Maximizing Your Dog s Health The Benefits of Choosing River Run Pet Food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

The Benefits of Proper Nutrition

All necessary vitamins and minerals are included in complete and balanced dog foods. This means that additional foods or supplements are not necessary for your pets general health.

What does Good Nutrition do for your Dog?

The proper balance of nutrients is essential when feeding your dog. Animals (and humans) need a certain combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water every day in order to function normally. Balanced nutrition is no accident pet food manufacturers work hard to determine the exact formula that goes into their products so that they provide everything your dog needs on a daily basis.

There are foods designed for specific stages of life (such as for puppies or geriatric dogs), while some provide hypoallergenic nutrition and other formulations are developed to control specific health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, etc.

Each and every nutrient in your dogs food has a purpose. Without adequate nutrition, your dog would not be able to maintain muscle tone, build and repair muscles, teeth, and bone, perform normal daily activities with ease or fight-off infection. Proteins provide a source of energy and help with muscle function and growth. Fats provide energy, help the brain function, and keep the skin and hair coat shiny and healthy. Carbohydrates supply a source of quick energy that allow your dog to be active and energetic. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for muscle contraction and nerve conduction and they work to prevent disease.

Muscle Tone and Body Condition

Every single cell in the body is made up of protein. It is integral in building skin, hair, muscles, organs and other tissues. Protein is necessary to repair damaged cells and make new ones. Protein is especially important for young, growing and pregnant animals. The protein in your dogs diet ensures that he is able to build and maintain strong muscles. This is why one of the first few ingredients on a dog food label should be a protein source (chicken, beef, etc.).

Skin and Hair Coat Health

Everyone knows that a dog with a rich, shiny hair coat is most likely in good health. This is because dogs eating the proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids will have skin that is healthy which produces hair with a nice sheen. Skin that is dry will lead to hair that easily splits, breaks, and falls out easily. Foods with adequate omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect to reduce itching and other irritations caused by allergies or environmental conditions (like low humidity levels in the winter).

Digestion and Elimination

Carbohydrates provide fiber that helps aid digestion and elimination. Dog foods are formulated so that the needed nutrients are readily available to your dogs digestive system and thus easily absorbed by the body. Digestibility is important so your dog can use all the nutrients in his food and easily rid his body of waste products. Your dogs food should provide all the nutrition he needs while producing only a minimum of stool to be picked up as the end result.

Immunity and Prevention of Disease

The vitamins and minerals found in every bag of dog food work together to keep your dogs immune system and metabolism functioning normally. Vitamins work to reduce the damage done to body cells on a daily basis. Minerals promote the normal function of the cells that maintain health. Vitamins and minerals come from both plant and animal sources in the diet. Without adequate levels of vitamins and minerals, your pet would eventually become ill.

More to Explore

5 Things That Could Help Prevent Dog Food Recalls Today

Dog Not Eating? Maybe Your Pet Food Smells or Tastes Bad

6 Nutrients in Pet Food that Can Harm Your Dog

Should I Give My Dog Supplements?

Types of dog food and how to choose the right one

Just like with humans, there are specialty diets or dietary choices designed with considerations for a dogs age, health, or breed. Lets explore the six types:

1. Lifestage food

This term refers to a diet in which different food is given to your dog at each stage of their life. Sometimes these stages can be as simple as puppy, adult, and senior while other brands utilize more specific stages like weaning, juniors, nursing, etc. Many kibbles on the market are all stages foods meaning they can be fed to your dog no matter their age.

Theres currently debate on whether specific lifestage or all stages food is a better option, but there is no definitive answer one way or the other. If youre curious about this style of feeding, consult with your vet.

2. Prescription food

If your dog has been diagnosed with a health issue or is recovering from surgery, your vet may prescribe a special prescription dog food diet. These dog foods are only available with a prescription from your dogs veterinarian.

There is a wide variety of prescription dog foods for illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, kidney issues, and weight management, to name a few. These diets include extra nutritional support or exclude ingredients that can further exacerbate your dogs health issue.

3. Breed-specific food

These foods are formulated with the idea that certain breeds have specific dietary needs. While many breeds can thrive on general diets, breed-specific diets may be helpful in specific contexts.

Larger dogs are prone to joint pain while dogs like Dachshunds may be prone to back problems. Certain diets can promote bone density and ligament support.

On the other hand, you may have a dog with small teeth who finds it tough to chew larger chunks of food in which case small bites may be easier. If you have a large breed puppy, like a Great Dane, youll want to get them a kibble that supports their growth.

All in all, breed-specific food may not be the answer so much as what is specific to your dog and their needs.

4. Grain-free food

A few years back, grain-free dog foods were trending. Then the FDA got reports that dogs who ate grain-free diets were being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathyTrusted SourceVCA HospitalsCommunity of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information.Go to source (DCM), a disease of the dogs heart muscle that results in an enlarged heart.

The FDA has since continued to investigate any connection between heart disease and grain-free foods. Veterinarians now recommend avoiding grain-free dog food unless your dog has a serious grain allergy (which is quite rare!).

5. High-protein food

Like with any food option, this one will be determined by your dogs specific needs. Protein is an essential building block in both the human and canine body, but sometimes certain dogs may need more than others.

Puppies, for example, need more protein than dogs that have already finished growing and those that hunt, play sport, or are highly active may also need more protein.

6. Sensitive stomach or limited ingredient food

Chronic stomach sensitivity in dogs is usually caused by allergies and intolerances and food made specifically for these situations can help ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need.

Many sensitive stomach foods contain probiotics and prebiotics that help promote healthy digestion. In that same vein, these foods may stray away from protein sources that have a history of causing tummy upset like beef or chicken, and opt for fish, venison, or lamb.

Limited ingredient food follows a similar path and has a shortened ingredient list that is free of common allergens like soy, beef, and chicken. If you suspect your dog has stomach issues or allergies, chat with your veterinarian about which option is best.

Best Dog Food: The Inside Scoop

You may have heard that the best dog food for one dog may not be the best for anotherand for good reason. Age, current weight, and unique needs should all be considered carefully when deciding which product to buy, never mind whether you should buy wet or dry food. Fortunately, these simple pointers will lead you to a healthy dog food that fits perfectly with your canine's lifestyle.

Nutrients to Look For

When matching up a food for your dog, you need to recognize the crucial nutrients all dogs need. Depending on your dog's age, lifestyle and health issues (if any), you may need to increase certain nutrients to help him stay healthy. Your veterinarian will advise you on what to look for if your pooch has special health considerations.

In general, the six types of nutrients every dog food should contain are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. A dog food that includes quality ingredients and balances the nutrients within those ingredients will put your dog in a position to properly absorb them.

Here is a list of the six nutrients and the ingredients you may see on a dog food label that contain them:

Protein helps to reinforce your dog's muscles, bones, and skin so they can support the rest of the body. It can be found in ingredients like chicken, salmon, soybean meal, barley, corn or eggs.
Carbohydrates provide your dog energy throughout the day. Carbs can be found in barley, corn, rice, and sorghum.
Fats are also needed for energy and healthy skin. They can be found in fish and vegetable oils.
Fiber is crucial to keep your dog's digestive system operating properly, which is a benefit you both share. Fiber can be found in beet pulp, soybean mill run and cellulose.
Vitamins your dog needs are included in many of the above ingredients listed above, as well. Eggs are a good source of Vitamins A and E, whereas brown rice is full of potassium; and liver and beef contain iron. When your dog gets the vitamins he needs, his heart, liver, and immune system will work efficiently, helping him to lead a healthier life.
Minerals are also essential for well-balanced nutrition, and similar to vitamins, may be found in the above ingredients. Minerals like magnesium help support strong bones and teeth, while the right amount of sodium promotes a healthy heart.

Consider His Age

Keep in mind that as your dog goes through different life stages, he'll need certain vitamins and nutrients to help him stay healthy. For example, puppies benefit greatly from B12 in their nutrition, which helps growth and development. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are also crucial to healthy bones and teeth, so as your puppy goes through his teething phase it is important to make sure his food includes appropriate levels of all three of these vitamins.

Conditional Carbs

Once you're aware of these types of crucial nutrients, it's time to determine which ones your dog may need more of to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is where your vet can guide you: Does your dog have skin or oral health issues? What about joint problems or signs of being overweight? Talk with your vet for a more comprehensive list of nutrients and ask for recommendations so you can provide him with the proper food.

Cost and Source

Next, think about where you want to buy your dog foodat your veterinarian's office, in a pet store or online. Many quality dog foods offer these three routes of purchase. Start by checking out a few product lines on the manufacturer's website. Not only will the best dog food manufacturers list where they're sold, but many will detail all the ingredients and the nutritional benefits of the food. Some dog food manufacturers and retailer websites offer a filter-and-search option that allows you to find a dog food that fits your dog's age, health needs, and activity level. If you find a food that looks like a perfect fit, see if the pet food manufactureror the retailer or veterinarian you plan to buy fromoffers any promotional material on that food. Don't let the cost of dog food scare you; a healthy canine comes out of eating a healthy dog food, not just the most expensive one. Many pet food companies offer coupons when you follow them on social media, or on their websites.

Continue to monitor your dog's health and activity level, as your dog's nutritional needs can change over time. If he's showing signs that he needs a change in food, consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure what to choose. The best dog food companies offer a variety of food options that can allow you to transition your dog to a new food without completely disrupting his digestive system.

The 95 Percent Rule

Just as important as the ingredients that provide your dog his nutrients are the ingredients you should avoid. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets guidelines all US dog food companies must follow, but some pet food manufacturers can still be misleading when they disclose how much of each ingredient their food contains.

Consumers should specifically look at the product's Nutritional Adequacy Statement, which "indicates the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance or a combination of these, or intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Products conspicuously identified on the principal display panel as a snack, treat, or supplement are exempt."

Products labeled as meat (eg "beef"), according to the AAFCO, must include 95 percent of that meat (not including water) in order to name it as such. From here, be on the lookout for artificial flavors and colors that don't add any nutritional content to the food.

Wet vs. Dry

When looking for a dog food that has the nutrients your pet needs, both wet and dry products can be a good fit. But is one better than the other? Most of the time choosing which to feed your dog is a matter of personal preference. Some pet parents prefer dry food because you can leave it in the dish for longer without spoiling and it's easier to cleanup. Others find that dogs prefer wet food and eat better when it's served. If your dog doesn't drink much water, , or struggles to eat/chew as he ages, wet food may be a better way to keep him healthy. Both dry and wet dog food can deliver the nutrients your dog needs, though, so unless he has a specific health concern, pick the one to which you feel he responds best.

Putting It All Together

Choosing the best dog food means finding a brand that uses quality ingredients in a way that properly balances the protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and vitamins your dog needs based on his age, lifestyle, and unique state of health. Look for a healthy dog food that has met or exceeded these guidelines and follows the individual needs of your pet as determined by your vet. Spending a little extra time choosing a perfect dog food could mean that much more enjoyment with a healthy and happy four-legged best friend.