Dog food is dog food, right?
Well, not exactly.
There are certainly a large range of foods available to feed your doggo, but not all of them are of the same quality.
This should be a major consideration for any pup owner as your dog’s food does more than fill their tummies.
It is also a large contributor to their good health and wellbeing.
So, is choosing a food with natural ingredients the best way to support good health and dog wellbeing? Let’s take a look at the answer to that question now.
What Is Natural Dog Food?
Premium natural dog food is a type of food for your pup made from natural ingredients. No, that doesn’t mean Fido has to chow down on a salad! The earth has a wide range of amazing ingredients that can nourish and fuel your pup the way Mother Nature intended.
Protein sources like chicken, beef and fish, along with whole grains, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals will feed your dog without the need for preservatives or additives.
But, just because the packaging says ‘natural’, you shouldn’t take that at face value. Some foods state they are natural, but do not necessarily have stringent control over where their ingredients are sourced. That can result in various meats or cereals being used and all be of varying quality.
Choosing a premium natural food like Real Dog Food ensures that your pup only gets the best ingredients. You are also sure to get the same formulation every time as the food is produced weekly from a recipe concocted by specialist pet nutritionists.
How Can Natural Ingredients Support Dog Wellbeing?
Choosing a premium natural food can positively impact your doggo’s health and wellbeing. There are plenty of natural ingredients that can keep your pup in optimal condition and they are all in our foods here at Real Dog Food.
Here are some of the nutritional benefits of nature’s super ingredients:
Protein
A critical nutrient for canines, protein helps dogs maintain good health by fueling them with energy, supporting their growth and development, and helping to ensure their various bodily systems are functioning as they should.
The right amount of protein will give your pup the energy it needs to tackle the day and facilitate muscle development. Because proteins like chicken, beef and fish contain amino acids, protein also contributes towards a healthy coat and skin, along with good immune functions. Finally, protein also boosts physiological processes like digestion and nutrient absorption.
Clearly an essential component of their diet!
Whole Grains
Rich in carbohydrates, whole grains are another energy source for dogs. Containing dietary fibre for good digestive health and plenty of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, whole grains can boost your pup’s immune functions, bone health and metabolism.
Relatively low in fat, whole grains can help curb hunger, helping your doggo to feel fuller for longer. This is great for maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing the risk of over-eating.
Healthy Fats
Ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are excellent at supporting your dog's skin and coat health, cell functionality and hormone regulation.
Also another energy source, healthy fats provide a slow burn that fuels pups during particularly active moments. Then, when they are done with being active, healthy fats are also great at supporting joint and heart health.
As you’ve probably heard, healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids are known as brain food. Essential for puppies during their development phase and beyond, omega-3 supports optimal brain health and cognitive function at all stages of life.
Herbs and Aromatics
Some natural herbs like oregano and rosemary have powerful health benefits for your pup. Rosemary is particularly helpful as an antioxidant that supports good cardiovascular health.
Another ingredient that’s benefits may surprise you is garlic. Supporting detoxification and improved circulation, garlic helps to improve your dog’s wellbeing. Well, in the small quantities that appear in Real Dog Food anyway!
In very large quantities, garlic can be harmful or toxic to your pup. But they would likely need to consume around 4 entire heads before that would happen. In small quantities, it is a beneficial natural preservative and flea deterrent.
Balancing Natural Ingredients For Dog Wellbeing
Yes, natural ingredients are good for your doggo, but, they must be consumed as part of a properly balanced diet. Too much of one thing can negate the benefits of an ingredient. Which is why it is essential that you purchase a premium balanced food for your pup.
Here at Real Dog Food, all of our blends have been formulated especially by pet nutritionists to ensure your doggo is getting all the necessary nutrients to keep them happy and healthy, the natural way. Each of our ingredients is specifically selected for its beneficial properties and is obtained from the highest quality source.
So, you can purchase our food with confidence, knowing it is 100% Kiwi made from premium, beneficial ingredients like grass-fed beef and wild fish caught in NZ waters. Browse our range of foods now - we have something to suit every pup, even those with sensitivities or allergies.