Ingredients to avoid
Protein Slurry
Some dog food producers enjoy making claims like "Real meat is the first ingredient" and "1st ingredient: fresh meat". Manufacturers that do no invest in state-of-the-art refrigeration to efficiently store and process fresh/frozen meat must rely on ...
Corn
Corn in dog food acts as an affordable carbohydrate with a low glycemic index. Known to be used by Purina, Eukanuba
Corn flour
Corn flour is the result of grating whole corn kernels into powder. This process keeps the vitamins, fiber, protein, and starch intact. Known to be used by Purina
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is coarser than cornflour. Cornmeal, unlike cornflour, has the corn's oily germ and bran removed during the grinding process. Known to be used by Purina
Gluten Meal
Corn Gluten Meal or "Gluten Meal" is a byproduct produced when making corn syrup. It is a protein and is mostly used in animal feed and grass maintenance. The "gluten" in the name is a misnomer--there is no gluten in corn gluten meal. Known to be ...
Corn Germ Meal
Corn Germ Meal, also known as "maize germ meal", is a byproduct left over when oil is extracted from corn. It is most frequently found in livestock feed. Its absorbency makes it ideal for holding liquid. Known to be used by Purina
Animal Fat
Animal Fat includes the oils, in a solid or liquid form, derived from animals. Known to be used by Purina
Animal Digest
Animal Digest is the result of a hydrolyzed process that breaks down meat. The product of hydrolyzed meat is a liquid-form of peptides. These peptides are made into a powder or paste and mixed with pet food to make the food more flavorful. Known to ...
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (MSBC)
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K. It has been linked to blood clots and intestinal issues. MSBC is toxic when highly concentrated and is said to not be as beneficial as the natural form of vitamin K found in leafy ...
Sodium Hex
Sodium Hexametaphosphate is a pet food additive used to elevate pH or emulsifier.
Caramel
Caramel Color is most commonly found in canned dog food to help produce a brown coloration.
Garlic
Garlic adds flavor to dog food but should only be consumed in moderation by dogs.
Plasma Blood
Plasma (aka Blood Meal) is a high-protein ingredient derived from pig or cow blood. This isn't necessarily a bad ingredient - it just doesn't sound too appealing. It is a high protein, low ash, low fat ingredient used to help balance out a formula's ...
Soybean
Soybean Protein Concentrate is a byproduct formed by turning soybeans into oil or biofuel. The white flakes left behind after the oil is extracted is a finely ground, flour-like product. This flour is then treated to remove the carbohydrates. This is ...
By-Product Meal
By-Product Meal (Poultry, Beef, Venison) is created by breaking down chicken, beef, or venison in its entirety. By-product meal contains ground bones, organs, sinew, and muscle but is highly digestible by dogs since they have developed to consume all ...
Hydrolyzed Yeast
Hydrolized yeast is used as a flavor enhancer which may contain MSG. Autolyzed Yeast, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein and Sodium Caseinate are the common or usual names of some ingredients that contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Known to be ...
Fish Meal
Fish meal is essentially powdered fish. It is a protein concentrate and by-product made from drying then grinding fish and fish waste. It is only used in animal feed. Fish meal can basically be anything, low grade, from the water. Look for specific ...
Alfalfa
More commonly associated with horse feed. Alfalfa is high in protein, proteins derived from plants don't contain all the amino acids your carnivorous dog requires.
Canola oil
Most of the world's canola crop is genetically modified - therefore it is important to inquire with the manufacturer about how they source it. Canola is a genetically engineered plant developed in Canada from the Rapeseed Plant, which is part of the ...
Peas
Pea protein is supplemental powdered protein derived from processing peas. Peas protein contains amino acids but has lower levels of the essential amino acids dogs need including tryptophan, methionine, and valine. Also see: Legumes Known to be used ...
Potato Protein
Potato protein is a byproduct of manufacturing potato starch. It is often added to dog food and other animal feeds to boost protein levels.
Brewers Rice
Brewers rice, or brewers rice, is the byproduct of processing whole rice. Brewers rice, unlike other forms of milled rice, lacks the nutrients whole rice offers. Brewers rice is considered lower-quality because of its nutritional deficit.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils are the fats extracted from vegetable seeds or some other parts of the plant. There is no way to know its actual source and therefore its nutritional profile and fatty acid makeup. There are many oils considered better for dogs than ...
Powdered Cellulose
Powdered cellulose is powdered wood pulp or other plant fibers. It is often used to help stabilize a food product, alter the texture, and increase the level of fiber. Known to be used by Victor
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP)
TSPP is colorless crystal often used as a food additive, cheese emulsifier, and cleaning agent. source Known to be used by Victor
Blood Meal
Blood Meal is a powdered protein made from blood. This isn't necessarily a bad ingredient - it just doesn't sound too appealing. It is a high protein, low ash, low fat ingredient used to help balance out a formula's protein and calcium levels - ...
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
MSG is salt that enhances the flavor of food. It is produced by breaking the salt from an amino acid called the glutamic acid. It does occur naturally in some food, though. Like cheese and tomatoes. aka Hydrolyzed Yeast
Soy Extracts
Soy extracts are products derived from soy. Most often, when someone refers to soy extracts they mean soy isoflavones.
Yeast Extract
Yeast extract is a common byproduct used as an additive to enhance flavor. Yeast extract has a savory flavor. Yeast extract is made by breaking down the yeast cell's wall. Some food manufacturers use yeast extract instead to avoid adding "MSG" to the ...
Autolyzed Yeast
Autolyzed yeast, or autolyzed yeast extract, is the result of separating yeast to its foundational components through a heating process. It is frequently used as an affordable MSG substitute since it naturally contains MSG. Because MSG naturally ...
Hydrolyzed Protein
As the prefix -hydro implies, a hydrolyzed protein is a protein that has been broken down by a water-based process. The process splits the protein into tiny pieces. This makes them easier for dogs with food allergies or inflammatory bowel issues to ...
Protein Isolate
Protein isolate is a protein powder that has been processed to contain higher levels of protein by weight and fewer carbs and fat. A whey protein isolate contains 90% or higher protein levels.
Sodium Caseinate
Sodium caseinate is a protein from milk. It is used as a food additive to achieve a desired flavor, texture, or nutrition level. Wise to avoid with a dairy allergy.
Monopotassium Glutamate
Monopotassium glutamate is a chemical compound and food additive used as a flavor enhancer and salt alternative.
Disodium Inosinate
Disodium inosinate is a chemical compound and food additive used to give foods a richer flavor. It is almost always paired with MSG.
Legumes
Legumes are a branch of the plant family. They include beans, nuts, lentils, and peas. They are rich in protein but low in fat. Research indicates that Pea Protein, Pea fiber could lead to lower sperm counts. Here are some legumes commonly used in ...