Humans have been watching the salt content in our diets since I was a kid. But what about Fido? Should we be concerned about how much sodium he’s getting?
For most dogs, salt intake won’t be a problem because their body systems can handle it. However, a low sodium diet could be beneficial if your furbaby has conditions like congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or ascites.
To help you choose the best low sodium dog food for your special pal. We reviewed 17 brands in 3 main food types currently on the market.
Top Picks
- Best low sodium dog food: Wellness Complete Health
- Our Runner-Up Pick: Natural Balance
- Best For Budget: Taste of the Wild
It’s important to remember that like us, all dogs need some sodium in their diets. That’s why we can’t stress enough that you need to talk to your veterinarian before switching to a lower salt diet. They can help you determine if your furbaby’s condition is interfering with their ability to eliminate excess sodium.
Table Of Contents
- 5 Tips to choose the best low sodium dog food
- Types of low sodium dog foods
- How to tell if a dog food is low in sodium?
- The recommended sodium levels for canines
- Reasons your dog might need a low sodium diet
- Benefits
- Ingredients To Avoid
- Foods you should never feed to your dog
- Low sodium Dog Food Vs. No sodium Dog Food
- DIY - Homemade Dog food for a low sodium diet
- F.A.Qs
Top 17 Low Sodium Dog Food Brands
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Best for Joint Support
Our Rating:
4.1/5
Price Range: $$
- Deboned white fish, chicken, or lamb
- Brown rice, barley, and oatmeal whole grains
- Sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and other garden vegetables
- Blueberries and cranberries
- flaxseed
- Glucosamine
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Vitamins and chelated minerals
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog food is a dry kibble made using all-natural, whole foods. The primary ingredient is protein. You can select from chicken, lamb, or fish. There are no meat by-products, preservatives, or artificial flavors in the product. This food features a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your pal’s nutritional needs.
What We Like About It
- Flavor - dogs like to eat this food.
- Quality of ingredients - customers report improved digestion and overall health after using this food.
- Freshness - the bag has a ziplock closure to keep the food fresh.
What We Don't Like
- The vitamin/mineral mix is separate from the kibble in small pellets (Lifesource bits). Some dogs refuse to eat them.
Taste of the Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food Pacific Stream Adult - Smoked Salmon
Our Rating:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
- Smoked salmon
- Sweet Potatoes
- Peas and lentils
- Dried chicory root
- Tomatoes
- Blueberries and raspberries
- Probiotics
- Vitamins and minerals
This food from Taste of the Wild includes smoked salmon as a primary ingredient. It includes fruit and vegetable superfoods, probiotics, a fatty acid blend, vitamins, and minerals. The food is manufactured in the USA but sources ingredients from sustainable trusted suppliers around the world. This product has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and it is egg-free.
What We Like About It
- It has quality ingredients. Dogs tend to eat and poop less because there are no fillers.
- Dogs love the flavor.
- It has no eggs, so it’s a good option for pups with egg allergies.
- There are no preservatives or artificial flavors or colors.
What We Don't Like
- It can make your pooch’s breath smell fishy.
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food
Our Rating:
4/5
Price Range: $$
- Free-range chicken
- Organic flaxseed
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Apples
- Celery
- Pumpkin
- Cabbage
- Bananas
- Papaya
- Green beans
- Herbs
- Vitamins and minerals
- Taurine
The Honest Kitchen dog food is made in the USA, and none of the ingredients come from China. It comes in a dehydrated form and is grain and gluten-free. You’ll need to add water to the food before you serve it to your pooch. The product is made in a kitchen that meets FDA standards for human food. There are four varieties with different protein sources available: cage-free turkey, free-range chicken, ranch-raised beef, or wild-caught white fish.
What We Like About It
- Real, high-quality ingredients
- Nutritional Value - freeze-drying helps preserve essential nutrients in the food
- Taste - Most dogs love to eat this food.
- Scent - The product doesn’t smell like dog food.
What We Don't Like
- The texture is like mushy oatmeal and does not appeal to some dogs.
- The price
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food, Original, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free
Our Rating:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
- Deboned meats - chicken, turkey, flounder, whole eggs, mackerel, herring
- Chicken and turkey heart and liver
- Red and green lentils
- Pinto and navy beans
- Chickpeas
- Pumpkin and butternut squash
- Carrots, apples, and pears
- Herbs and seasonings
- Probiotics
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food is a high-protein food with a blend of proteins. This product is made in the USA and contains fresh ingredients from local sources. There are no grains or synthetic substances in the food. The formula is designed to mirror the prey that dogs would eat in the wild.
What We Like About It
- The flavor - many customers report their dogs will eat it right up.
- Ingredients - fresh ingredients that are high quality
- Made in the USA from locally sourced ingredients
What We Don't Like
- The rich ingredients can give some dogs diarrhea
- The scent - It has a strong odor.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food - L.I.D. Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
Best Low Sodium Dry Food For Digestibility
Our Rating:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
- Lamb
- Brown rice
- Brewers rice
- Rice bran
- Tomato pomace
- Brewers yeast
- Salt
- Taurine
- Vitamins and minerals
This product from Natural Balance is a limited ingredient dog food with a single protein source. It has no wheat, soy, or corn. There are also no artificial colors or flavors and no preservatives in the kibble. The formulation includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids along with essential vitamins and minerals.
What We Like About It
- The limited ingredients make it a good option for many dogs with allergies
- Flavor - dogs eat it
- Ingredient quality -The ingredients are fresh and easy on the stomach
What We Don't Like
- The new recipe gives some dogs bad diarrhea
- The packaging can break during shipping
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Barley
Our Rating:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
- Lamb and lamb meal
- Oatmeal and barley
- Menhaden fish meal
- Brown rice and rice
- Peas
- Flaxseed
- Chicken fat
- Tomatoes, carrots, and spinach
- Apples and blueberries
- Vitamins and minerals
- Taurine
- Probiotics
Wellness Complete Health is a dry kibble with natural ingredients. There are no preservatives, meat by-products, artificial colors, or artificial flavors in the recipe. It includes omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants to support your pal’s health. The food has no corn, wheat, or soy fillers. This product is manufactured in the United States.
What We Like About It
- It has quality ingredients - customers report dogs to have more energy and shiny coats
- It tastes good - dogs like to eat it.
- It has no fillers - There’s less poop to pick up.
What We Don't Like
- There’s no way to reseal the bag shut.
- The formula contains chicken fat which is a problem if your pal has a poultry allergy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
- Lamb meal
- Brown rice and brewers rice
- Wheat and corn gluten meal
- Sorghum and barley
- Chicken fat
- Chicken liver flavor
- Soybean oil
- Flaxseed
- Potassium chloride and iodized salt
- Vitamins and minerals
- Taurine
This Hill’s Science Diet kibble has natural ingredients and no chicken by-products. The recipe is for large breed dogs and includes sources of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega 6 fatty acids. There are no preservatives, synthetic colors, or artificial flavors in the formula. The product has ingredients that are sourced from trusted global partners, and it is manufactured in the United States.
What We Like About It
- Good flavor - many dogs seem to like the taste.
- Quality ingredients - the grains provide a source of fiber for firmer poops.
- The lamb and rice is easy to digest
What We Don't Like
- It does contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions
- There’s some variation in formulation and kibble size
Earthborn Holistic Adult Vantage Natural Dog Food
Our Rating:
4.1/5
Price Range: $$
- Chicken meal and whitefish meal
- Oatmeal, barley and brown rice
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Chicken fat
- Tomato pomace
- Flaxseed
- Blueberries, cranberries, and apples
- Carrots and spinach
- Potassium chloride
- Glucosamine
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Probiotics
Earthborn Holistic dog food comes in BPA free packaging and is recyclable. It contains whole food ingredients and a balanced blend of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. The formula includes fruits, vegetables, and grains that are very digestible. This product is made in the United States, and ingredients are sourced from the United States whenever possible.
What We Like About It
- Quality ingredients - customers report improved health and shiny coats
- There’s no corn - the grains they use are safe for many dogs with food allergies
- Flavor - dogs like to eat it.
What We Don't Like
- The product contains chicken which can be a problem for some dogs.
Purina Veterinary Canine NF Kidney Function Dry Dog Food, 6 lb
Our Rating:
3.6/5
Price Range: $$
- Whole grain corn and brewers rice
- Dried egg product
- Animal fat
- Sugar
- Whey and casein
- Vegetable and fish oil
- Salt
- Vitamins and minerals
Purina’s Veterinary Diets dry food for dogs with kidney disease is low in phosphorus and has restricted protein to help support proper renal function. The product is energy-dense and includes antioxidants. A team of nutritionists, researchers, and veterinarians developed the formulation.
What We Like About It
- It has lower levels of sodium and potassium.
- The low protein is good for dogs with kidney disease.
- The flavor and aroma are good. Dogs eat it willingly.
What We Don't Like
- The price
- he kibble is large and hard for some dogs to chew.
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food
Our Rating:
4.1/5
Price Range: $$
- Beef, beef broth, and beef liver
- Potatoes and carrots
- Brown rice and oat bran
- Canola oil
- Vitamins and minerals
- Taurine
The Natural Balance Ultra Premium food comes in a 12-pack of 13-ounce cans. This formula uses ground beef as the protein source and includes a blend of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. It also has carbohydrate ingredients that are easy to digest. Each batch of food goes through a series of nine tests to ensure your pup is getting a safe-to-eat product.
What We Like About It
- Flavor - dogs like to eat this food.
- Quality of ingredients - it’s easy to digest.
- It’s corn and soy-free and chicken free making it a good option for dogs with allergies.
What We Don't Like
- You have to use a can opener to open it.
- It has a mushy texture that some dogs don’t like
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Savory Stew, 12.8 oz, 12-Pack
Our Rating:
4/5
Price Range: $$
- Water
- Beef
- Pork Liver
- Brown rice and rice starch
- Wheat flour and potato starch
- Potatoes, peas, and spinach
- Flaxseed
- Soybean oil
- Vitamins and minerals
- Taurine
This variety of Hill’s Science Diet canned food uses beef chunks as the primary protein source. There are easy to digest vegetable chunks in the stew. Veterinarians, nutritionists, and food scientists work together to develop the formula. It’s made with natural ingredients in the United States.
What We Like About It
- Quality ingredients - it has actual pieces of meat and vegetables.
- Flavor - dogs love the taste and eat it up.
- It’s a good value for the money.
What We Don't Like
- It’s hard on some dogs’ stomachs - diarrhea and vomiting
- The cans tend to dent easily during shipping.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Dog Food Chicken & Sweet Potato
Our Rating:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
- Chicken
- Chicken broth and liver
- Whitefish
- Barley
- Sweet potatoes and carrots
- Carrageenan
- Canola oil
- Salt
- Vitamins and minerals
This Wellness Complete canned food includes chicken and vegetables in pate form. It has no meat by-products, fillers, or preservatives. The product contains a balance of essential vitamins and minerals. This company manufactures its food in North America and uses all-natural, fresh ingredients. It comes in a 12 pack of 12.5-ounce cans.
What We Like About It
- Quality ingredients - owners report healthier skin and coat.
- The flavor - many dogs like to eat this food.
- There are no corn or fillers, and it’s easy to digest.
- The soft pate form is easy for dogs that have teeth or mouth problems
What We Don't Like
- The fat can separate around the edges of the food and solidify if you refrigerate any leftovers.
- It smells like fish.
Purina Pro Plan Low Fat, Weight Management. Turkey & Rice Entree - 13 oz. Can (12-Pack)
Our Rating:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$
- Water
- Turkey
- Liver
- Wheat Gluten
- Rice
- Chicken
- Meat by-products
- Salt
- Vitamins and minerals
- Added color
This variety of Purina Pro Plan is low-fat and has chunks of food in gravy. It’s made from real turkey and readily digestible rice. This product is also lower in protein and includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals. You can use this formula for less active or overweight dogs. It comes in a 12-pack of 13-ounce cans, and it’s made in the United States.
What We Like About It
- The price - it’s a good value.
- It tastes and smells good, and many dogs like to eat it.
- They have easy-open cans with pull tabs.
- Customers report that it helps their pups lose or manage weight.
What We Don't Like
- It gives some dogs smelly, soft stools.
- The cans tend to dent easily during shipping.
Wellness Core Marrow Roasts Natural Grain-Free Dog Treats, 8-Ounce Bag
Our Rating:
4.3/5
Price Range: $
- Beef
- Peas
- Chickpea flour
- Flaxseed
- Cooked bone marrow
- Sweet potatoes
- Caramel color
- Chicken fat
- Vinegar
- Salt
The Wellness Core Marrow Roasts are crunchy biscuits with a soft marrow center. It’s made from real ingredients and contains no wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, or artificial flavors. You can use these tidbits for training or spoiling your furbaby. This product is manufactured in the United States using premium, globally sourced ingredients.
What We Like About It
- The flavor - dogs like to eat these treats.
- They’re grain-free and a good option for dogs with allergies.
- They smell good and have a little spearmint extract for fresh dog breath.
What We Don't Like
- The treats are a little too big and crunchy for smaller dogs or dogs with bad teeth.
- It’s high in fat and too many at a time can cause diarrhea.
Hill's Ideal Balance Grain-Free Dog Treats, Soft-Baked Naturals Dog Snack
Our Rating:
4.4/5
Price Range: $
- Chicken
- Potatoes
- Peas and carrots
- Glycerin
- Chicken fat
- Molasses
- Natural flavors
Hill’s Ideal Balance dog treats are soft morsels with no corn, wheat, or soy. They’re made in the United States from natural ingredients. The raw materials come from trusted global sources. There are no preservatives, artificial colors, or synthetic flavors in them. Hill’s backs their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What We Like About It
- Ingredients - they have natural ingredients and are gluten-free.
- Flavor - dogs like the taste and eat them readily.
- Scent - they don’t have a strong odor but smell like chicken.
- Size - they’re small and easy to eat; good for smaller dogs, pups with bad teeth, or as training rewards.
What We Don't Like
- The biscuits get hard and dry if the package is older.
- They cost a lot for the number of treats.
PureBites Turkey for Dogs
4.1/5
Price Range: $
Our Rating:
- Turkey
PureBites Turkey treats are made from 100% freeze-dried turkey breast. There are no added ingredients, preservatives, colors, or flavors. This product is sourced and made in the United States. It is a low-fat, no-sodium option for dogs on restrictive diets.
What We Like About It
- Easy on the tummy - freeze-dried turkey is easily digestible.
- Flavor - most dogs love the taste of pure turkey.
- Low calorie and no sodium - you can use this as a training treat or for restrictive diets.
What We Don't Like
- The product can get crushed in transit. Some pieces become too small for a treat.
- The quality seems inconsistent. Some customers report a rancid odor.
Natural Rapport Dog Treats. Freeze Dried Chicken Jerky Treats with USDA-Inspected Meat (8 oz.)
Our Rating:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
- Whole muscle chicken tenders
Natural Rapport chicken jerky dog treats are made from USDA inspected chicken. The product is 100% freeze-dried chicken with no added preservatives, flavors, colors, or other chemicals. It comes in extra-large strips and is in an 8-ounce resealable bag. This is made in the United States.
What We Like About It
- It’s real chicken - you can tell there was no processing.
- Flavor - most dogs love to eat this treat.
- Healthy option - it has no sodium, is low in calories, and has no additives.
- Packaging - you can reseal the bag to keep the product fresher.
What We Don't Like
- The price
- The strips are thick and chewy, so they’re not a good fit for small dogs or older pups with bad teeth.
Heart Disease
Dogs that are at risk for developing congestive heart failure or that already have it can benefit from reduced salt in their diets. If your pup has heart disease, their bodies can not eliminate excess sodium, and this causes them to retain water. Extra fluid in the bloodstream puts pressure on the heart and other organs in the body like the lungs and kidneys. Over time, the added stressors on his system will make Fido very sick and can lead to death.
Kidney Disease
The kidneys are one of the essential waste treatment centers of the body. They filter out excess sodium and other minerals and excrete them in the urine. If your special pal has kidney disease or renal failure, his body may not be able to remove extra salt. As with heart disease, this failure leads to water retention and negatively impacts your furbaby’s health.
Liver Disease
The liver is another important waste removal organ in the body. It filters toxins from the blood and helps with other normal body functions. When a pooch has liver disease or failure, he can become very sick. A reduced-sodium diet can help manage the effects of the disease.
Salt Toxicity
Usually, if your furry pal eats or drinks something salty, they’ll take care of it by lapping up more water. But sometimes, they can’t get enough liquid to dilute the sodium intake. When that happens, they suffer from a condition called hypernatremia(salt toxicity), and it can be life-threatening. You’ll need to get your four-footed friend to a veterinarian pronto. After emergency care, Fido’s doctor will likely recommend a low sodium diet for him going forward.
Ascites
With some conditions like congestive heart failure and liver failure, blood and other fluids can leak into the abdomen. The excess liquid builds up in the abdominal cavity and puts pressure on his organs. A dog with ascites might have difficulty breathing, show weakness and lethargy, stop eating, or show other signs of distress.
What are the Recommended Sodium Levels for Canines?
Different diseases or conditions have variable sodium level requirements. It’s important for you to speak with your veterinarian about how restrictive you should be in your furbaby’s diet. When looking at your pal’s foods, nutritionists measure the sodium content in one of two ways.
What are the Recommended Sodium Levels for Canines?
Different diseases or conditions have variable sodium level requirements. It’s important for you to speak with your veterinarian about how restrictive you should be in your furbaby’s diet. When looking at your pal’s foods, nutritionists measure the sodium content in one of two ways.
Different diseases or conditions have variable sodium level requirements. It’s important for you to speak with your veterinarian about how restrictive you should be in your furbaby’s diet. When looking at your pal’s foods, nutritionists measure the sodium content in one of two ways.
- Mild Sodium Restriction - 80-100 mg/100 kcal
- Moderate Sodium Restriction - 50-80 mg/100 kcal
- Marked Sodium Restriction - 40-50 mg/100 kcal
- Extreme Sodium Restriction - 20-40 mg/100 kcal
Most dog foods don’t report their sodium content in these terms, and they might not have it on their label at all. You may need to call the manufacturer and request the information. If they list the percentage of sodium as fed and the kilocalories per kilogram of food, you can calculate the value. Do this by dividing the % as fed by the kilocalories per kilogram then multiplying that number by one million.
Some products will report the percentage of sodium as % of dry matter on their label. If you can find this information, here are approximate guidelines for dietary sodium:
Mild Sodium Restriction – 0.3-0.4% of dry matter
Moderate Sodium Restriction – 0.2-0.3% of dry matter
Marked Sodium Restriction – 0.15-0.2% of dry matter
Extreme Sodium Restriction – 0.075-0.15% of dry matter
Better hydration
Salt absorbs liquid. If you have a lower sodium diet, your dog won’t need to drink as much water to keep well hydrated.
Blood pressure management
Higher levels of salt in the bloodstream can contribute to fluid retention and therefore elevated blood pressure. If your pal suffers from high blood pressure, reducing the sodium in his diet could help keep the disease in check.
Senior Health
As a dog ages, they can suffer from a variety of conditions including osteoporosis, decreased muscle and nerve function, and organ failure. A low sodium diet can help to prevent the occurrence or progression of many of these geriatric diseases.
Dry Food
Dry kibble is the most popular type of low sodium food. It comes in pellet form and has a crunchy texture. This variety helps keep the teeth cleaner and works for dogs that don’t have difficulty chewing.
Canned or wet food
Wet dog food comes in cans or packets, or it is homemade. The material has higher moisture content and is easier to chew. If your pal has bad teeth or other mouth issues, wet food is a good option. The water content in the food helps keep your furbaby hydrated. These foods are often higher in fat and protein than dry kibble.
Treats
Like dog food, treats come in different forms – chewy, soft, crunchy. The key is to find a treat that doesn’t have a lot of salt. Your best bet is to look for whole-food ingredients like chicken, beef, duck, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid products that have preservatives, artificial flavors, and artificial colors.
There are a lot of products on the market. How can you find the best fit for your pooch? To choose your pal’s low sodium food, look at the overall nutritional content and know which options meet your dog’s needs based on his age, breed, and size.
Protein
The protein content in dog food is the first factor you want to check. As carnivores, pups need meat in their diet to stay healthy. However, with some conditions like kidney disease, you want a lower protein content. Look at the ingredient list on the package. Protein sources like chicken, lamb, beef, or fish should be at the top. If they list a specific meat meal(like chicken meal) second or third on the list, that’s fine.
Complex Carbohydrates
Like us, our furry friends need carbohydrates for energy. But all carbs are not equal. Look for complex ingredients like whole grains, flaxseed, or sweet potatoes. These kinds of foods break down more slowly and help your furbaby to avoid a spike in their blood sugar.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements
Products vary widely on these ingredients. You can use the differences to find options that best fit your pal’s needs. Foods that include vegetables like carrots and green beans and fruits like apples and bananas are healthy options.
Some foods contain supplements like fish oil or glucosamine. These kinds of options can be beneficial if your canine companion has a skin condition, joint disease, or another issue.
Age and Size
When selecting food for your furbaby, look for options that suit their size and stage of life. Puppies require more fat, energy, and certain minerals to support their growth. Geriatric animals are usually less active and require a lower calorie diet.
Large and giant breed dogs can have different dietary requirements like extra protein and fat depending on their lifestyle. They need additional protein and fat to support muscle function and activity level.
Place of Manufacturing
Check the packaging to find out where the food was made. Countries that have strict food-quality and safety regulations are best. That way you can avoid the risk of buying a tainted product that contains harmful substances. Look for foods made in the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or Western Europe.
There are some ingredients or additives to avoid in dog foods. They can make Fido’s sodium issues worse or cause other health issues. Check the label for:
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) MSG can appear in cheaper dog foods and some treats. Avoid this ingredient. It’s a salt flavoring with lots of sodium, and some pups can be allergic to it.
- Nitrates One kind of preservative that you find in processed products like bacon, ham, and jerky is sodium nitrate. This chemical has lots of salt, and it can cause elevated sodium levels in your pooch.
- Human Food It’s tempting to share our snacks with our furbabies, but many human foods are not healthy for dogs. Many of the processed products that we like to eat, like pizza, pretzels, and potato chips, contain high amounts of salt and processed sugars.
Some of the table scraps or foods that we may want to use as treats are packed with sodium. If you’re following a restricted diet for Fido, never feed him:
- Bacon
- Salted meats
- Salted nuts
- Canned beans or entrees
- Hot dogs
- Pizza
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Potato chips
There are a few things you can do to determine if you have low sodium food.
- Check the label for sodium content
- Ask your veterinarian for recommendations
- Check the ingredient list for any salts or preservatives
- Look at weight management or heart health products - these will often be lower in sodium.
- See our product reviews below for low sodium products
Sodium is an essential nutrient in a dog’s diet. It plays a role in regulating the fluid level in cells, and it’s needed to help nerves function properly. If Fido doesn’t get enough salt for his daily needs, the body will work to conserve sodium, and this puts additional strain on his systems. That’s why you want to talk to your vet before restricting sodium and why you should never try to eliminate it from the diet completely.
One way that you can restrict the sodium levels in your pal’s diet is by making his food at home. Whether you use homemade ingredients exclusively or add items to a commercial brand to balance out the nutrients, talk with your veterinarian about your plans.
Start With a Wholesome Protein Source
Remember that protein is the most important ingredient in a carnivore’s diet. You can use a variety of healthy meats in your recipe:
- Chicken, turkey, or other poultry
- Pork
- Beef
- Lamb
- Venison
- Salmon
Carbohydrate Source
The carbs in your pup’s diet provide energy for his daily activities. Good options for your pooch include:
- Rice or other whole grains
- Pasta
- Low-sodium cheese
- Honey
Fruits and Vegetables
A healthy mix of fruits and vegetables help to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Some of the options that are safe to feed your furbaby include:
- Apples
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Almonds(unsalted)
- Sweet potatoes
- Pears
- Oranges
- Bananas
DO NOT feed your special pal grapes or onions. These foods contain chemicals that are toxic to dogs.
Additional Supplements
There are several supplements that you may want to add to Fido’s diet to help support his physical needs:
- Vitamins and minerals
- Omega fatty acids
- Taurine
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Turmeric for dogs
Is this product made in the United States?
Every product that we reviewed is manufactured in the United States. Some of the companies use ingredients from trusted global sources.
Is this product grain-free?
Some of the products that we reviewed are grain-free. Others are corn, wheat, and soy-free but contain barley and/or rice. A few of the products have corn or wheat in their ingredients.
Does this product have an expiration date?
Most products will have either a manufacturing date or a best used by date on the bag.
And the Winner Is....
Based on the criteria above, we pick Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Barley as our top choice.
I selected a dry kibble because the crunchy texture is good for my pups’ teeth.
All of the products that we reviewed are manufactured in the United States and source ingredients either from within the US or from trusted global sources.
This product has no corn, wheat, or soy and uses lamb meal as the protein source. One of our furbabies has low-grade skin allergies, and I believe this product would help her skin health. It uses hypoallergenic ingredients, and flaxseed provides a healthy source of omega fatty acids.
The Wellness Complete includes probiotics and uses rice and barley for easy digestion. Some of the foods we reviewed do not have probiotics and have other grain sources.
The blend of fruits and vegetables in this food provide sustainable energy and antioxidants to support my furbabies’ overall health.
When I look over the ingredient list and product analysis, this product has the best blend of nutrients for my two dogs in their current stage of life.
One request from Speedy
Dr. Guise put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to the dog parent community. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media networks.
SHARING IS ♥️
