Dog Food Reviews

Online, in magazines, and in pet stores you will find plenty of dog food reviews that rate and rank the many brands and varieties of pet products on the market. Often, however, it is hard to know which reviews can be trusted and which are simply over-inflated advertisements put out by the dog food producers themselves. The best way to be smart about these reviews is to learn about some of the most prominent terms and claims that they make.

As of late, one of the most popular terms being found in dog food reviews is “human grade.” This term (and only this term) is backed by the FDA and USDA and signifies that this particular product has undergone enough extensive testing and monitoring to make it legally suitable for human consumption. Materials such as feathers, beaks, or other animal parts that may occasionally be mixed in with regular dog food are not allowed in human grade products. It is important to note, that while human grade pet products are often regarded as the best products you can buy, they may not be the healthiest choice for your individual dog. If your dog has special nutritional needs (such as increased protein requirements or a diabetic diet) it is most important to address these concerns before looking at premium options. Also, be cautious of labels such as “table grade,” as “human grade” is the only FDA endorsed title.

Another buzz word you may find in many dog food reviews is BARF. Look past its uncouth name to learn that BARF refers to biologically appropriate raw foods. The idea behind this diet is to feed dog raw vegetables, grains, and meats that they would find in their natural environment. Proponents of the diet cite the healthy range of nutritional elements your dog can receive when being fed an ever-changing diet of raw foods. As is usually the case, however, the BARF diet is not right for all dogs and should be monitored closely. Many dog food manufacturers are now producing premade kibble with a wide range of ingredients to mimic the benefits of a BARF diet.

Just like food for humans, offering organic products has become a trend for pet food providers and you are likely to see the benefits and drawbacks of buying organic discussed heavily in recent dog food reviews. Organic dog foods are free of the growth hormones, artificial coloring and flavoring, and common fillers found in many dog foods. While eliminating these ingredients certainly produces a healthy, premium snack for your pet, take note that there is no scientific proof of nutritional or health benefits with organic products. If you want to treat your dog to the best, organic is the way to go, but if you can’t afford the price tag, don’t worry.