Debunking Common Dog Food Myths: Facts Every Owner Should Know

The secret to keeping your Fido healthy? Feeding it the right food. When you pick a food that supplies all the nutrients your furry friend needs, you’re giving it the best chance at a long, happy life. 

But unless you’re a vet, how do you know which dog food is worth picking? Sure, there is a wealth of resources online. Most blogs, however, contain a great deal of misleading information about canine nutrition. That makes it tricky to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. 

From grain-free diets to homemade food, the internet is packed with conflicting advice that can leave any pet owner scratching their head. So, to help clear up the confusion, we will debunk some of the most common dog food myths and get to the truth behind them.

Myth #1: An All-Meat Diet is the Best for Dogs

Canines love meat, and that’s a fact. But they aren’t strictly carnivores like felines.

Dogs are omnivores—veterinarian Dr. Megan Keller confirms that. That is, it can easily eat both vegetables and meat. Don’t let marketing sway you into believing otherwise. 

An all-meat diet might seem like the best approach since Fidos thrive well on it, but it isn’t, sadly. Such a diet doesn’t provide them with adequate nutrition because it lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that come from fruits, vegetables, and grains.  

If you feed your Rover an all-meat diet, it will experience Vitamin A, D, and calcium deficiencies. Plus, it can develop conditions like obesity, diabetes, and dilated cardiomyopathy—a condition when the main pumping chamber of the heart enlarges (DCM). 

Steer clear of an all-meat diet, thus. Aim to feed your four-legged friend a balanced diet that includes a combination of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. 

Meat will provide your fur baby protein as well as vital amino acids. But it’s vegetables that will supply it with carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion. 

Myth #2: Grain Dog Food is Healthier for All Dogs

There is a lot of buzz about grain dry dog food. But the claims that grain-based dog food is healthier for all dogs is a bit misleading. 

Grains like brown rice, oats, and barley, found in grain-based dog food, provide important nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But they aren’t necessarily a must for every dog. 

Most dogs can digest grains without any issues, and grain-inclusive diets can provide balanced nutrition. Feeding your Fido grain dog food, according to GoodRx Health, will supply it with iron, calcium, thiamine, folate, riboflavin, and niacin.

Some dogs may have specific grain sensitivities or allergies. Open Farm advises pet parents to stick to a grain-free option if their Fidos have grain allergies or sensitivities. 

In grain-free foods, grains are often substituted with other carbohydrate sources like lentils, peas, or potatoes. This diet is particularly beneficial for canines with specific grain allergies or sensitivities. 

You must also consider switching to grain-free dry dog food if your Fido has digestive issues. As it is lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein, it’s easier to digest. 

Myth #3: Table Scraps Are a Good Treat

It’s easy to fall into the habit of sharing table scraps with your dog, especially when they give you those adorable puppy eyes. But it is not the best way to show love to your furry friend. 

Many human foods are not well-suited for dogs and can lead to an unbalanced diet. 

Foods that are high in fat, like bacon or fried snacks, for example, can upset your Rover’s stomach. They can cause long-term issues like obesity or pancreatitis.

Moreover, table scraps often include ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like onions, garlic, or excessive fats. Even a small amount can cause serious health problems. 

The occasional plain, cooked vegetable or lean meat might be fine. But try to stick with treats made specifically for dogs for your furry friend’s well-being. They are formulated to be safe and nutritious.  

Myth #4: Homemade Dog Food is Always Better

Many homeowners prepare food for their Fidos at home over concerns about the quality of commercial diet foods. Since they use quality ingredients to prepare dog food, they believe it’s better than kibble or wet food. That isn’t the case, however. 

The risk with feeding home-cooked meals to your Fido is that you might not strike the right balance of vitamins and proteins. Joseph Wakshlag, the professor of clinical nutrition at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, told Business Insider this. 

Feeding your Rover an unbalanced diet over time can lead to nutrient deficiencies or excesses that negatively impact their health.

When it comes to feeding your furry friend, it’s easy to get caught up in all the myths and misinformation out there. However, it’s important to separate fact from fiction, so your furry friend receives the best nutrition possible. 

Not every trendy diet or food choice is necessary—or even healthy—for your Fido. Always read labels and ask your vet for guidance. That way, you will be confident that what’s going into your canine companion’s bowl is safe and healthy.