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IAMS: Has The Dog Food Brand Issued A Recall In 2024?
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No pet owner wants to hear that their canine's favorite dog food brand is under recall. However, at the very least, these recalls show that pet food brands, as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are keen on ensuring our canine friends consume safe, toxicity-free foods.
There are different reasons why a pet food product is recalled. These include bacterial or chemical contamination, inadequate or excessive amounts of vitamins, or the presence of foreign, inedible contaminants such as pieces of plastic.
As recently as 2024, multiple brands have made headlines after recalling some of their well-known dog foods. Additionally, other pet food brands have been forced to address rumours circulating on social media suggesting their products are under recall.
Is IAMS among the brands that have issued a recall in 2024? Here's what you need to know.
Has IAMS recalled its dog food in 2024?Fortunately, there has not been a single IAMS dog food recall in 2024. Also, so far, there are no confirmed reports of dogs falling sick or dying after consuming food manufactured by IAMS.
Furthermore, the FDA hasn't released any information regarding the IAMS being recalled. So, it's safe to say that every product by IAMS is currently safe for consumption by your canine friend.
For accurate information on current pet food brand recalls, kindly visit the Food and Drug Administration website.
When was the last IAMS dog food recall?IAMS's last dog food recall occurred in 2013. In August 2013, IAMS voluntarily recalled several dry dog foods and cat foods due to possible Salmonella contamination.
In dogs, Salmonella infection leads to distressing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and appetite loss. Dog owners who handle dog food contaminated with Salmonella can also get infected if they fail to thoroughly wash their hands afterward.
The post IAMS: Has the Dog Food Brand Issued a Recall in 2024? Appeared first on DogTime.
Best Dry Dog Food, According To Experts
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When it comes to choosing between wet and dry dog food, you and your pup's personal preferences play a big role. Both wet and dry food options can be good nutritional choices for your dog. However, they each come with pros and cons, said Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, an independent consultant of animal nutrition. Dry dog food is convenient, cost effective and can benefit oral health when formulated for dental care. However, canned food provides significantly more moisture than dry food, so talk with your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions that might benefit from a moisture-rich diet.
While ingredient lists are informative, Laflamme said the quality of dog food is primarily determined by four factors: palatability as determined by your dog, a complete and balanced recipe, affordability and whether the food meets your veterinarian's approval based on your dog's nutritional needs.
To help narrow down the list of quality dry foods for your dog, we spoke with Laflamme and a professor of clinical veterinary sciences. They share valuable insights into choosing the most appropriate food for your dog, like how to identify a complete and balanced quality recipe. Plus, we've included the tried-and-true foods veterinarians feed their own canine companions.
SKIP AHEAD Best dry dog food to consider this yearHow to shop for the best dry dog food
Our top picks How we picked the best dry dog foodWhile comparing dozens of dry dog foods being offered on the market today, our experts recommended keeping the following factors in mind:
Breed size: To ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need, it's important to purchase the appropriate food for their life stage and breed size, which can be categorized into three stages: growth, all life stages and adult maintenance.
AAFCO statement: If a dog food is labeled with a statement saying it meets the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations through formulation or food-trial testing, it means that it contains all the necessary nutrients for your dog's dog's life stage, ensuring a complete and balanced diet.
Nutritional guidance: A recipe created with the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist is more likely to provide the appropriate nutrients for your dog's age and breed size, rather than relying on marketing tactics.
Price: Nutritious dog food can be found at any price point, so we considered a range of quality options at various price points.
Best dry dog food to consider this yearThe following highly rated dry dog foods share two important considerations: They meet or exceed the nutritional recommendations set by AAFCO and are formulated with the oversight of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These factors ensure that your dog is getting the right nutrients for their age and breed size. However, you should always check with your dog's veterinarian first about your dog's specific dietary needs in conjunction with age to get an expert read on any dietary needs or restrictions.
Best dry dog food for small-breed puppies: Hill's Hill's Science Diet PuppyPuppies require more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs to fuel their growth and active lifestyles. AAFCO recommends that puppy food should include 22% protein and 8% fat, in addition to other important vitamins and nutrients for growth.
According to Laflamme, Hill's is a trustworthy brand that delivers quality pet food to pet parents and their pups, and Hill's Science Diet's dog food for puppies is no exception. It's packed with the nutrients your puppy needs for a healthy start to life, like calcium and phosphorus to help build strong bones and teeth, and the omega fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to support healthy brain and eye development. Plus, the formula contains antioxidants along with vitamins E and C to support your puppy's developing immune system.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food (Amazon / Amazon)
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food $ at Amazon
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food $ at Chewy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food $ at PetSmart
Laflamme recommended Royal Canin for their peer-reviewed research, owned facilities and well-regarded reputation among pet parents and veterinarians. Shari Uyehara, Select's manager of editorial operations, is a Royal Canin fan, too. Her breeder recommended Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, and her pup Loki, a 1-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, loves eating it.
It's no wonder Loki enjoys this recipe. According to the brand, they increased palatability by sourcing ingredients that dogs crave, like chicken and chicken fat. The protein-packed recipe also means it can help maintain lean muscle mass that's appropriate for small breeds.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food (Chewy / Chewy)
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food $ at Amazon
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food $ at Chewy
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food $ at Petco
When allowed to overeat, large-breed puppies tend to grow too quickly, Laflamme said. If a puppy grows too quickly, their bones might not be able to keep up. This puts them at risk of developing orthopedic or skeletal issues. "One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is by keeping your growing large breed puppy lean, limiting the amount of food they're allowed to have and feeding them a diet specifically formulated for growing large breed puppies," she said.
Large-breed formulas that meet AAFCO's nutritional adequacy recommendations have all the protein and minerals your puppy needs, but with fewer calories. Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy contains 367 calories per cup, which includes protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal as well as energy-rich carbohydrates like brown rice and oats. The formula incorporates glucosamine, which helps maintain joint health and is particularly beneficial for large-breed dogs.
Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy
Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy (Amazon / Amazon)
Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy $ at Amazon
Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy $ at Chewy
Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy $ at Petco
Most large-breed dogs are no longer considered puppies when they reach about two years of age. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog and when they stop growing. During this period, Laflamme recommended two options for transitioning your dog to a formula suitable for adult dogs: either switch to an all life stages food that provides nutrients for both puppies and adults, or switch to an adult formula which is not suitable for a growing puppy.
This adult formula from Merrick is made in small batches in Merrick's Hereford, Texas, kitchen. It's packed with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which means it's specially formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints. It also contains L-Carnitine, a supplement that helps to keep your gentle giant lean.
Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed
Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed (Amazon / Amazon)
Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed $ at Amazon
Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed $ at Chewy
Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed $ at Petco
The feeding instructions on the back of the kibble bag are merely a guide, Laflamme said. Your veterinarian is the best resource for determining the appropriate number of calories your dog should eat. Between veterinarian visits, Laflamme suggested monitoring your dog's body condition using the nine-point scale based on observation and physical touch. Give your dog a "healthy hug": standing above your dog, put your thumbs over the backbone and fingers over the ribs. Gently move your hands from front to back. If you can easily count and feel your dog's ribs, they are likely a healthy weight.
If you and your veterinarian determine your dog is overweight, your veterinarian may suggest a reduction in calories or a weight management diet, such as the Purina ONE Weight Control formula. It's the recipe Laflamme feeds her own dogs and is part of Purina's budget line. Purina ONE is a quality choice for dogs who need help managing their weight. However, if pet owners want to add probiotics and more natural ingredients to their dog's diet, a slightly pricier alternative is available from Purina, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management. While it may cost a bit more, Select's associate updates editor Zoe Malin reports that her 100-pound yellow lab, Chance, remains healthy and happy eating this formula.
Purina ONE + Plus Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE + Plus Adult Dry Dog Food (Amazon / Amazon)
Purina ONE + Plus Adult Dry Dog Food $ at Amazon
Purina ONE + Plus Adult Dry Dog Food $ at Chewy
Purina ONE + Plus Adult Dry Dog Food $ at Target
Many pet food diets are touted as grain-free, meaning they don't contain common carbohydrate grains, like wheat, rice and barley. According to our experts, unless your pup has a gluten intolerance, grain-free diets aren't known to provide additional benefits when compared to other complete and balanced foods. Unlike their gray wolf ancestors, there's evidence that domestic dogs are perfectly able to digest carbohydrates, explained Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM, assistant professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine.
A novel protein or limited-ingredient diet may relieve your dog's symptoms if they have a food intolerance or a true food allergy. This option from Instinct uses novel rabbit as its protein source and leaves out any ingredients that include corn, wheat and soy. Additionally, probiotics and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids soothe the digestive tract, skin and any lingering inflammation.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit (Amazon / Amazon)
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit $ at Amazon
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit $ at Chewy
Today's domestic pups descend from the gray wolf, but our little chihuahuas aren't miniature wolves, Laflamme said. While dogs need protein for essential amino acids, they don't require meat for amino acids like taurine. This makes dogs omnivores; they can get all the nutrients they need from plant or animal sources.
Rather than meat protein, Wellness dog food includes plant-based protein, like oats, peas and barley. It also includes beneficial omega fatty acids from marine microalgae oil rather than fish. Veterinary nutritionists at Wellness ensure a complete and balanced meal for your dog, whether your dog has food allergies, or you want to reduce your carbon footprint.
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Plant & Egg Based Dry Dog
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Plant & Egg Based Dry Dog (Amazon / Amazon)
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Plant & Egg Based Dry Dog $ at Amazon
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Plant & Egg Based Dry Dog $ at Petco
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Plant & Egg Based Dry Dog $ at Chewy
When it comes to dry dog food, there is often a wide range of options available to pet parents with varying price points. For those on a budget, dry dog food options may incorporate byproducts that help to keep the cost down. "Byproducts are ingredients that are not typically used for human consumption," Stockman explained. It's not because the ingredients aren't nutritious, but it might include meat that isn't visually appealing or internal organs that aren't culturally accepted as a food source. Byproducts are a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and from a sustainability standpoint, using byproducts also helps to reduce food waste, Stockman said.
Established in 1946 by animal nutritionist Paul Iams, IAMS has been a longtime trusted pet food brand conveniently found in local grocery stores. Their recipe offerings are diverse, and IAMS Adult Minichunks is a standout choice due to its high-quality protein sources, such as lamb, chicken and whole-grain barley. The recipe also contains a blend of fibers and prebiotics to promote a healthy digestive system.
IAMS Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food
IAMS Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food (Amazon / Amazon)
IAMS Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food $ at Amazon
IAMS Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food $ at Chewy
IAMS Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food $ at PetSmart
There's a lot to consider when buying the best food for your dog, said our experts, adding that most of it comes down to you and your dog's personal preferences as well as your dog's life stage and breed size.
AAFCO is a non-profit group that establishes nutritional guidelines for pet food based on life stages. Although AAFCO doesn't approve or regulate pet food formulas, pet food companies that include an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement conduct thorough testing to ensure their food meets AAFCO nutritional standards for safety and quality.
Growing puppies require food formulated for growth, which is labeled as growth or all life stages. Food labeled with an AAFCO statement for all life stages meets the minimum nutritional requirements for both puppies and adult dogs. Despite containing a higher level of protein, fats, and other nutrients essential for adult dogs, it can be fed to dogs at any life stage. Food for puppies must include a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat, in addition to other important vitamins and nutrients, like DHA, calcium and phosphorus.
Adult dogs require food formulated for maintenance, or they can eat food labeled as all life-stages. Maintenance dog food must include a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat.
To meet the unique growth patterns and health needs of small- and large-breed puppies and adult dogs, our experts suggested feeding according to breed size.
A recipe developed with the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist ensures the recipe has been formulated with the necessary nutrients for your dog's age and breed size.
According to our experts, price doesn't always equate with quality. Therefore, you should consider a range of quality options across various price points.
According to our experts, the best dry dog food is the one that is palatable to your dog and meets AAFCO's nutritional guidelines for their life stage. It should also be affordable and approved by your veterinarian based on your dog's nutritional needs. Meat doesn't need to be the primary ingredient in food, as dogs are omnivorous and can get the necessary amino acids from plant-based sources. Unless your dog has an allergy or intolerance, grain-free dry food isn't necessary.
Is dry food best for dogs?Both complete and balanced wet and dry dog food formulas can be nutritious choices for your dog, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Dry food is a convenient and cost-effective option for pets, and certain dental diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can also promote oral health. However, if your dog could benefit from a moisture-rich diet, canned food is a better option. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions such as renal disease that can benefit from a moisture-rich diet.
Is dry food healthy for puppies?If labeled with the AAFCO statement for puppies (growth) or all life stages, dry dog food is a healthy option for your puppy. This statement means that the recipe meets or exceeds AAFCO's recommended nutritional requirements for growth, which include an appropriate balance of protein (minimum 22%), fat (minimum 8%) and vital vitamins and minerals, such as DHA and calcium. Laflamme added that it's crucial to choose a recipe based on your dog's breed, as large- and small-breed puppies have distinct growth patterns and, as a result, differing calorie needs.
Meet our expertsAt Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, is an independent consultant of animal nutrition. She formally work for Purina's Research and Development team until her retirement in 2015.
Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM, is an assistant professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a veterinary consultant for Petco but does not receive financial compensation to recommend any brands.
Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer who holds a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition and environmental enrichment.For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of dry dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts' insights. She included dry dog foods recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
The Best Dry Dog Food For Every Life Stage, According To Veterinarians
When choosing between wet and dry dog food, you and your pup's personal preferences play a big role. Both dry and wet food can be good nutritional choices for your dog, but each comes with pros and cons, says Dr. Dottie Laflamme, an independent animal nutrition consultant. The best dry dog food is convenient, cost effective and can even benefit oral health. But keep in mind that canned food provides significantly more moisture than dry food, so consult your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions that might benefit from a moisture-rich diet.
While ingredient lists are informative, the quality of your dog's kibble is primarily determined by four factors, according to Laflamme: palatability, a complete and balanced recipe, affordability and whether the food meets your veterinarian's approval based on your dog's nutritional needs.
To help narrow down the best dry dog foods, we spoke with veterinarians about how to identify a complete and balanced recipe for your dog's diet. We also rounded up their recommendations for the best dry dog food to consider.
SKIP AHEAD Best dry dog food to consider this yearHow to shop for the best dry dog food
Selected.Our top picks See 4 More
While comparing dry food for dogs offered on the market today, our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
Price: "Dry dog food tends to be more cost-effective compared to wet dog food, primarily due to factors such as production costs, packaging, and shelf life," says Savageau. If budget is a concern, dry dog food can be a more economical choice." Given this, we considered a range of quality options at various price points.
The following highly rated dry food share two important considerations: They meet or exceed the nutritional recommendations set by AAFCO and are formulated with the oversight of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These factors ensure that your dog is getting the right nutrients for their age and breed size. However, you should always check with your dog's veterinarian first about your dog's specific dietary needs in conjunction with age to get an expert read on any dietary needs or restrictions.
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food$59.99
Amazon
$59.99
$66.99
Petco
$59.99
$61.99
PetSmart
Royal Canin is a favorite among our experts for the brand's peer-reviewed research, owned facilities and well-regarded reputation among pet parents and veterinarians. Both Select updates editor Mili Godio and manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara are fans of Royal Canin, too. Uyehara says her pup Loki, a 1-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, has been eating this dry food since he was just a few months old after her breeder recommended it. Royal Canin increases palatability by sourcing ingredients that dogs crave, like chicken and chicken fat, according to the brand.
Purina ONE + Plus$31.58
Walmart
$31.58
$33.58
Chewy
$35.99
Target
The feeding instructions on the back of the kibble bag are merely a guide — your veterinarian is the best resource for determining the appropriate number of calories your dog should eat, says Laflamme. Between veterinarian visits, you should monitor your dog's body condition using the nine-point scale based on observation and physical touch, she says. You can do this by standing above your dog, putting your thumbs over the backbone and fingers over the ribs. Gently move your hands from front to back. If you can easily count and feel your dog's ribs, they are likely a healthy weight.
If you and your veterinarian determine your dog is overweight, your veterinarian may suggest a reduction in calories or a weight management diet, such as this Purina ONE Weight Control formula. It's the recipe Laflamme feeds her own dogs and is part of Purina's budget line. However, if pet owners want to add probiotics and more natural ingredients to their dog's diet, a slightly pricier alternative is available from Purina, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management. While it may cost a bit more, Select's associate updates editor Zoe Malin says her 100-pound yellow lab, Chance, is both healthy and happy eating this formula.
IAMS Adult Minichunks$29.98
Amazon
$29.98
$30.99
Chewy
$29.99
$31.99
PetSmart
When it comes to kibble, there is often a wide range of options available to pet parents at varying price points. For those on a budget, certain dry dog foods may include byproducts that help keep the cost down. "Byproducts are ingredients that are not typically used for human consumption," says Stockman. It's not because the ingredients aren't nutritious, but it might include meat that isn't visually appealing or internal organs that aren't culturally accepted as a food source. Byproducts are a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and from a sustainability standpoint, using byproducts also helps to reduce food waste, says Stockman.
IAMS' recipe offerings are diverse, and IAMS Adult Minichunks is a standout choice due to its high-quality protein sources, such as lamb, chicken and whole-grain barley. The recipe also contains a blend of fibers and prebiotics to promote a healthy digestive system, according to the brand.
Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy$65.99
Amazon
$65.99
$72.99
Chewy
$65.99
$72.99
Petco
When allowed to overeat, large-breed puppies tend to grow too quickly, and their bones might not be able to keep up, says Laflamme. This puts them at risk of developing orthopedic or skeletal issues. "One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your puppy lean, limiting the amount of food they're allowed to have and feeding them a diet specifically formulated for growing large breed puppies," she says.
Large-breed formulas that meet AAFCO's nutritional adequacy recommendations have all the protein and minerals your puppy needs, but with fewer calories. This Wellness formula has just 367 calories per cup, which includes protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal, as well as energy-rich carbohydrates like brown rice and oats, according to the brand. The formula also has glucosamine, which helps maintain joint health and is particularly beneficial for large-breed dogs, according to Wellness.
Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed$88.98
$88.99
PetSmart
$62.29
$88.98
Chewy
$62.29
$88.98
Petco
Most large-breed dogs are no longer considered puppies when they reach about two years of age. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog and when they stop growing. During this period, Laflamme recommends two options for transitioning your dog to a formula suitable for adult dogs: either switch to an all life stages food that provides nutrients for both puppies and adults, or consider an adult formula that's not suitable for a growing puppy.
This adult formula from Merrick is made in small batches in Merrick's Hereford, Texas kitchen. It's packed with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which means it's specially formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints, according to the brand. It also contains L-Carnitine, a supplement that helps to keep your gentle giant lean, according to Merrick.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy$45.99
Amazon
$45.99
$49.99
Chewy
$45.99
$49.99
Petco
Puppies require more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs to fuel their growth and active lifestyles. AAFCO recommends that puppy food include 22% protein and 8% fat, and other important vitamins and nutrients for growth.
According to both Laflamme and Kaufman, Hill's is a trustworthy brand that delivers quality pet food to pet parents and their pups, and Hill's Science Diet's dry dog food for puppies is no exception. It's packed with the nutrients your puppy needs for a healthy start to life, like calcium and phosphorus to help build strong bones and teeth, and the omega fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to support healthy brain and eye development. The formula contains antioxidants and vitamins E and C to support your puppy's developing immune system, according to the brand.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit$97.99
Amazon
$97.99
Chewy
Many pet food diets are touted as grain-free, meaning they don't contain common carbohydrate grains, like wheat, rice and barley. But unless your pup has a gluten intolerance, grain-free diets aren't known to provide additional benefits when compared to other complete and balanced foods, according to our experts. Unlike their gray wolf ancestors, there's evidence that domestic dogs are perfectly able to digest carbohydrates, says Dr. Jonathan Stockman, assistant professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine.
A novel protein or limited-ingredient diet may relieve your dog's symptoms if they have a food intolerance or a true food allergy. This option from Instinct uses rabbit as its protein source and leaves out any ingredients that include corn, wheat and soy, according to the brand. Additionally, probiotics and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids soothe the digestive tract, skin and any lingering inflammation.
There's a lot to consider when buying the best food for your dog, and most come down to you and your dog's personal preferences, as well as your dog's life stage and breed size, experts told us.
What is the best dry dog food vets recommend?
The best dry dog food is the one that is palatable to your dog and meets AAFCO's nutritional guidelines for their life stage, according to our experts. It should also be affordable and approved by your veterinarian based on your dog's nutritional needs. Meat doesn't need to be the primary ingredient in food, as dogs are omnivorous and can get the necessary amino acids from plant-based sources, says Laflamme. Unless your dog has an allergy or intolerance, grain-free dry food isn't necessary, veterinarians told us.
Is dry food best for dogs?
Both complete and balanced wet and dry dog food formulas can be nutritious choices for your dog, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Dry food is a convenient and cost-effective option for pets, and certain dental diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can also promote oral health. This higher moisture content in wet food can help keep dogs hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water on their own , says Savageau . You should also consult with your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions such as renal disease that can benefit from a moisture-rich diet.
Is dry food healthy for puppies?
If labeled with the AAFCO statement for puppies (growth) or all life stages, dry dog food is a healthy option for your puppy. The AAFCO statement means that the recipe meets or exceeds the association's recommended nutritional requirements for growth, which include an appropriate balance of protein (minimum 22%), fat (minimum 8%) and vital vitamins and minerals, such as DHA and calcium. It's crucial to choose a recipe based on your dog's breed, as large- and small-breed puppies have distinct growth patterns and, as a result, differing calorie needs, according to Laflamme.
What is the best way to store dry dog food?
"The best way to store dry dog food is in an airtight container that is kept in a cool dry space," says Kaufman. "All dog food bags should be placed in this container and properly sealed once opened." Make sure you wash this container regularly. A good rule of thumb is to wash it every time you finish a bag of food.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer who holds a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition and environmental enrichment.For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of dry dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts' insights. She included dry dog foods recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle
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