The question I see most in every Shih-Tzu and dog owner’s group/page is exactly just that. Which brand of dry food to feed them? There is a wide range of options on the market nowadays, and it can result pretty complicated to choose a balanced and healthy diet/ food to feed to our dogs.

First of all is important to know that giving only this kind of food in not exactly what we could call a balanced diet. Dry dog food is a staple of most dogs’ diets, and is often called kibble. Dry dog food is comprised mainly of protein and vegetable matter, although additives such as fat may be used to increase nutritional value and flavor. And right from here we have another question: with grain or grain free?

So let’s unpack the mystery of the grain free diet, based on an article of InsiderEnvy.Com

The History

One of the arguments supporting grain free diets for dogs is the fact that wolves, the ancestors of dogs, don’t eat grains in the wild. However, dogs aren’t wolves, they’re dogs, and that over time they have evolved to be able to consume grains and carbohydrates through living alongside humans. The real reason grain free diets for dogs have become so popular is not because they’re necessary, but because they’re easy to market. 

The Science

Not all grain-free diets are created equal, and this seems to be the source of the problem. Many brands that sell grain-free dog foods are replacing nutrient-dense meats with plant-based proteins like potatoes, which are an inadequate substitute for real meat. When you feed your dog grain free food, it usually ends up having more fats and more complex carbohydrates from those replacement ingredients like potatoes and lentils, which leads to your dog gaining weight over time.

The other issue at the heart of the grain-free debate is taurine, an amino acid found only in animal tissue, which plays a vital role in maintaining cardiac functions in dogs. Since many grain-free dog foods are using these real meat alternatives, dogs aren’t receiving the proper protein to produce the taurine they need. This isn’t the case with fresh diets, where whole, quality meats are a sufficient source of taurine.

The Effects

Along with causing weight gain, low quality grain free diets may actually contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and other types of heart disease. There are over 500 grain free dog food brands that are currently being investigated by the FDA for their effect on DCM in dogs, and the FDA has recently released their first list of brands to be directly linked to the disease. While the FDA hasn’t mandated for owners to change their pets diets, they do warn against food that contains lots of lentils, peas, and potatoes, and not enough meats.

The Full Warning List

  • Acana
  • Zignature
  • Taste of the Wild
  • 4Health
  • Earthborn Holistic
  • Blue Buffalo
  • Nature’s Domain
  • Fromm
  • Merrick
  • California Natural
  • Natural Balance
  • Orijen
  • Nature’s Variety
  • NutriSource
  • Nutro
  • Rachael Ray Nutrish

Here I have to say that I myself, have decided to go with Fromm for my dog. I am in the Grain Free group. Somehow it makes more sense to me. Also she was already on Fromm, when I got her. BUT, I am not only feeding to my babygirl kibble, I do cook to her. So she eats meat, vegetables, liver, fruits, and eggs. I am trying to keep her on a balanced diet based on the information I can collect and read on the internet from PetMed pages and my veterinary’s office.

I mean let’s be honest here, the food industry is not even for humans is the healthiest one. These so called designer brand foods most of the time accomplish just the minimum obligatory limits of the FDA. So here we have to stop and ask ourselves: -Is it just Ok, good enough? If you want to keep your muffins in good health “gotta” suck it up buttercup”! – and prepare them from what you have- the best possible. 🤷‍♀️

After the 13 worst Dog Food video let me leave here a list, with the -what it looks like will be the 10 best in 2020. As I have mentioned already, I think the best way to feed them is the home made, but if you can’t for any reason, mix the kibble with some home made couple times a week. Even that will help. And now let’s go with the list.

Quick Look At The Top Picks For Best Dry Food:

Disclaimer

I am not veterinarian but care deeply about dogs. Feeding your dog healthy and balanced meals made out of real, fresh ingredients may help to lower your dog’s risk of disease, but it doesn’t eliminate it. If you believe your dog is at risk for DCM or any other disease, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.