It may not surprise you that many people who learn about the ingredients found in manufacturers’ dog food brands are switching to feeding their dogs a healthy home-made diet. They are beginning to realize that they can offer their pets a longer and healthier life by giving them quality, fresh food. And the answer to why that is true is very simple.

The labels of packaged foods display the ingredients in order of their amounts. Meat used as ingredients in dog food can range from pigs, goats, cows, and sheep. Many brands also use animal by-products to bulk up the dog food. When these animals are killed, the lean muscle of the body is trimmed away for human food. Approximately 50 percent of the carcass is not used for human consumption. The remains, which include heads, bones, intestines, organs, fetuses, and whatever else are then used for other products, including pet food, lubricants, soap, fertilizer, and more. By-products can vary in their nutritional content. It really depends on what all is located within the batch. In the past, road kill was also added to dog food. No laws have passed making this illegal, but most manufacturers do not use road kill as an ingredient in dog food today. However, the 4D of animals – which is dying, dead, disabled, or diseased – are still used in pet food.

Grain and vegetable ingredients in dog food aren’t any more beneficial than the meat byproducts included. Most of these are labeled as unsafe for humans to eat. The amount of plant ingredients in dog food has increased over the years, and most recipes include more grains and plants than meat. The change has led to potential deficiencies in nutrition for pets.

Many use lots of grains and starches in dry dog food to give its shape and texture. Plant products are high in carbs, providing a cheap alternative to supplying the dog with energy. Gluten can also be added to help increase protein without having to add expensive animal ingredients. Dog foods that contain a high amount of vegetable proteins are the typically of the lowest quality food you can buy.

Low carb dog food is sometimes made with potatoes or green peas rather than grains, but it is still no real benefit to the dog eating it. These foods tend to be high in fat and can cause weight gain. Along with being deficient in nutrients, many dog foods are also packed with preservatives and other additives to help increase its shelf life. Fats are used to coat the dry dog food so that it is still edible and appealing to pets when it is placed in their food bowl. It’s no wonder why so many dog owners are changing to homemade meals for their pets.

Learn more about how to Make Your Own Dog Food. Stop by Paul Bridgeman’s site where you can find out all about Dog Food Recipes and what it can do for you. Along with a wealth of FREE information, there is lots of home made recipes and dog treat ideas!!