| Lee B | 06-19-2010 04:30 AM | Quote:
Originally Posted by capt_noonie
(Post 3167588)
I just meant duck in general, not TOTW duck. :) So veggie protein is not so good for dogs? I didn't know that. Why is that? | Dogs are basically carnivores ... meat eaters. They're a little more adaptive than cats, but they're still carnivores. In the wild, they'd NEVER attack a field of corn and strip the ears from the stalks for a snack. As much as my babies LOVE raw baby carrots, they'd never in a million years dig up a carrot patch to get lunch.
Dog food manufacturers add grain protein because it's cheap (notice I didn't say "inexpensive", which would give it an air of acceptance :rolleyes: - CHEAP). It's an easy way to increase the overall protein level of a manufactured food without costing as much (to *them*) as doing it right.
Many dogs are allergic to grains, to corn and wheat especially, not so much rice and barley, but those aren't good either - and usually end up being things like hulls and remnants of stuff that would usually be tossed out (like the barley that remains after beer has been made - someone else's garbage). It adds bulk without adding much in the way of nutrition.
So, I've made the decision to go grain free. That definitely includes corn and wheat. The premium dog foods are all grain free ... much better for the wee beasties. The food may cost more initially, but they eat less (because they don't have to eat as much to get their nutritional needs), they poop less (because their bodies use the food they're getting, unlike corn which they can't digest and just passes through), they're healthier, they don't have as many dental problems (corn and other carbs convert to sugar and affects their teeth, not to mention being a contributing factor to diabetes), and many other reasons.
All in all, I've just decided that grain free is the way to go. They're little beasties and don't eat much, so I can afford to feed them the best. It's worth the money now to avoid the health problems later.
Just my opinion ... ;) |