We dog lovers want to feed our furry family the best, healthy dog food to ensure they live a happy and long life. However, given the high meat content in dog food, it is estimated that our pets consume up to 20% of the world’s meat!
So perhaps we should consider the impact our food choices have on the planet? Are there sustainable dog foods on the market that will reduce the impact of our pets’ nutritional requirements but still keep them healthy? Let’s take a look!
WHAT ARE THE CHOICES?
There are many types of dog food and each has its pros and cons. For all these types of food, when considering sustainability, the following should be taken into account:
- using ethical, often human ingredients
- using sustainable, recyclable packaging with minimal waste
- where the ingredients came from, using ingredients as local as possible to reduce the carbon footprint
- nutritional values for your dog – confirmed by a qualified person
- Does your dog like it? Creating wasted food will do nothing to help the planet
Is dog food containing insect protein also carbohydrate-free and gluten-free?
Dog food with insect protein is grain-free, but it does not eliminate carbohydrates, as grain-free dog food contains ingredients such as potatoes, lentils, peas, quinoa, etc.
Therefore, grain-free food is not carbohydrate-free, and in some cases grain-free pet food homemade foods contain the same or even more carbohydrates.
Gluten-free dog food does not contain gluten such as wheat, barley or corn, but other gluten-free grains are available. Grain-free food, on the other hand, can be gluten-free as long as it does not contain ingredients that are a source of gluten.
Insects as a high-quality alternative to meat
Dogs depend on an adequate supply of animal protein. Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) at Bellfor Naturfarm-Schmaus are a high-quality alternative to meat and fish.
Insect protein is characterized by high biological value and a complex amino acid profile. It contains essential amino acids and is very easy for dogs.
Because insect farming uses far fewer resources than traditional meat production, using black soldier bees as an ingredient in dog food also helps protect the environment.
Protein quality
The fact is that not all dog food brands are created equal. Therefore, to choose the best one for your pet, you need to do some research. When veterinarians review or review a particular brand, they will “analyze” the ingredient list.
The quality of dog food depends on the ingredients used in its composition. Often, these ratings identify ingredients that are harmful or may cause allergies in dogs. There are also dog food brands that consist mainly of fillers and binders, giving the dog food a lower nutritional value.
The quantity and quality of the protein component in dog food are very important compared to the carbohydrate component in the ration. It is this factor that often dictates the price of a given brand.
If you don’t look closely enough, there are brands with more energy sources compared to protein sources. Another trick some manufacturers use is to include inferior sources of protein in their food, which can reduce or impair the quality of the food.
Final thoughts
Dog food containing insect protein can be convenient and effective when used correctly and will ensure a long life for your dog. However, this varies from animal to animal and depends on which diet is best for its nutritional needs.
As a responsible and caring pet owner in London, you may want to consult your trusted vet about feeding your dog grain-free food before taking him out. go forward.
Learn the advantages and disadvantages and create a diet plan for your pet that will be best for him, containing the right food and nutrients.
