The foods produced by manufacturers for dogs contain a range of proteins. Common meats such as chicken, beef, and pork are frequently listed as ingredients, and these are generally suitable for most dogs.
Due to various reasons, certain dogs require foods that contain uncommon meats. Goat meat serves as a suitable example, and an expanding group of dog food producers are now including it in their recipes.
We suggest four top-quality dog foods made from goats that can assist you in discovering the ideal option for your animal companion.
Best Goat Dog Foods: Our Top Picks
Although goat-based dog food options are limited, the following four stand out as some of the top choices. Keep in mind your dog’s individual requirements when making a decision.
1. CANIDAE PURE Ancestral Red Meat Formula
The CANIDAE PURE Ancestral Red Meat Formula aims to cater to your dog’s carnivorous nature by replicating the wild canines’ ancestral diet.
Crafted from an assortment of red meats and raw morsels that have undergone freeze-drying, this canine food aims to satisfy your furry friend’s taste preferences while fulfilling the nutrition requirements preferred by most pet owners.
The CANIDAE PURE Ancestral Red Meat Formula offers a plethora of meat-based foods that are beloved by dogs.
Advantages: The majority of individuals who tested CANIDAE PURE Ancestral Red Meat Formula expressed satisfaction with its quality. Numerous reports indicated that their pets enjoyed the flavor, while some mentioned that the probiotics facilitated a hassle-free adjustment. Additionally, many owners appreciated that this formula does not include any corn, wheat, or grains.
Drawbacks include some small-dog owners finding the kibble too big for their furry companion, making this not the best choice for those with little breeds. Furthermore, this formula is quite pricey, but this is typical of any food containing top-notch components.
It should be noted that dogs with food allergies may not find this food favorable due to its mixture of various proteins.
2. Brothers Complete Goat Meal & Egg Formula Dog Food
Brothers Complete Goat Meal & Egg Dog Food is a top-tier dog food formulated for dogs that experience food allergies.
The objective of its design is to encourage a healthy body mass and it does not contain any high-glycemic carbohydrates like potatoes or corn.
Brothers Complete Dog Food places goat meal, whole dried eggs, and turkey meal as the top three nutritious proteins in its ingredients list. Additionally, the food includes dried chicken liver and chicken fat, both of which are generally well-liked by dogs.
The majority of reviews from owners for Brothers Complete Goat Meal & Egg Formula were favorable, with some dogs displaying distaste for the taste, while others found it acceptable. A number of individuals claimed that this product aided in the relief of allergies and enhanced their pet’s coat quality.
Nevertheless, the most positive feedback originated from dog owners who were searching for a solution to their pet’s digestive problems. A considerable number of them attested to the food’s ability to regulate defecation and alleviate symptoms such as bloating and flatulence.
The primary disadvantage of Brothers Complete Dog Food is its cost, which is undoubtedly high. While the product is of exceptional quality, it may be too expensive for certain pet owners, especially those with larger dogs.
Given the expensive cost of the food, we would rather have genuine goat meat listed as the top ingredient instead of goat meal. Although meat meals that are accurately labeled are acceptable, we prefer to have them as supplemental sources of protein rather than the main one.
This food may not be suitable for dogs who are allergic to common triggers such as eggs, turkey meal, and chicken-derived products.
3. Zignature Limited Ingredient Diet Goat Formula (DRY)
Zignature Limited Ingredient Diets (LID), such as their Goat Formula, are formulated to offer all the necessary nutrition, calories, and flavor to your canine companion while minimizing the number of ingredients.
These recipes frequently alleviate food allergy symptoms by omitting excessive ingredients.
Characteristics: Similar to other premium LID recipes, the Zignature LID Goat Formula primarily obtains its protein from one animal species (goat), which could prevent food allergies for canines with sensitivities to chicken, beef, or other types of animal-derived ingredients.
Advantages: Owners of dogs with food allergies seem to favor this recipe as it is effective and widely-used. Some have even claimed that this is the only food that has been able to alleviate their dog’s itching. The limited number of ingredients in the formula and the fact that goat isn’t a commonly known allergen for dogs could be potential reasons why the recipe works well.
Drawbacks: While Zignature LID Goat Formula is quite pricey, pet owners are willing to spend more than usual due to its ability to successfully address food allergies and soothe their dog’s irritated skin. The only major issue reported is that some dogs may not find the taste of goat meat appealing.
Including probiotics in the recipe would have been preferable, however, in case your dog has digestive problems, you can purchase a standalone probiotic supplement.
4. Zignature Limited Ingredient Diet Goat Formula (Canned)
Zignature offers not just a goat-based kibble formula, but also a canned one.
Similar to its solid form, the canned variant is a restricted-ingredient nourishment solution aimed at addressing the uncomfortable skin irritation that frequently arises due to allergic reactions to dog food.
Characteristics: Similar to Zingature’s Goat Formula in kibble form, the canned version has actual goat meat marked as the primary ingredient. It also includes goat meal to fulfill your dog’s protein requirements for optimal health.
ADVANTAGES: The limited number of reviews available for Zignature Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Goat Formula should not discourage you from trying out this recipe. With its restricted list of ingredients, it is improbable for it to cause any food sensitivities. Additionally, since wet food is usually favored over dry food by most dogs, it is unlikely to pose any taste problems.
Zignature, a reputable food producer, meets the majority of our suggested criteria for pet food. Despite its lack of reviews, we are comfortable endorsing it with confidence.
The sole drawback to Zignature’s Canned Goat Formula is its cost, which is typical for any high-quality limited-ingredient recipe, especially canned ones. Although dogs may enjoy the taste, it’s advisable to begin with a small batch of cans until you confirm their appetite for it.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If only all dog food were equal, things would be perfect. However, the market is flooded with seemingly endless options, each boasting to be the top dog food choice. It can be exasperating to sort through this barrage and discover a brand that is nutritious, economical, and pleasing to your furry friend. To assist you in narrowing your search, we have gathered insights from professionals.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
Dry kibble or wet canned food are the most common types of food that people give to their dogs. These products may not seem appetizing to human beings, but they consist of all the necessary nutrients required for dogs to maintain their health. These commercial dog foods are subject to strict regulations and are rigorously tested by veterinary experts. Therefore, what ingredients compose these dog foods?
In contrast to cats, dogs do not follow a strict carnivorous diet. Although meat remains the primary component of their meals, dogs that are kept as pets can obtain essential nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These non-meat items are not used as mere supplements, but can actually enhance a dog’s intake of crucial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Ideally, a dog’s diet should consist of meat, grains, vegetables, and fruits that are of excellent quality and suited to the digestive system of your pet.
Dog Food Nutrition
Your furry friend’s ideal dog food must fulfill its nutritional requirements. Although many commercial dog food brands are designed to meet minimum nutritional standards for dogs, it is crucial to note that every dog has unique nutritional needs.
Throughout their lives, dogs need a varying quantity of nutrients to stay healthy. Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adult dogs, which is why it is advisable to feed them puppy formula or “all life stages” food. To understand the distinction between nutritional needs for dogs in different stages of life, the Merck Veterinary Manual provides a list of recommended nutrients for dogs, along with age and weight-based recommended amounts. Nutritional needs vary between small breed puppies, large breed puppies, small breed adult dogs, and large breed adult dogs.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
There is a lot of false information and myths about dog nutrition that can be found on the Internet. To navigate through this, it is important to follow a basic guideline of checking your sources. Some individuals make assertions about dog nutrition without any scientific evidence. In order to validate the information, it is imperative that you always verify it with credible sources such as veterinary professionals or scientific research. Additionally, having a healthy dose of skepticism is advisable as well. Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it is likely not factual.
There are concerns among many people regarding various types of dog food, including those that contain grains, peas, or animal byproducts. In cases where a dog has been diagnosed with a grain allergy, a grain-free diet may be recommended by a veterinarian. However, grains can provide important nutrients for most dogs, and high-quality animal byproducts like organ meats can also offer nutritional benefits. It’s important to note that regulated byproducts exclude certain items like hooves, hair, and manure. If you have questions or concerns about your dog’s food, it’s always a good idea to discuss them with your vet.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Reading the label is a method to distinguish between good and bad dog food. However, this task can be difficult due to small print and bulky packaging. Additionally, labels may not be reliable, as the Merck Veterinary Manual warns. The FDA mandates eight essential pieces of information to be included on dog food labels, and some states may have additional requirements.
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Product Name
Simply by looking at the product name, you can determine the contents of a can or bag. If the term “beef” is used, it means that the product must contain a minimum of 70 percent beef. However, if the terms “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter” are used, only a minimum of 10 percent beef is required. “With beef” indicates that there is a minimum of 3 percent beef present, while “beef flavor” suggests that the product contains less than 3 percent beef but enough to impart the flavor. This is also applicable to other named ingredients, such as “chicken.”
Ingredients
The quality and origin of dog food ingredients cannot be determined solely from the label. Manufacturers sometimes categorize ingredients separately to create a more even distribution, which may result in corn being listed lower on the ingredient list despite its high content. Meat can also be difficult to assess, as whole meats contain a substantial amount of water weight, leading to lower meat percentages after processing. On the other hand, meat meal, although sounding unappetizing, typically contains more meat than whole meats, as there is no water weight to factor in.
Although the quality of the ingredients may not be indicated by the list of ingredients, it does disclose the content of the food. This is particularly significant for dogs that require specialized diets or have allergies, and it is also advantageous for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with particular types of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
