If you’re like most pet parents, you want to provide the best food possible for your furry friend. That’s why so many people turn to IAMS dog food products. But just what makes IAMS so special? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that go into this popular brand of pet food.
One of the first things you’ll notice about IAMS dog food is that it doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The ingredients are all-natural and carefully chosen to provide your pup with the best nutrition possible. And unlike some other brands of pet food, IAMS doesn’t include any meat by-products or corn in its recipes.
Instead, IAMS focuses on using quality meats as the first ingredient in every formula. For example, IAMS ProActive Health Senior Plus Dog Food contains chicken meal, beef meal, and lamb meal as its first three ingredients. Chicken is lean meat that’s full of essential nutrients for your dog’s health and well-being. In fact, it’s considered to be one of the best proteins you can feed your pet. Beef and lamb meals are also considered to be healthy sources of protein, and they’re also high in amino acids, which help keep your canine’s skin and coat healthy.
Yes, you want to provide the best for your beloved dog. However, sometimes it can be difficult to determine what ingredients make up a quality product. That’s why it’s best to consult with your veterinarian or other pet care professional before you buy. They’ll be able to evaluate the IAMS products that are available and recommend food that meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
IAMs Dog Food Ingredients
- Protein: The primary ingredient in IAMS pet food is a high-quality animal protein. In the case of the adult maintenance dog food, that source is lamb meal. For puppies and active adult dogs, our primary sources are chicken meal and beef meal. IAMS features natural ingredients from quality meats, whole grains or vegetables for a complete and balanced diet.
- Carbohydrates: Carbs come from healthy grains, vegetables and whole grains like brown rice, barley and oats. IAMS does not add simple carbohydrates such as sugars to its foods. Proteins and fats provide your dog with energy, while vitamins and minerals help nourish the cells that need them to stay healthy.
- Fiber: Fiber comes from the outer coat of whole grain oats and other natural ingredients. It provides important support for your dog’s digestive system, removing toxins that can be harmful if they accumulate in the body of your pet.
- Vitamins & Minerals: IAMS uses chelated minerals – ones chemically attached to protein molecules. This makes them easier for your dog to absorb and use. IAMS products contain a combination of vitamins from natural sources, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
- Minerals: Minerals are essential nutrients that help promote good health in your pet’s body. They regulate the various chemical functions that take place every day, which ensure that your dog can get optimum enjoyment out of life. IAMS contains chelated minerals, which are attached to protein molecules to make them more absorbable.
- Fats: Fats give your pet energy and help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Essential fatty acids help keep the skin moist and supple, while vitamins A, E and D help nourish the skin from the inside out. IAMS contains a blend of fats from vegetable oils, which help maintain a natural balance in your dog’s body.
FAQs
Q: What are the most popular IAMS products?
A: Depending on your dog’s age, size and activity level, IAMS has a number of products to choose from. For example, if you have a puppy or an active adult dog, our ProActive Health line offers food that will provide for all of their nutritional needs. If your pet is a senior, our ProActive Health Seniors line has everything he needs to maintain a healthy weight and support his joints.
Q: How long can I keep the food in my pet’s bowl?
A: Although there are no health risks associated with leaving food in your dog’s dish for an extended period of time, it makes sense from an economic standpoint to remove uneaten food and replace it with fresh food. Try using a small, durable mat under the bowl to keep the food off the floor.
Q: Can I feed my pet any kind of IAMS product?
A: It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian or other pet care professional before you make a decision. They’ll be able to evaluate the IAMS products that are available and recommend food that meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
Q: What ingredients make up a quality product?
A: Although there is no guaranteed “miracle ingredient” out there, it’s best to look for food with high-quality animal protein as the primary ingredient. That way, your pet will get plenty of amino acids to help maintain his muscles and other important issues. Plus, it will contain all the nutrients necessary to keep him healthy and active.
Q: What about by-products?
A: Although the term “by-product” may be misleading because it sounds like a secondary ingredient, it actually refers to an entire animal. For example, by-products could include chicken feet and necks, as well as the organs that remain after butchering. If you’re concerned about what’s in your pet’s food, try looking for products made with high-quality animal protein – not by-products – as the primary ingredient.
Q: How much should I feed my pet?
A: It’s important not to overfeed your pet by giving him more food than he needs to maintain his weight. That’s why it’s best to adjust the amount you feed him based on his age, activity level, breed and size.
Q: Are there IAMS dog recalls
A: At this time, there are no IAMS dog food recalls. You can read about past IAMs Dog food recalls here.
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com