The Hidden Dangers of Cheap Kibble

When it comes to dog food, many people think “my dog will eat anything, so why should I invest in pricey dog food?”. What they need to realize is that choosing cheap dog food can come at a very high cost and can greatly increase their pups’ risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease. You may think you are getting a great deal on the best cheap dog food, but you’ll end up paying for it down the road in one way or another.

Not all dog food is created equal. One of the primary concerns with cheap dog food is the low quality of ingredients that contain fillers and subpar sources of protein, which can be less nutritious and harder for dogs to digest. You should be feeding your dog with food that fuels them properly and keeps them healthy, rather than just giving them empty calories. Let’s uncover the hidden dangers of cheap kibble and understand why this might be harmful to your furry friend. We’ll also explore how investing in high-quality dog food can make a huge difference in their overall mental and physical health.

Understanding Cheap Dog Kibble

  1. Low-Quality Sources of Meat By-Products

Many dog kibbles contain substandard meat by-products, which are often used as the primary protein source. Many budget brands rely on these meat by-products, which consist of the non-muscle parts of an animal that are left over after the meat is processed for human consumption. These by-products undergo an extensive amount of processing, which completely diminishes any nutritional value. What this leaves behind is proteins that are less digestible and are deficient in essential amino acids critical for dogs’ muscle development and growth.

  1. Artificial Additives & Preservatives

To prolong the shelf life and make these kibbles more palatable, they contain artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, as well as food coloring and flavor enhancers. This may seem like no big deal, but over time the use of BHA & BHT can accumulate and contribute to serious diseases. Research has proven time and again that these preservatives are carcinogens, linked to an increased risk of cancer in both humans and animals. Similarly, ethoxyquin, which is very commonly found in dog kibble, has been associated with liver damage and other health issues in animals.

While these ingredients may improve the kibbles taste and appearance, their long-term impact on your dog’s health can be detrimental. These additives provide no nutritional benefit for your pet, in fact they can irritate your dog’s digestive system. Leading to gastrointestinal discomfort, allergies, and extreme inflammation. All the more reason to ensure you’re choosing high-quality and natural foods for your pet.

  1. Excessive Fillers and Grains

In an attempt to reduce costs, companies will often include high amounts of fillers and lower-quality protein sources like corn, wheat, soy, and legumes. While these ingredients provide bulk, texture, and some protein, they are less digestible, high in starch, and offer limited nutritional value. Dogs, being primarily carnivores, have a limited ability to digest grains and starches. As a result, these lower-quality proteins often require the addition of synthetic amino acids during the manufacturing process to compensate for their nutritional deficiencies. When used excessively, they can lead to digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Just like humans, many dogs suffer from food allergies or sensitivities to these commonly used grains. Some ways you can tell if your dog is experiencing a grain intolerance are skin problems, itchy ears, ear infections, and gastrointestinal discomfort. In very extreme cases, a grain-heavy diet can contribute to the development of more severe conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

  1. Unbalanced Nutrient Profiles

There is a disproportionate ratio of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, in an attempt to cut costs of dog kibble. Dogs primarily rely on animal-based proteins such as chicken, beef, turkey, fish, lamb, and eggs. All of these proteins are a great source of vitamins, fats, and minerals. A dog’s nutritional value of course varies based on factors like age, breed, size, and their activity level.

A diet that is too high in carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, as carbs are quickly converted into sugar and can store fat if not used for energy. Over time this can lead to obesity, which is of great concern for dogs, increasing their risk for diabetes, heart disease and joint problems. Since dogs don’t have the same insulin response as humans, constantly elevated blood sugar can put stress on their pancreas leading to insulin resistance and diabetes.

A balanced diet that is higher in quality protein and fat, with very limited carbohydrates, is far more appropriate for maintaining a dog’s health and energy levels.

  1. Risk of Disease

The combination of poor-quality ingredients, artificial additives, and nutrient imbalances can lead to obesity, digestive issues, allergies, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and joint and bone density issues.

  • Obesity & Diabetes: Over time, excessive carbohydrate and an intake of fillers can result in weight gain and insulin resistance.
  • Digestive Disorders: With all of the artificial preservatives, fillers, and low-quality proteins that are difficult for dogs to digest, wreaking havoc on their gastrointestinal tract, causing gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
  • Allergies & Skin Conditions: Some symptoms of these kibbles include itching, ear infections, and hair loss. Skin conditions such as dermatitis can severely impact the quality of your dog’s life.
  • Heart Disease: The lack of sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain function, could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. A deficiency in taurine, an amino acid found in high-quality proteins – has also been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in certain dog breeds. For a High Grade Salmon Oil rich in Omega-3 fatty acids visit https://carsonandbearpets.com/.
  • Cancer: Artificial preservatives such as BHA & BHT, commonly found in these dog foods have been linked to cancer potentially increasing the risk of developing tumors.
  • Weakened Immune System: Low-quality kibbles often contain inexpensive synthetic vitamins and less bioavailable minerals, and lack antioxidants that dogs need to support a healthy immune system. A compromised immune system leads to infections, illnesses and a slower recovery from injuries or necessary surgeries.
  • Bone & Joint Problems: Dogs need calcium, phosphorus, and omega fatty acids to maintain strong bones and joints.

Investing in Your Dog’s Health

The benefits of investing in better dog food extend beyond just physical health – it affects your dog’s mental well-being, energy levels, and overall joy and happiness.

Treat your pet how you would treat yourself, high-quality food today could mean a lifetime of better health and happiness for both you and your furry companion. As pet owners, we have a responsibility to provide our dogs with the best care possible.

Simple Ways to Get In Extra Nutrients

  • Superfood Supplement: Fill the nutritional gap in your dog’s diet with this Superfood Topper that is a great addition to your dog’s meals.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential in reducing inflammation throughout the body, it’s best to use a High Grade Salmon Oil rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • High-Quality Dog Food: Look for foods that include whole meats (chicken or beef), healthy fats (fish oil), and nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits.

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