The Reality Behind “Natural” Dog Food

The pet food industry realized early on that consumers are highly drawn to products labeled as “natural,” leading to a significant increase in sales by just including this term.

This phenomenon makes unsuspecting shoppers vulnerable to dog food companies driven by profits.

So, what’s the true definition of “natural dog food“?

Enter an Industry Rife with Confusion

Regrettably, the dog food industry itself lacks consensus on the precise interpretation of “natural dog food”…

Some believe it denotes “whole” foods, such as whole grains or whole chickens, while others perceive it as raw or unprocessed food.

Exploring the Meaning of Natural Dog Food

Government agencies may not provide clear guidance on what constitutes natural dog food, leaving it open to interpretation by manufacturers.

However, the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) suggests that natural dog food should be free from chemical processing and artificial ingredients.

This standard offers a valuable criterion for evaluating the quality of dog food products.

Understanding Artificial Ingredients in Dog Food

When it comes to artificial ingredients, there are primarily three types to consider:

The first, artificial flavoring, is seldom used in dog food production, making it a minor concern.

Secondly, artificial colors hold no appeal for dogs, as their focus is on taste rather than appearance.

Artificial colors are typically added to deceive pet owners into thinking the food resembles real meat or vegetables.

Avoid Multicolored Kibble

Do not be swayed by the appeal of multicolored kibble. Such variations in colors and shapes are not added to benefit your dog but rather to mislead consumers into thinking they are getting a superior product.

It is crucial to be cautious when considering purchasing “natural” dog food, as many companies use this term for marketing purposes. Understanding the deceptive nature of additives like flavorings and colorings is essential.