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Debunking 12 Common Dog Nutrition Myths

Navigating the world of dog nutrition can sometimes feel like trying to solve a particularly challenging puzzle. With a plethora of myths floating around, it’s hard to discern what’s best for our furry friends. That’s why we’re working with Burns Pet Nutrition to separate fact from fiction with our definitive guide to dog nutrition.

Burns Pet Nutrition, with 40 years of expertise, has consistently raised the bar for pet food quality. Developed by veterinary surgeon John Burns, Burns Pet Nutrition was born out of concern for the health issues arising from poor-quality commercial dog foods. Their commitment to your dog’s health is unparalleled, as is their dedication to using high-quality, easily digestible ingredients.

As we unravel these common dog nutrition myths, keep in mind that every piece of advice is supported by the expertise of Burns Pet Nutrition — a company that truly understands what it means to provide our canine companions with the nutrition they deserve. So, let’s embark on this myth-busting journey and ensure our dogs get the wholesome and balanced diet they need to live happy, healthy lives.

Myth 1: Meat Should Be the Primary Ingredient in Pet Food

While meat is an essential source of protein, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the main ingredient in dog food. Dogs require a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, which can come from both animal and non-animal sources. It’s not about the primary ingredient; it’s about the quality and digestibility of the protein source. Burns has been clear about naming ingredients like chicken, brown rice, and seaweed, ensuring high digestibility and balanced nutrition without the need for excessive meat content.

Myth 2: A High-Protein Diet Is the Best Thing for Your Pet

Protein is vital, but the idea that more protein equals better health is misleading. Dogs lead varied lifestyles, and not all require high protein levels. Excess protein can be wasteful at best and at worst put unnecessary strain on the liver and kidneys. Burns advocates for high-quality protein in appropriate amounts suited to your dog’s lifestyle and health.

Myth 3: Carbohydrates and Grains Are Bad for Pets

This myth has been thoroughly debunked. Dogs have a sophisticated system capable of digesting and utilising carbohydrates from grains. The modern dog’s digestive system has evolved to include more copies of the gene for amylase, an enzyme that digests starch, confirming that they can thrive on diets rich in whole grains. High-quality grains, contrary to being “fillers,” are a source of vital nutrients.

Myth 4: Corn Is a Filler Ingredient and Bad for Pets

Corn has been unfairly demonised as a filler when, in fact, it’s a nutritious ingredient that can provide a valuable source of protein, essential fatty acids, and fibre. The key is the quality and the form in which corn is included in the diet, ensuring it contributes to the balance of nutrients.

Myth 5: You Shouldn’t Feed Your Pet Vegetables

Vegetables are not only safe for dogs but can be an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Including the right vegetables in your dog’s diet can promote digestive health and provide phytonutrients that support overall wellbeing.

Myth 6: Organic Food Is Always Better

The term ‘organic’ refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed, and while organic foods have their benefits, they are not inherently superior in nutritional value. What matters most for pet food is the nutritional balance and quality of ingredients, whether they are organic or not.

Myth 7: Raw Food Is Inherently Better for Pets

Raw diets are often advocated for being closer to a dog’s ancestral diet. However, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. Raw diets can pose risks such as exposure to pathogens and may not provide a balanced intake of nutrients. It’s essential to evaluate the safety and nutritional completeness of a raw food diet for your individual pet.

Myth 8: Homemade Food Is Always Better

While homemade diets allow control over ingredients, they also require a deep understanding of canine nutrition to be balanced. It’s challenging to ensure that homemade meals meet all of a dog’s nutritional needs without professional guidance.

Myth 9: Dogs Can’t Eat a Plant-Based Diet

While dogs have evolved as omnivores, a plant-based diet can meet their nutritional needs if carefully formulated to be complete and balanced. However, such diets should only be chosen under veterinary supervision to ensure they meet all of the dog’s dietary requirements.

Myth 10: Dogs Need Breed-Specific Foods

The marketing of breed-specific foods suggests a level of customisation that often lacks scientific backing. A high-quality, balanced diet should consider the nutritional needs based on the dog’s life stage, size, and lifestyle, rather than its breed alone.

Myth 11: Dogs Get Bored of the Same Food

This is a projection of human feelings onto pets. Dogs have different feeding habits and, if provided with a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, do not require the variety that humans crave. Frequent changes in diet can lead to digestive problems. It’s often better to stick with a diet that meets nutritional needs and suits the dog’s digestive system.

Myth 12: Fresh Meat is Better Than Meat Meal in Dog Food

A common misconception is that fresh meat in dog food is inherently better than meat meal. However, understanding what meat meal is and its benefits is crucial. Meat meal is essentially dried and powdered meat, such as chicken meal or fish meal. When an ingredients list specifies a particular type of meat meal, it indicates a clear, single source of meat, unlike generic ‘meat meal,’ which could be a mix of different meats.

Meat meal is a highly digestible and concentrated source of protein. In dried dog food, it offers a more concentrated protein source, meaning less is needed compared to fresh meat. Fresh meat, which is often used in wet foods and increasingly in dry foods, contains about 70% water, compared to just 8% in meat meal. This means it’s far less nutritionally concentrated. For instance, to match the protein and fat levels of 20% meat meal, a dry food would need to contain 72% fresh meat. Both meat meal and fresh meat are valuable protein sources, but it’s important to remember that more protein isn’t always better. The goal is to meet the dog’s nutritional needs without excess, which can be wasteful or even harmful.

Do You Have Any Other Myths?

As we wrap up our myth-busting journey, it’s clear that the road to optimal dog nutrition is paved with evidence-based practices, not fables or hearsay. Burns Pet Nutrition, with their wealth of knowledge and pioneering approach to pet food, have illuminated the path to what truly matters in our dogs’ diets. Burns are dedicated to providing high-quality, balanced diets, and they offer a free nutritional advice helpline to help you navigate the complexities of canine nutrition. Remember, the best diet for your dog is one that promotes good health, is palatable, and keeps them thriving for years to come.

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