Nowadays, a lot of dog owners regard their furry companions as part of their family and pay close attention to the type of food they give them. This involves not just the taste and components incorporated but also the complete production procedure.
Below, we will provide an explanation of how dog food is produced and discuss related concerns to aid in your comprehension.
Different Types of Dog Food Are Made in Different Ways
There are various types of dog food available, ranging from dried kibble to meat in a sauce that comes in a can. Additionally, there are modern versions of dog food such as fresh-frozen, freeze-dried patties, and semi-moist packets that offer convenience.
Different methods of cooking and the inclusion of preservatives are utilized to prepare each form in a distinct manner with the aim of prolonging its shelf life.
How Dry Dog Food (Kibble) Is Made
In the developed world, kibble is the preferred dog food variety because of its affordability and ease of use. However, what is the process behind producing these crispy pieces?
One way to achieve is by extrusion.
Although the term may not be appealing, it is a widely used technique that is also employed in the production of foods meant for consumption by humans, such as cereals and noodles. This process enables the producers to manufacture large quantities of a particular food item within a short time.
In the process of extrusion, the ingredients of dog food are mixed together and finely ground, followed by heating and inputting into a machine that shapes the dough into kibble-sized chunks.
To extend their durability, the kibblets undergo a process of reheating and pressurization that eliminates any moisture from them and conserves their quality.
The trademark crunch of dry dog food comes from its high starch content and dry texture.
Ingredients undergo harsh conditions of high temperatures and pressure during extrusion, resulting in a negative impact on both flavor and, in certain instances, nutritional value.
How Canned/Wet Dog Food Is Made
Wet dog food, also known as canned food, is prepared using a distinct method from its dry variant. However, the first step in its production is to mix the ingredients harmoniously.
The consistency of canned products differs based on the type, with some being a chunky stew with a lot of gravy and others being a meat mash with a pate-like texture.
After being fully combined, the meal is guided through a pipe into its definitive packaging, which may be a plastic receptacle, an aluminum can, or a pouch. The packaging is subsequently sealed and cooked for a specific duration at a particular heat level to eliminate any potentially hazardous bacteria, viruses, or mold present and prevent harm to humans or animals.
Food is labeled and dispatched for sale after the cooking process is complete.
How Semi-Moist Dog Food Is Made
Semi-moist dog food falls in the middle ground of dry and crunchy kibble and canned wet food with a weight percentage of moisture ranging between 60 and 65 percent.
The moist nuggets or shredded fibers have an appearance that resembles treats, making them highly palatable and effortless for dogs to consume.
Semi-moist dog food is prepared in a manner similar to dry kibble, with the exception of being baked at lower temperatures to safeguard its moisture content, taste, and nutritional value rather than being exposed to high temperatures and pressure.
The food is divided and sealed in small bags to ensure its freshness. This means that when you buy the product, you will receive a box filled with individual bags rather than having to measure out a large bag of food.
How Fresh-Frozen Dog Food Is Made
Compared to kibble or canned dog food, fresh-frozen dog food is a recent addition to the market and is prepared with greater care. Thus, when feeding your dog this type of food, its ingredients of protein, produce, and grain can usually be easily discerned from just one look.
This dog food is a suitable option for choosy dogs as its taste and texture surpasses that of many other brands.
Dog food that is fresh-frozen can contain ingredients of the same quality as those used for human consumption and can also be personalized to suit the requirements of your pet.
Although these wonderful benefits for puppies are available, the cost of fresh-frozen dog food is higher than most other types of dog food.
Most fresh-frozen food is made in small batches, with some brands cooking ingredients individually while others prep a combination of ingredients at once.
Fresh-frozen food undergoes cooking using various methods, which differ by brand, and is not in its raw state.
- Steamed : Ingredients are cooked using steam, effectively heating them to safe temperatures without damaging taste or nutrients as much as extreme heat may.
- Sous vide : Ingredients are placed in a plastic or glass container and submerged in water for cooking at lower temperatures to achieve food safety while preserving flavor and nutrition.
After being fully cooked, the food undergoes flash-freezing, which involves circulating frigid air to rapidly freeze it without allowing the internal moisture to form large ice crystals. This guarantees that the contents will retain their consistency when thawed, rather than becoming watery. Subsequently, the food items are transported to a retailer or delivered straight to your doorstep.
How Freeze-Dried Dog Food Is Made
Freeze-dried dog food provides a crispy substitute to kibble which is more lightweight and travel-friendly. However, it does come with a price tag as freeze-dried foods are generally expensive.
Freeze-dried foods are suitable for on-the-go eating due to their extended shelf life and lack of need for refrigeration.
Certain freeze-dried canine diets contain uncooked meat as a constituent, whereas others incorporate patties or nuggets of prepared proteins blended with veggies.
To freeze dry food, manufacturers:
- Freeze ingredients to convert a fresh food’s water content to ice
- Place frozen ingredients in vacuum machinery to turn the ice directly into vapor, resulting in the removal of about 95% of the water initially present
How Dehydrated/Air-Dried Dog Food Is Made
Dog food that has been dehydrated or air-dried is made using a method that sits in the middle of the hot processing used for kibble and the cold process used for freeze-dried dog food. The process entails using low heat for a prolonged period to remove water from the ingredients through evaporation. As a result, the life span of the food is significantly extended while the weight of the ingredients is reduced.
To prepare, simply follow the manufacturer’s directions and add water (in some cases, dehydrated foods can be consumed without rehydration, but make sure enough water is provided).
How Raw Dog Food Is Made
Raw dog food is aptly named due to its lack of cooking, distinguishing it from other types of dog food. The usual components include the animal’s organs, bones, and muscle meat, sometimes accompanied by supplementary elements such as vegetables or raw eggs, depending on the preparation method. The most frequently used types of protein in raw dog food are chicken, turkey, and beef.
A lot of people who follow the raw dog food diet make meals from scratch in their own kitchens. However, there are businesses that offer pre-packaged frozen raw food in the form of slices, patties, or balls that you can easily defrost and serve.
Unlike other manufacturers, raw food producers do not heat their ingredients. However, they typically mix and then freeze them prior to shipping.
It is worrying that their products do not have to adhere to AAFCO standards due to their lack of processing.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If things were perfect, every kind of dog food would be of the same quality. But, in reality, there are numerous options available to dog owners, each one asserting its superiority in the market. It can be exasperating to sift through these choices in order to locate a dog food brand that is nutritious, reasonable in price, and attractive to your pet. Our collection of professional suggestions is intended to aid you in streamlining your alternatives.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
Most people feed their dogs dry kibble or canned wet food . These processed foods might not be appealing to us, but they contain all of the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. Quality commercial dog foods are highly regulated and have undergone rigorous testing by veterinary specialists. So what exactly is in these dog foods?
Contrary to cats, dogs are not exclusively meat-eaters. Although meat is the primary component of their diet, domestic dogs can also obtain vital nutrients from fruits, grains, and vegetables. These plant-based foods are not merely added as extras, but can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Adequate dog food should incorporate a combination of meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains. The top-quality dog food options feature premium versions of these components that are suitable for your dog’s digestive system.
Dog Food Nutrition
To ensure your dog’s diet is adequate, the appropriate dog food should fulfill his nutritional requirements. Despite most commercial dog food brands being designed to meet at least dogs’ necessary nutrient levels, it is essential to bear in mind that every dog’s nutritional demands differ.
Throughout their lives, dogs need various nutrients in varying amounts. Puppies and adult dogs have distinct nutritional needs, hence it is advisable to feed growing dogs either a puppy formula or an “all life stages” food. For guidance on the variance in nutritional requirements between puppies and adult dogs, one can refer to the Merck Veterinary Manual’s recommended list of nutrients and the corresponding amounts based on age and weight. Nutritional needs differ between small and large breed puppies as well as adult dogs.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
On the Internet, various dog food misconceptions and inaccurate details about dog nutrition exist. To tackle this issue, you can adopt a straightforward approach – verify your sources. Numerous individuals spread assertions on dog nutrition without any scientific foundation. During research, verify if the facts are endorsed by reliable sources, such as scientific studies, veterinary professionals, or canine nutritionists. It is always worthwhile to be doubtful. If something appears like an unbelievable prospect, it quite likely is.
There are a lot of questions regarding dog food containing grains, peas, or animal byproducts. If your dog has a grain allergy, your vet may recommend a grain-free diet. However, most dogs benefit from grains and animal byproducts, such as organ meats. It’s crucial to clarify which byproducts are considered regulated and suitable for consumption. If you have any doubts or concerns, always consult your vet.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Reading the label is a method to differentiate between good and bad dog food, which can be challenging due to the small print and difficulty of handling large bags in stores. Moreover, labels can be misleading as stated in the Merck Veterinary Manual. The FDA mandates that dog food labels must provide eight essential details, while some states may have their specific labeling regulations.
- 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
By examining the product name, you can gather a great deal of information about the contents of the container or bag. The word “beef” indicates that beef must compose at least 70% of the entire product. However, if the product name is “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter,” then the requirement drops to a minimum of 10% beef content. “With beef” necessitates that only 3% of the overall product consist of beef, whereas “beef flavor” implies that the product contains just enough beef to impart flavor (less than 3%). The same applies to other labeled ingredients, such as “chicken.”
Ingredients
The quality or source of ingredients and their distribution may not be revealed on the ingredient list of dog food labels. Manufacturers may divide various types of corn, like flaked corn, ground corn, or kibbled corn, to ensure equal distribution, resulting in corn being lower down the ingredient list despite being highly present in the food. Meat can also be a complicated ingredient. Whole meats consist of a considerable amount of water weight, decreasing the meat percentage after processing. In contrast, meat meal may not sound as appealing, but it typically has more meat because there is no water weight thrown off in the calculation.
Although the quality of the ingredients may not be evident from the list, it still provides information on the constituents of the food. This is significant for canines with unique dietary requirements or sensitivities, as well as for proprietors wanting to offer their dogs certain fiber, protein, and carbohydrate sources.
