Welcome to OurPets HQ!
We are passionate dog parents who have dedicated ourselves to sharing science-backed dog nutrition guides. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to help your furry friend live a happy, healthy, and long life.
With our comprehensive guides, you’ll gain insights into the best nutrition practices, ensuring that your dog receives the care and nourishment they deserve. Join us on this journey as we navigate the world of dog nutrition together!
Being big proponents of keeping mix-breed dogs, you’ll find several guides on specific mix-breed dog food recommendations that have been shown to increase their lifespan.
We are soon changing our domain name from OurpetsHQ.com to DogNutrify.com. Check back soon!
Intro to Dog Nutrition
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed a comprehensive list of essential nutrients with specified minimum and maximum levels for both growing and adult dogs. This ensures that our furry companions receive the necessary nutrition they need at every stage of life. Read More
Dog food manufacturers are required to meet these AAFCO nutrient profiles in order to label their products as “complete and balanced.” However, it is important for pet owners to understand that these nutrient profiles are only minimum requirements and may not necessarily meet the specific needs of every individual dog. For example, the nutrient specifications are not specific to different dog breeds and sizes, which can have varying nutritional needs.
Your dog needs certain nutrients, some being macronutrients and others being micronutrients, to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Macronutrients are nutrients that provide energy for your dog’s body, such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog’s overall health and well-being. These include vitamins A, D, E, K, B-complex, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
Dogs must obtain some essential nutrients from their diet, as their bodies are not able to produce them on their own. These include essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for skin and coat health, as well as certain amino acids that aid in muscle growth and repair.
Some ingredients may contain higher amounts of certain nutrients compared to others. For example, meat and fish are excellent sources of protein, while grains and vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. It is important for pet owners to carefully read ingredient labels and choose high-quality dog foods that provide a balanced combination of these essential nutrients.
With a detailed analysis of dog food brand ingredients and nutrient profiles, we provide honest and objective science-backed reviews of various dog food brands coming up with helpful lists and comparisons of the best dog food in different categories.
Some of our objective reviews focus on your dog’s health suggesting diets that will help to get your sick dog get better.
To ensure your dog is safe from recalled dog food brands, we keep track of any dog food recalls and provide updates on our website. Our database dates back to the early 2000s and is active to date. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that the food you are feeding your dog has not been recently recalled. Read about active recalls here.
Latest Dog Nutrition Guides from our Blog
Antioxidants in Pet Food – Guide on Benefits, Sources and Types
Phosphorus for Pets – Full Guide
How Much to Feed Dachshund Puppies? Helpful Chart for Week & Months
Probiotics vs Prebiotics – Differences, Benefits, Sources
AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles
6 Criticisms of AAFCO Feeding Trials
Iron for Dogs: Benefits, and Deficiency Symptoms for Dogs
18 Ways to Get Your Dog to Lose Weight
