As a responsible dog owners we all want the best for our pooch. When it comes to food – I am particularly interested. My Lab has food allergies and choosing the right food has been a challenge over the years.

According to this article – expensive pet food is not better than cheap pet food.

“When it comes to buying pet food, higher cost doesn’t always mean higher quality, according to the March issue of Consumer Reports. A higher price could indicate better ingredients and better quality control during and after manufacturing, but it could also just mean prettier packaging, more marketing, or a fancy name. And despite food safety concerns that resulted from a recall of pet food tainted with melamine in 2007, Consumer Reports urges caution for consumers who are considering making their own pet food, a growing trend.”

“Consumer Reports asked eight experts in dog and cat nutrition at seven top veterinary schools what consumers get by spending more for pet food. They were also asked what they served their own pets: Most of the experts said they use a variety of common brands sold at pet stores or supermarkets.”

Not sure why is it that these experts “urge caution” when it comes to making your own pet food. Let me make it clear … I am not making food for my dog every day, but sometimes a bowl of rice with some fish or chicken should be ok.

… in addition – here is what is being said about the labels on dog food bags…

“For pet food, there’s no official definition of organic, human-grade, premium, no fillers, or gourmet. Gluten-free foods are generally necessary only for the tiny percentages of pets that are intolerant of that protein. There’s some evidence that antioxidants — such as vitamin E — and some omega-3 fatty acids might enhance pets’ immunity or help protect against certain diseases, but the experts interviewed by Consumer Reports were split on whether consumers need to look for them.”

Basically – we almost have no idea what’s in the bag. I again wonder why is caution recommended when I cook my rice and chicken and not when buying a bag with who knows what in it.

I understand the need for a balanced diet. I know that it is challenging to create it and that supplements must be used is one is to switch completely to home cooked meal, but come on … dogs have been around before dog food manufacturers. You think your grand-grand daddy bought food for his pooch at the store? I don’t think so.

Like most of us – I buy my dog food in a bag. Granted … I have to go to my vet to get the special, allergy safe, fish and potato formula, but if there were no allergy problems I would get something from the pet store.

Again – for those of you wanting to cook for their pooch – just ask your vet about simple powder supplements that will make your food absolutely complete.

If you have some good recipes – please post it as a comment to this blog at the bottom or open up a discussion in the discussion forums.

Signing off  - Woof, woof!