Giving our dogs the proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining their physical and psychological health, fostering positive relationships with other animals and people, and ensuring that they stay disease-free.
In this article, we will have an idea of what the largest dog food brands are, including the guidelines for proper dog feeding.
What food should I give my dog?
A dog’s meal is determined by their recommended daily feeding amount and nutritional requirements. They are similar to how we are served meals based on our sizes and age groups.
Based on the dietary needs of the dog, a balanced diet should include foods high in fiber, protein, fat/oil, and nutrient-dense veggies. [1] Ensure that you give them fresh water a few times a day so they may stay hydrated, maintain a regular body temperature, and aid in good digestion.
Is it possible for a dog to eat human food? The answer is that it varies according to the type of food. Yogurt, pumpkin, eggs, salmon, coconut, rice, lettuce, beef, spinach, chicken, peanut butter, carrots, bread, oatmeal, and green beans are all acceptable foods for dogs. Raspberries, strawberries, bananas, blueberries, mango, watermelon, and pears may also be fed to them.
Food that has been too salted and has artificial sugar added cannot be given to the dog because it could be harmful to their health. Additionally, overabundance is never a good thing.
What are the three different varieties of dog food?
Dry
There is 6–10% moisture by volume in dry dog food. This is what is frequently bought considering it is easy to store, convenient to provide to the pet, and inexpensive when compared to other forms of dog food.
Wet
Typically, meat chunks or shreds make up wet or canned dog food. It consists of 60–78% water. Wet food is rich of protein and fat because it hasn’t been dried, is tastier, and is also simpler to eat.
Semi-Moist
Semi-moist dog food is sold in vacuum-sealed packages that contain 20-40% moisture by weight. Because it is pre-cooked, it will spoil if not refrigerated. Semi-moist dog food is also preferred by dog owners since it is tasty, easy to store, easy to feed, and high in calories for the canine’s vitality.
Dehydrated and Freeze Dried
Do not confuse with dry dog food. Dry dog food is produced using the extrusion process, whereas dehydrated or freeze dried dog food is produced by the freezing or air drying processes. It is available cooked, semi-cooked, or raw. This dog chow is typically composed of animal byproducts and vegetables that are required to augment the dog’s daily nutritional requirements.
What are some of the biggest brands of dog food available?
Mars Petcare, Inc.
This American multinational company is known for their manufacturing of pet food. But aside from veterinary, they manufacture candies, confections, mints, beverages and others. Some of their products, particularly those for human consumption, are well-known and widely available globally. In 2022 their revenue reaches $45 billion.
Nestle Purina Petcare
Purina is a Nestle subsidiary. It was created in 2001 and manufactures pet food such as cat food and dog food, as well as animal health items, pet snacks, cat litter and dog litter. They made $11.2 billion in revenue in 2013. One of their brands is one of the fastest growing in the dog and cat food industry.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
This company is a division of Colgate-Palmolive. Their product brands are created using science diet and prescription diet. This American Pet Food Company has a $2.2 billion revenue.
J.M. Smucker
Smuckers is a food and beverage corporation started in 1897 by a farmer turned entrepreneur from the United States. They manufacture human food, pet food, and coffee. Their revenue in 2202 was $8.17 billion. Their pet food selection includes dog food, dog treats, cat food, and natural dog food.
Simmon’s Pet Food
This animal food supply company manufactures animal food, poultry food, and pet food. This company is divided into three sections: Pet Food Division, Prepared Food Division, and Animal Nutrition Division. In 2021, the company’s sales will be $2.4 billion. Their wet food plant can create one billion containers per year!
Alphia
Alphia is the owner of LANI, a maker of animal nutrition products. Alphia manufactures bird food, dry dog food, cat food, dog treats, and dog and cat food in cans. Annually, the company can produce 1 billion pounds of pet food and treats.
United Pet Group
The business is a top producer and marketer of aquatic items, wet and dry pet food, and other pet supplies. In 2021, its projected annual revenue is $40.4 million. They are able to provide the market with high volume pet items because to their well-known top brands.
Merrick Pet Care
The business is renowned for producing both wet and dry cat and dog food using organic ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables, and real meat.
It brings in $245.9 million in income.
Freshpet
This American pet food business produces wholesome dog and cat food as well as treats. Without using chemical preservatives, they are created with organic, real chicken or beef. Refrigeration is needed since the goods are still fresh.
In 2020, it generates $318.8 million in sales.
Sunshine Mills
The business has a reputation for producing delectable and highly digestible pet treats, pet food and farm feeds for more than 50 years. Additionally, they sell pet food that has been particularly prepared, such as grain-free pet food, baked dog food, soft snacks, and dehydrated treats.
They bring in $420 million a year.
Tuffy’s Pet Food
This 40-year-old business produces treats for cats and dogs as well as dry food for both. Premium wet and dry feeds are their area of expertise. With $11.3 million in revenue, dry pet food sales account for 93.5% of it.
Nunn Milling
This company is well-known for making specifically made cat food, small animal food, moist dog treats, and oven-baked dog biscuits. Since their dog food is soy, maize, and wheat-free, it is recognized to contain high-quality protein, whole grains, and antioxidants. They made $29.9 million in revenue during the first quarter of 2023.
Better Choice Company
In their nearly 30 years of business, they have concentrated on producing pet food, pet treats, dental care products, and supplements using natural ingredients and recipes that are based on science. They produce raw, freeze-dried dog food and treats that are vegan, among other things. For the first three months of 2023, the company generated gross sales of $9.2 million.
Nature’s Variety
This pet food manufacturer is renowned for its premium organic, well-balanced dog and cat food. Additionally, they offer specialty pet food such premium raw pet food and grain-free, gluten-free, potato-free, and corn-free dog and cat food. In 2022, their revenue reached $ 39 million.
Blue Buffalo
A variety of dog and cat foods, as well as dog and cat treats, are produced by Blue Buffalo. They don’t include corn, soy, or wheat and are prepared with premium real meat. Their revenue peaked in 2022 at $870 million.
Conclusion
Because various types of dog food are easily available in markets for our convenience, we should keep in mind that, while it is created for our convenience, ingesting too much dog food has a variety of side effects. However, dog food contains nutrients that natural food cannot give in the same amount. It is still preferable for our dog to eat natural and fresh food. Our dogs, like other preserved foods, must take dog food in moderation.
Follow the basic guidelines for proper dog food feeding, such as making sure you know what nutrients your pet need; providing the suitable amount of dog food based on the size and age of the dog, regardless of whether it is a puppy or an adult dog, to avoid over nourishment and undernourishment.
Reference
[1] Dog Nutrition Chart, Feeding & Diet Guide. Elisabeth Rosling. barclondon.com Available at: https://www.barclondon.com/blogs/guides/dog-nutrition-chart-feeding-guide [Accessed on July 5, 2023]