Introduction
With pet obesity on the rise and many common health issues in dogs relating to poor diet, it’s important for dog owners to carefully evaluate the foods they choose. Not all dog foods on the market are created equal when it comes to nutritional value and ingredients. Reviewing some of the worst dry dog food formulas can help identify what to avoid and why low-quality dog food can be detrimental to your dog’s health. This article will focus on 10 key factors that make a dry dog food one of the worst choices you can make.
The criteria used to assess dog food quality include: inadequate protein levels, excessive carbohydrates, presence of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors, unsafe or controversial ingredients, history of recalls and contamination, improper nutrient balance, low quality meat meals as primary protein source, and poor reviews or ratings.
Inadequate Protein
Protein is essential for dogs as it provides amino acids that help build and maintain muscles, organs, and immune function. Adult dogs require a minimum of 18% protein in their diets, while puppies need 22% or more protein since they are growing and developing rapidly (AlphaPaw, 2023).
Some of the worst offenders for insufficient protein levels include Dog Chow Complete Adult with just 18% protein and Pedigree Dog Food with only 17% protein. Both fall below the minimum recommendations. Low protein levels over an extended time can lead to loss of muscle mass, decreased energy, weight loss, and weaker immune systems in dogs. Dog owners should read labels carefully and aim for at least 22% protein from high-quality ingredients like chicken, beef, fish, and eggs (Ainfluecer, 2022).
Excessive Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide a quick source of energy for dogs, but too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity and other health issues. Many low-quality dry dog foods rely heavily on grains and starchy vegetables as cheap fillers, providing an unbalanced amount of carbs.
According to Balancing protein and carbs: A healthy dog diet explained, carbohydrates should make up no more than around 20-30% of a dog’s total caloric intake. Carbs from whole grains like brown rice and oats are better than refined grains.
Some examples of dog foods with excessive carbohydrates include:
- Beneful Original (46% carbs)
- Purina Dog Chow Complete (46% carbs)
- Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Stew (57% carbs)
- Iams Proactive Health (41% carbs)
Dog owners should read labels carefully and aim for carb levels around 20-30% from quality whole food sources like whole grains and starchy vegetables.
Artificial Preservatives
Artificial preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are commonly added to dry dog foods to prevent fat from going rancid. However, there are some concerns about the safety of these synthetic preservatives.
According to DogFoodAdvisor.com, BHA may potentially be carcinogenic in high doses over a long period. BHT has also been connected to skin and liver problems in dogs. While permitted by the FDA, some pet owners prefer to avoid artificial preservatives altogether.
Some popular dry dog food brands that contain BHA or BHT include: Purina Dog Chow, Pedigree, Iams, Science Diet, and Royal Canin. Checking the ingredients list and opting for brands without these controversial preservatives is advised for pet owners who want to minimize risk.
Artificial Colors & Flavors
Artificial colors and flavors are concerning and unnecessary additives commonly found in many low-quality dry dog foods. While they may make the food appear more appetizing, these artificial ingredients provide no nutritional value for dogs and have been linked to potential health issues.
Studies have shown artificial food dyes can cause skin irritations, hyperactivity, lethargy, vomiting, and other behavioral issues in dogs (source). There is no benefit to coloring food meant for dogs, so quality brands avoid artificial colors.
Artificial flavors are also problematic. Cheap meat flavors are added to make poor quality ingredients seem more palatable. Dogs have a far stronger sense of smell than humans, so artificial pet food flavors are unnecessary. Relying on these flavor enhancers rather than quality ingredients is a major red flag.
Well-known brands like Pedigree, Iams, and Purina frequently use artificial colors and flavors in their dry dog food products. When shopping for a quality diet, be sure to read the ingredient labels and avoid anything with “color”, “dye”, “flavor”, or chemical-sounding names (source). Going with uncolored, naturally flavored options is a safer choice.
Unsafe Ingredients
Certain ingredients commonly found in poor quality dry dog foods can be dangerous for dogs. Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks contain thiosulphates that are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia by damaging red blood cells [1]. Even small amounts over time can be problematic. Unfortunately, many low-cost dry dog food brands use garlic and onion powders as flavor enhancers despite the risks. For example, Kibbles ‘n Bits Dry Dog Food lists both onion and garlic powder in its ingredients.
Another potentially harmful substance is propylene glycol. While it’s generally recognized as safe in small doses for pets, propylene glycol is toxic at high doses and extended exposure can cause Heinz body anemia [2]. Several dog food brands like Pedigree contain propylene glycol as a humectant and preservative.
Ethoxyquin is an artificial preservative banned from use in human foods but still allowed in some pet foods. It has been linked to liver, thyroid, kidney, reproductive and immune system damage in dogs [3]. Ethoxyquin is found in brands like Purina Dog Chow.
Dog owners should read ingredients carefully and avoid any products containing onions, garlic, propylene glycol, ethoxyquin, or other potentially toxic substances.
Recalls & Contamination
Certain brands of dry dog food have faced major recalls due to contamination with salmonella, mold toxins, and other harmful substances. According to the FDA, Midwestern Pet Foods has recalled many of their dog food products, including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Splash, Sportstrail, and Meridian brands due to high levels of aflatoxin contamination (1). The J.M. Smucker Company also voluntarily recalled several shipments of some dog food brands due to elevated levels of aflatoxin above the acceptable limit (2).
Salmonella contamination has also triggered recalls for multiple brands. As reported by the FDA, certain lots of Sportmix pet food products were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination (3). Similarly, certain cans ofNatural Balance dog food were recalled due to possible salmonella contamination (4).
These contaminations pose major health risks like vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases. Pet owners should stay updated on recent recalls and avoid purchasing contaminated products that could seriously sicken their dogs.
References:
1. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-alert-midwestern-pet-foods-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-pet-food-aflatoxin-health-risk
2. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-aflatoxin-contamination-pet-foods-manufactured-jm-smucker-company
3. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/recalls-withdrawals/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recalls-pet-food-salmonella-and-high-levels-aflatoxin
4. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/natural-balance-pet-foods-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-cans-dog-food-due-possible-presence#recall-announcement
Improper Nutrient Balance
A properly balanced dog food contains the right proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. An improper balance can lead to nutrient deficiencies or excesses over time, causing health issues like skin problems, digestive upset, weakened immunity, and more (Source).
Some of the worst offending brands when it comes to poor nutrient balances are Ol’ Roy, which contains too much fiber and not enough fat or protein for most dogs, and Beneful, which is very high in carbohydrates like corn and wheat but lower in meat protein. Both brands provide nutrient levels that can be problematic, especially for more active dogs with higher energy needs (Source).
Low Quality Meat Meals
Many low quality dry dog foods use meat meals and meat by-products as their primary source of protein. Meat meals like “poultry meal” or “meat meal” can contain any combination of various meats or parts, including lower quality cuts and scraps. According to Dog Food Chat, generic meat meals often come from 4D meat sources – dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals – which are unfit for human consumption.
Brands like Purina Dog Chow, Pedigree, Iams, and Ol’Roy frequently use these unspecified meat meals and meat by-products in their dry dog food formulas. Relying too heavily on these ingredients provides inadequate nutrition from lower quality protein sources. Dog owners should be cautious of any brand using generic meat meals as the first few ingredients without specifying the exact meat source.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the worst dry dog food brands to avoid due to low quality ingredients, contamination risks, and improper nutritional balance include Ol’ Roy, Beneful, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Purina Dog Chow, Pedigree, Gravy Train, Hill’s Science Diet, Iams, Royal Canin, and Eukanuba. Dog owners should carefully read all food labels and avoid products with high carbohydrate content, artificial preservatives, unsafe ingredients, and poor quality meat meals.
It’s important for pet owners to do their research before choosing a dry dog food brand. Seeking out options with adequate protein, healthy fats, proper nutritional balance, and high quality ingredients can help keep your dog healthy and happy. By being an informed consumer and avoiding some of the worst dry dog food brands on the market, you can feel confident you’re providing quality nutrition tailored to your dog’s needs.
