first ingredient on the list. And don’t skip the byproducts — things like heart, liver and other nutritious organ meats and even bones. “People give it a bad meaning, but the true meaning of a byproduct is just a secondary product from what was your primary reason for slaughtering the animal.”
There should also be a nutritional adequacy statement, says veterinarian Nicole Reuter VMD. “The nutritional adequacy statement tells what type of pet and what stage of their life the product is made for. And of course, it should provide feeding directions that indicate the appropriate level of nutrition for each stage of life a dog.” Beyond that, make sure the packaging says the food provides a “complete and balanced diet.”
“This statement indicates that the food contains all the necessary nutrients in the correct ratio for the stage of the pet’s life for which it is intended, and that the product meets the standards of AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Official ),” Reuters added.
Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid, According to Vets
Both Sakker and Reuter agree that the jury is still out on the ‘grain versus grain-free’ debate. “There continue to be investigations into grain-free diets,” Reuter said, while Sakker said the grain-free craze started with a pet parent who removed grains from her dog’s diet. to treat an allergy – and it went viral, as things do. on the internet. “But he didn’t say what the other diet changes were,” Sakker said.
Reuter suggests avoiding raw foods for your dog as well, as uncooked food can harbor infections from things like Salmonella and Listeria. “Unless a grain-free or raw food diet is recommended by your vet, it’s best to avoid these foods,” he says. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
So, in your search for dog food with clean and healthy ingredients for your four-legged bestie, be sure to check out Target’s best dog food brands.
It’s no secret that Target is a mecca for the best shopping, and now it’s going to be your new favorite place for dog food. The retailer always has shelves full of bags of various sizes that cover all price points, and there are also plenty of treatment options that you can take home as well. You’ll find brands like blue Buffalo, Rachael Ray, and Kindfull, just to name a few. Keep scrolling to see the best dog food brands.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products that we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a sponsor of SheKnows, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase an item by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small sales commission.
IAMS
Popular IAMS makes dog foods that include seven essential nutrients for head-to-tail health. This top-rated Mini Chunks dog food has more chicken and chicken byproducts than you can shake a stick at, and it’s packed with antioxidants for increased immunity. “I have used IAM dog food for 30 plus years. All my pets have lived long healthy lives!” wrote one happy dog parent.
Nature’s Recipe
For the all-purpose dog, Nature’s Recipe comes in a variety pack that includes 12 cups of nutritious wet food to keep them drooling. Real chicken is the top ingredient in each, but there are proteins like duck and venison included, too — and no artificial flavors or preservatives. Add them as a topping to kibble or serve alone as a juicy treat. “My mini poodle is very picky about all the dry kibble, raw food, and wet food. He finally found something he’s excited to eat,” wrote one buyer.
Purina ONE
Chicken is the number one ingredient in Purina ONE SmartBlend, a high-protein, antioxidant-rich dry dog food that Target consumers love. The kibble also has Omega-6 fatty acids to keep your pup’s coat shiny and the shampoo is commercial grade. This Purina ONE formulation comes in many other flavors, including lamb and turkey.
I fed
Made with real lamb and tons of nutrients and antioxidants, Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites is a clean kibble for smaller breeds. “I have a chihuahua and he won’t eat any food I tried everything. We bought a special food mix and even tried the Farmers dog, but he refused to eat it. When we bought him Nutro, he wanted nothing else, ” letter of a pet parent.
Caesar
If you really want to take care of your dog, Cesar is the way to go. The brand is famous for its decadent flavors, including duck, prime rib and filet mignon. Real animal protein is the top dog in this formulation, and it works well as a topper or a standalone meal. And you really can’t beat the price point on this customer favorite. “I bought this the other day and my dog ate it in 52 seconds!” write a buyer.
kind
Kindfull makes it a mission to pack each of its products, like this chicken and brown rice recipe, with clean ingredients that don’t contain food by-products, wheat, corn, or soy. The recipes are also guided by a veterinarian to ensure that your dog gets the best vitamins and nutrients.
“My dogs love food and treats!” written by a buyer. “My dogs are picky and they love this food. I have three dogs. I switched because nutro became too expensive. I bought a small bag to try and my broods received it and I will switch permanently. I also buy 1 pkg of each treat they offer, they are affordable and my dogs gobble them up in a heartbeat.”
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
You probably know Rachael Ray as a Food Network personality and cook, but did you know she also has her own line of food for your dog? Right now, at Target, you can get food that includes healthy ingredients like salmon, beef, and chicken without preservatives. There are no added grains, gluten, or fillers. You can’t go wrong with this bag of Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food or the soup bones.
Freshpet Select Roasted Meals Tender Chicken and Vegetable Recipe Refrigerated Wet Dog Food
If you’re looking for fresh food for your dog, check out Freshpet. As its name suggests, the brand offers the freshest food for your pet that you refrigerate and pull out just like any other food. Freshpet recipes do not contain any fillers and put the meat first in every bag of food.
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo is one of the most popular brands you can pick up for your furry friend on your next Target trip. The brand has so many options when it comes to food. From dry to wet food, there’s a formula for every dog. If you’re not sure what to buy, we recommend trying these wet dog food toppers — they make a great mixer or special, tasty treat for your pet.
Jinx
Jinx is another option at Target when looking for the best dog food. They added patented BC30 probiotics, which support digestive health. This salmon, brown rice and sweet potato mix also has twenty superfoods that nourish your pet and keep it healthy.
Me and Love and You
This Irresist-A-Bowl Chicken and Beef Wet Dog Food is packed with antioxidant-rich meats and vegetables. Wet food packs are sold in sets of three for under $12 and make quick and easy meals for your best friend. Me and Love and You also have many other options to suit your pet’s needs as well.
