Dog food is plant or animal material intended for consumption by dogs or other canines. Special dog foods given as a reward, and not as a staple, are known as dog treats. To say that a company eats its own dog food means that it uses the products that it makes. ... For other uses, see Plant (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... Genera Alopex Atelocynus Canis Cerdocyon Chrysocyon Cuon Cynotherium † Dusicyon † Dasycyon † Fennecus (Part of Vulpes) Lycalopex (Part of Pseudalopex) Lycaon Nyctereutes Otocyon Pseudalopex Speothos Urocyon Vulpes The Canidae (′kanə′dē, IPA: ) family is a part of the order Carnivora within the mammals (Class Mammalia). ...

Some people make their own dog food or feed their dogs meals made from ingredients purchased in grocery or health-food stores; many others rely on commercially manufactured dog food.

There are many different recommendations on what diet is best for dogs. Some people argue that dogs have thrived off of leftovers and scraps from their human owners for thousands of years and that commercial dog foods (which have only been available for the past century) contain poor-quality meats, additives, and other ingredients dogs should not ingest, or that commercial dog food is not nutritionally sufficient for their dogs. Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor or improve its taste and appearance. ...

Homemade diets

Different homemade diets are recommended by various experts, from "natural" diets consisting primarily of raw meat, to vegetarian diets consisting only of nutritionally balanced vegetarian ingredients, to mixtures consisting of ingredients such as brown rice, brown pasta, meats, eggs, and vegetables. A problem with homemade diets, frequently articulated by veterinarians, is the difficulty to consistently provide the dog with a complete and balanced diet. This "technique-sensitivity" will be a challenging part of providing a truly superior diet to the higher quality brands readily available by retail in most urban and suburban areas. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For animals adapted to eat primarily plants, sometimes referred to as vegetarian animals, see Herbivore. ... Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... An egg is a body consisting of an ovum surrounded by layers of membranes and an outer casing of some type, which acts to nourish and protect a developing embryo. ... A plate of vegetables Vegetable is a culinary term which generally refers to an edible part of a plant. ...

Most dogs willingly eat vegetables, particularly if they are cooked, and many kinds of fruit, although chocolate,^[1] coffee,^[2] onions,^[3] macadamia nuts,^[4] and bread dough^[5] can be poisonous in dogs. Grapes and raisins are also toxic to dogs.^[6] Avocados have in two cases been associated with heart failure in dogs.^[7] For other uses, see Fruit (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Chocolate (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Coffee (disambiguation). ... For the parody newspaper, see The Onion. ... Species Macadamia integrifolia Macadamia tetraphylla The macadamia nut is the fruit of a tree native to the east coast of Australia. ... For other uses, see Bread (disambiguation). ... Dough Dough is a paste made out of any cereals (grains) or leguminous crops by grinding with small amount of water. ... This article is about the fruits of the genus Vitis. ... Raisins Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Grape and raisin toxicity in the dog is a potential health threat to dogs that have eaten grapes or raisins. ... Binomial name Mill. ...

Commercial dog food

There are many varieties of commercial dog food to choose from.

By its water content, commercial dog food can be categorized into following types: dry, semi-moist, and moist. Image File history File links Dog foods for sale at Kroger. ... Image File history File links Dog foods for sale at Kroger. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ...

Dry dog food

The average dry food is the least expensive, per pound, when compared to its canned (wet) or semi-moist counterparts. It is usually 6-10% moisture by volume, as compared to up to 78% in canned food. It can be beneficial in the prevention of tartar buildup, as well as being less likely to spoil quickly than an open can.^[8] However, if cans are opened only at the time of feeding, they will tend to keep longer than dry food, as dry food cannot be opened on an as-needed basis, and is by necessity exposed to air for the duration of its use.

The manufacturing process

Pellets of dry dog food, called kibble, are primarily produced by one of two methods: extrusion and baking. During the extrusion process, cut dough or a mixture of raw materials is fed into an expander, while pressurized steam or hot water is added. When removed from the high pressure that results, the pellets puff like popcorn. The resultant kibble is allowed to dry, then sprayed with vitamins, grease, or any other ingredients that are not heat-tolerant. For other uses, see Steam (disambiguation). ... This article is about pressure in the physical sciences. ... For other uses, see Popcorn (disambiguation). ... Retinol (Vitamin A) For the record label, see Vitamin Records A vitamin is an organic compound required in tiny amounts for essential metabolic reactions in a living organism. ... For other uses, see FAT. Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. ...

If extruded kibble is exposed to air for too long or not properly stored, the fats and oils added after cooking can become rancid, and vitamins and minerals in the food may be destroyed by heat during storage or shipping.^[8]

Baked kibble is often sought after by pet owners seeking a more natural or more digestible food, although the effect of baking on either of these factors is the subject of much discussion (see below). Because the heating process is slower, kibble being prepared this way is subjected to a lower pressure for a much longer period of time. Because fat can be cooked in rather than sprayed on, baked kibble will tend to have a slightly longer shelf life compared to extruded kibble, especially when exposed to air, or after its package has been opened by the consumer.

Because of the longer shelf life and less efficient cooking methods, baked kibble will tend to have a notably higher price tag, and is generally only available in pet and specialty stores, rather than supermarkets. There is persistent debate within the pet care industry as to which method is better for the dog nutritionally. Some proponents of baked food assert that baking aids in the digestibility of raw proteins, and that extrusion requires the use of harmful preservatives, such as BHT or Ethoxyquin.^[9] However, it has been pointed out that the canine digestive system is tailored to eating raw meat in the natural environment, and that many extruded foods use natural preservatives, such as tocopherols. Flash point 127 °C R/S statement R: 22-36 37 38 S: 26-36 RTECS number GO7875000 Related compounds Related compounds butylated hydroxyanisole Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references BHT is the common... Ethoxyquin is a quinoline-based antioxidant used as a food preservative. ... Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin in eight forms that is an important antioxidant. ...

As with any cooking procedure, the simple act of preparing kibble destroys many nutrients in raw ingredients. It has been suggested that either baking^[9] or extrusion^[10] is less harmful to the nutrient content of a food, but no conclusive evidence has been presented in either direction, and the argument continues.

Wet dog food

Wet, or canned, dog food is significantly higher in moisture than dry or semi-moist food.^[8] Because the food is sterilized after being canned (sometimes it is also cooked in the can), it is often easier to ensure the sterility of wet food. A given wet food will often be higher in protein or fat when compared to a similar kibble on a dry matter basis (a measure which ignores moisture). However, because water accounts for so much of the food, the canned food will generally be lower in protein and fat in terms of actual content.

Fresh dog food

Fresh dog food is a new category of dog food founded in Australia a decade ago. It has recently made its way into the American market. Fresh dog food uses the pasteurization instead of the traditional extrusion method used to process pet food. This processing technique makes fresh dog food more vulnerable to bacteria compare to dry and wet dog food. To prevent spoilage, refrigerators are used as storage instead of shelves. Fresh dog foods are highly palatable, contains zero preservative (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin), and use only fresh wholesome ingredients. Pasteurization (or pasteurisation) is the process of heating liquids for the purpose of destroying viruses and harmful organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, molds, and yeasts. ... Extruded aluminium; slots allow bars to be joined with special connectors. ... Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a mixture of two isomeric organic compounds, 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole. ... Flash point 127 °C R/S statement R: 22-36 37 38 S: 26-36 RTECS number GO7875000 Related compounds Related compounds butylated hydroxyanisole Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references BHT is the common... Ethoxyquin is a quinoline-based antioxidant used as a food preservative. ...

Contents

Many commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. These may include:

• Meat by-products or digests (which is rumored to include euthanized animals, although any verifiable evidence has yet to surface.^[11])
• Meat-and-bone meals
• Grain by-products
• Horse meat

Less expensive dog foods generally include less meat, and more animal by-products and grain "fillers". Proponents of a more natural diet criticize the use of such ingredients, and point out that regulations allow for packaging that might lead a consumer to believe that they were buying a natural food when, in reality, the food might be comprised mostly of ingredients such as those listed above.^[12][13] However, several pet foods exist which do not contain any of these ingredients. Such brands may include Evanger's and Tripett. Many pet stores stock well-known brands that are free of by-products, and run at around the same price as some grocery store brands. More expensive dogs foods may be made of ingredients suitable for human consumption, organic products, or free-range meats. Meat by-products are ground, rendered, and cleaned slaughtered meat carcass parts such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, bones, heads, and intestines (and a small amount of feathers in the case of chicken meat). ... Meat & bone meal Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a by-product of the rendering industry. ... Cereal crops are mostly grasses cultivated for their edible seeds (actually a fruit called a grain, technically a caryopsis). ... Meat by-products are ground, rendered, and cleaned slaughtered meat carcass parts such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, bones, heads, and intestines (and a small amount of feathers in the case of chicken meat). ... In processed animal foods, a filler is an ingredient added to provide dietary fiber or bulk. ...

Dog treats are special dog foods given as a reward, and not as a staple food source.

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1536x1690, 481 KB) Dog treats. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1536x1690, 481 KB) Dog treats. ...

Special varieties

There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs allergic to common ingredients such as chicken, wheat, or corn. These foods usually contain "novel proteins" and substitute uncommon starches for the usual grains. Meats used in allergy formulas can range from the mundane, such as lamb, beef or whitefish, to the unusual, such as venison or duck. Carbohydrates in allergy formulas are usually a less common grain, such as rice or barley, but such ingredients as potato and quinoa are sometimes used. This article needs cleanup. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References:   ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 Wheat Wheat For the indie rock group, see Wheat (band). ... Binomial name L. Corn (Zea mays L. ssp. ... It has been suggested that Lambing be merged into this article or section. ... For other uses, see Beef (disambiguation). ... Whitefish (white fish, demersal fish) is a fisheries term referring to several species of oceanic deep water finfish, particularly cod (Gadus morhua), whiting (Merluccius bilinearis), and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), but also hake (Urophycis), pollock (Pollachius), or others. ... Leg of venison on apple sauce with dumplings and vegetables Venison is meat of the family Cervidae. ... Subfamilies Dendrocygninae Oxyurinae Anatinae Aythyinae Merginae Duck is the common name for a number of species in the Anatidae family of birds. ... RICE is a treatment method for soft tissue injury which is an abbreviation for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. ... For other uses, see Barley (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Potato (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Willd. ...

Some foods are designed for dogs with maladies such as urinary tract infections, and some are tailored to the dietary needs of especially young or aging dogs. There are also vegetarian dog foods for owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. ... For animals adapted to eat primarily plants, sometimes referred to as vegetarian animals, see Herbivore. ...

List of Special Food Types

A list of specially formulated dog food types:

• Allergy-reducing
• Arthritis-relieving
• Breeding needs
• Dental aids
• Diabetic control
• Puppy needs
• Nursing female needs
• Senior needs
• Weight management

List of Food Types

A list of food types commonly found in dog food:

• Beef
• Buffalo
• Chicken
• Duck
• Fruits such as apples and berries
• Grains such as barley, oatmeal, and rice
• Lamb
• Salmon
• Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes
• Venison

Premium labels

Certain manufacturers label their products with terms such as premium, ultra premium, natural and holistic. Such terms currently have no official definitions so caveat emptor applies. The AAFCO is currently looking to define some of the terms. Caveat emptor is Latin for Let the buyer beware. Generally Caveat Emptor was the property law doctrine that controlled the sale of real property after the date of closing. Under the doctrine of Caveat Emptor, the buyer could not recover from the seller for defects on the property that rendered... AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials is a commercial enterprise which attempts to regulate the quality and safety of fodder and pet food in the United States. ...

There are also varieties of dog food labeled as "human-grade food". Although no official definition of such term exists, the assumption is that other brands use foods that would not pass US Food and Drug Administration inspection according to the Pure Food and Drug Act or the Meat Inspection Act. “FDA” redirects here. ... This is an article about the United States Food and Drug Act; for the Canadian version see Food and Drugs Act. ... The United States Meat Inspection Act of 1906 authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to order meat inspections and condemn any meat product found unfit for human consumption. ...

Raw food

Main article: Raw feeding

Raw food is also a growing industry This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Recalls

Main article: 2007 pet food recalls

Dog food at a supermarket in Brooklyn, New York.

The 2007 pet food recalls involved the massive recall of many brands of cat and dog foods beginning in March 2007. The recalls came in response to reports of renal failure in pets consuming mostly wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company, beginning in February 2007. After more than three weeks of complaints from consumers, the recall began voluntarily with the Canadian company Menu Foods on March 16, 2007, when a company test showed sickness and death in some of the test animals. Soon after, there were numerous media reports of animal deaths as a result of kidney failure, and several other companies who received the contaminated wheat gluten also voluntarily recalled dozens of pet food brands. Dogs and cats have been the main affected pets of the recall. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (2816 × 2112 pixel, file size: 4. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (2816 × 2112 pixel, file size: 4. ... For other meanings, see Brooklyn (disambiguation). ... A product recall is a request to return to the maker a batch or an entire production run of a product, usually due to the discovery of safety issues. ... Trinomial name Felis silvestris catus Schreber, 1775 For alternative meanings see cat (disambiguation). ... For other members of the dog family, see Canidae. ... Renal failure is the condition in which the kidneys fail to function properly. ... A piece of seitan Wheat gluten - also called seitan (pronounced SAY-tahn), wheat meat, wheat-meat, wheatmeat, gluten meat, or simply gluten - is a foodstuff made from the gluten of wheat. ... Menu Foods Limited[1], based in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada, is the largest maker of wet cat and dog food in North America, with its products sold under 95 brand names[2], which the company identifies as supermarkets, big box and pet product retailers and wholesalers. ... is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

By the end of March, veterinary organizations reported more than 100 pet deaths amongst nearly 500 cases of kidney failure, with one online database self-reporting as many as 3,600 deaths as of April 11. As of April 8, Menu Foods has confirmed only about 16 deaths. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration refuses to estimate the amount of sick or dead because there is no centralized government records database of animal sickness or death in the United States as there are with humans (such as the Centers for Disease Control). As a result, many sources speculate that the actual number of affected pets may never be known and experts are concerned that the actual death toll could potentially reach into the thousands. Veterinary medicine is the application of medical diagnostic and therapeutic principles to companion, domestic, exotic, wildlife, and production animals. ... is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... April 8 is the 98th day of the year (99th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “FDA” redirects here. ... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta is recognized as the lead United States agency for protecting the public health and safety of people by providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships with state health departments and other organizations. ...

Overall, several major companies have recalled more than 100 brands of pet foods, with most of the recalled product coming from Menu Foods. Although there are several theories of the source of the agent causing sickness in affected animals, with extensive government and private testing and forensic research, to date, no definitive cause has been isolated. As of April 10, the most likely cause, according to the FDA, though not yet proven, is indicated by the presence of melamine in wheat gluten in the affected foods. The Chinese company behind the contaminated wheat gluten has initially denied any involvement in the contamination, but is cooperating with Chinese and American investigators. is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the chemical substance called melamine. ...

In the United States, there has been extensive media coverage of the recall. There has been widespread public outrage and calls for government regulation of pet foods, which had previously been self-regulated by pet food manufacturers. The United States Senate held an oversight hearing on the matter by April 12. The economic impact on the pet food market has been extensive, with Menu Foods losing roughly $30 Million alone from the recall. The events have caused distrust of most processed pet foods in some consumers. Government regulation involves the use of the law, mandated by the state, to produce outcomes which might not otherwise occur, prevent outcomes which might otherwise occur, produce or prevent outcomes in different places to what might otherwise occur, or produce or prevent outcomes in different timescales than would otherwise occur. ... Type Upper House President of the Senate Richard B. Cheney, R since January 20, 2001 President pro tempore Robert C. Byrd, D since January 4, 2007 Members 100 Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party Last elections November 7, 2006 Meeting place Senate Chamber United States Capitol Washington, DC United States... is the 102nd day of the year (103rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... USD redirects here. ...

Past recalls

In 1995 there was a dog food recall when the Nature’s Recipe company pulled thousands of tons of dog food off the shelf after consumers complained that their dogs were vomiting and losing their appetite. Nature’s Recipe’s loss amounted to $20 million. The problem was a fungus that produced vomitoxin (or “mycotoxin,” a toxic substance produced by mold) contaminating the wheat. Mycotoxin (from Gk. ... This article is about the fungi known as molds. ...

In 1999, another fungal toxin triggered the recall of dry dog food made by Doane Pet Care at one of its plants, including Ol’ Roy (Wal-Mart’s brand) and 53 other brands. This time, the toxin killed 25 dogs.^[14] Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ...

A 2005 consumer alert was released for contaminated Diamond pet foods for dogs and cats. Over 100 canine deaths and at least one feline fatality have been linked to Diamond pet foods contaminated by the potentially deadly toxin Aflatoxin, according to Cornell University veterinarians.^[15]

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• The Dog Food Project An independent, non-commercial resource on commercial dog food and dog nutrition.
• Dog Food SECRETS Product Review Informative article reviewing Dog Food SECRETS
• Best Dog Food Guide An independent resource on dog nutrition and related health issues such as dog food induced allergies and obesity.
• To Buy or Not to Buy: A Dog Food Review by Jane Baetz, Spaniel Journal Informative article deciphers the ingredients list on dog foods.
• What's Really in Pet Foods by the Animal Protection Institute
• Dog Food- Decoding Fact From Fiction an informative article on how to choose the right dog food.
• Dog Food Nutrition an independent site providing nutritional information for different types of dog food.
• A Pet Lovers Post Informative article about dog nutrition.
• Evanger's Dog Food A quality dog food manufacturing plant.
• Pet Food Recall Candid comments from a Veterinarian regarding the Pet Food Recall of March 2007.
• [1] Foods to avoid in dogs.
• Dog Food Blog Blog dedicated to news and trends in dog food.