Why Your Dog Deserves a Human-Grade Diet

Why Your Dog Deserves a Human-Grade Diet

At Health Extension, our passion is to extend the healthful life of your pet. That’s why we formulate our dog food to include the highest-quality ingredients for sustained vitality. Some pet parents would agree, they often put the needs of their canine before their own. Why is that? We think it’s just natural pet parenting instincts at work! And if caring for your pet is paramount, then what you feed your dog should also be a mindful decision, too. 

Education is such an important part of understanding how nutrition benefits your dog. We know that what we eat as humans affects our overall health. The same goes for our pets. With this in mind, Health Extension made a commitment from the very start to develop pet foods and products that were natural, use organic ingredients and provided optimal nutrient absorption for puppies and dogs. If you have not already, please read about “Our Promise”:

  • We start with thoughtfully selected ingredients, none of which are China-sourced.
  • We never use artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
  • We source only GMO-Free ingredients.
  • We never use wheat, gluten, corn, soy or by-products.
  • We prepare every recipe in small batches.
  • We continually improve our food safety programs, testing every single batch.
  • We make our products in the USA.

We also now know that diseases in dogs can be triggered when they’re still puppies, and dependent on the diet they consume. For more on what your puppy should eat, how much and how often, please read our guide on “What Food Is Best for My Dog Based on Their Breed?”. In that article, our experts talk about the optimal ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. We also discuss the importance of supplementation, and the proper timing to transition your dog for complete nutrient protection.

This article also discusses what types of diseases are most common for your dog breed. Understanding how to provide preventative care to shield your pet from disease begins from day 1, and is often dependent on how they are fed. Just like humans, understanding their growth patterns is key in knowing if they are getting the right nutritional support they deserve. There is a “Goldie Locks” zone for your pet: dependent on their size and for their breed.

So, why should it matter if your pet is being fed traditional dog food versus all-natural, non-GMO, preservative-free food? For the same reasons it has become clear that humans should do the same. Our bodies are best at metabolizing whole ingredients from whole food sources. By-products, artificial flavors and ingredients, and modified foods provide far less of the nutritional benefit than our bodies are looking for. In addition, these “in-organic” food sources can contribute to allergic reactions, food sensitivity, poor gut health, skin issues and coat problems. Not to mention, low-grade food products can predispose your pet to illnesses such as Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Urinary Bladder Stones and Kidney Disease and Canine Cognitive Disorders – just like us! 

To get a basic understanding of how to better dissect a pet food label (in order to discover the best organic pet food) follow our tips below.

First and foremost, as with all nutrition labels, the ingredients are listed in order of their ratio within the product. The biggest percentages come first. Therefore, the first few ingredients will make up the bulk of the food itself. Knowing this will help you understand what the bulk of the product contains, whether it’s grains, meat, or oils.

Any pet product that lists their protein as “meat” – or any other ambiguous term – should be cause for concern. Instead, look for ingredients such as whole chicken, chicken meal, lamb, fish, and beef as they are the most ideal if your dog will be having a protein-based diet.

Also, be on the lookout for the following preservatives:

  • Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
  • Tert-Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ)
  • Propyl Gallate
  • Ethoxyquin

Instead, look for foods that use natural preservative such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and vitamin C.

Always consider the grain(s) found in your pet’s food, and limit their overall intake (if you are opting for a low or grain-free diet) of the following:

  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Corn Gluten
  • Wheat Gluten
  • Rice Protein Concentrate

Carbohydrates such as rice, oats, and barley are excellent grain alternatives.

In terms of fat, the best source of fat comes from omega-6 and omega-3’s in a ratio somewhere between 10:1 and 5:1. It is typically found in fish products and is considered a more suitable form of fat versus plant-based fats, but if you prefer plant-based nutrients, look for products that contain flax seed or flax seed oil, or even coconut oil.

Always be mindful of the overall fat content in your dog’s food, but be equally diligent about their calcium intake. Calcium levels are important for all dogs, but ingesting to much (or too little) might lead to bone issues, surprisingly. Talk to your veterinary specialist to understand the exact percentage that is ideal for your dog’s size and breed.   

Some added nutrients and supplements that may help prevent musculoskeletal conditions include Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Green-Lipped Mussels and SAM-e. Investing in a range of supplements that are specifically designed to meet your dog’s breed is a great alternative to trying to find a food that imparts all of these things, Ultimately, pet supplements are a great way to meet your pets’ nutritional needs.

To shop our range of vitamins and supplements, visit: https://www.myhealthextension.com/collections/vitamins-supplements

At Health Extension, we formulate all of our products with a range of all-natural, non-GMO, organic ingredients. But we didn’t stop there. Our recipes contain nutrients and food sources that offer complex benefits for your dog. Ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, blueberries, coconut oil, cranberry extract, ginger, green tea, and pumpkin are just some of our expansive, human-grade ingredients that we use do make delicious, nutritious dog food for your pet. To read our entire list of ingredients, and their unique benefits to your dog, visit: https://www.healthextension.com/pages/ingredient-index/

To shop our diversified selection of all-natural, non-GMO dog foods and treats, visit: https://www.myhealthextension.com/collections/dry-dog-food

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