The Truth About Dog Food Ingredients: What to Avoid and How to Choose the Best

Although we predominantly recommend feeding a fresh diet (raw or home-cooked), we recognise that this isn’t always viable for every dog or household. For those feeding dry dog food (kibble), it’s essential to choose wisely to ensure your dog receives the best possible nutrition. This guide outlines harmful ingredients to avoid, how to identify misleading labels, and tips for storing kibble safely.

Why a High-Carbohydrate Diet Is Unhealthy for Your Dog

One of the biggest problems with kibble (dry dog food) is its high carbohydrate content. When consumed, carbohydrates are metabolized into sugar, which your dog has no biological requirement for. A high-carbohydrate diet is never going to be healthy for your dog. Here’s why:

1. Sugar Feeds Disease

High sugar levels in the body can fuel chronic health conditions such as:

• Cancer: Sugar provides energy for cancer cells to grow.

• Obesity: Excess carbs contribute to weight gain, leading to joint issues and metabolic stress.

• Diabetes: Overloading the body with carbohydrates can strain the pancreas and insulin production, increasing diabetes risk.

While dogs can tolerate a small amount of carbohydrates, these should ideally come from fresh fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, and carrots—nutrient-dense options that provide fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins.

When you look at the ingredient panel of most kibble, you’ll notice that:

• Protein levels are low: Despite dogs being facultative carnivores, many kibbles prioritize plant-based proteins over animal-based ones.

• Carbohydrate levels are high: Often used as cheap fillers, carbs like grains, potatoes, or legumes dominate most formulas.

This imbalance contributes to the same health problems we see in humans consuming processed, high-carb diets.

What Is the Best Diet for Dogs?

The best diet for dogs is one that mimics what they’re naturally designed to eat:

1. High in Protein

Protein is essential for maintaining strong muscles, a healthy coat, and overall vitality.

2. Low in Carbohydrates

Dogs thrive on low-carb diets, as they are not biologically adapted to digest large amounts of starch or sugar.

3. Fresh and Species-Appropriate

A fresh diet—whether raw or home-cooked—provides your dog with the nutrients they need in their most bioavailable form.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food

1. Grains and Grain Byproducts

Many dog foods contain up to 80% grain, often listed as the first ingredient. These grains, such as wheat, corn, rice, barley, and millet, serve as cheap fillers with minimal nutritional value for dogs, who are facultative carnivores. They have no dietary need for grains, and high grain consumption can lead to health issues like obesity and inflammation.

2. Potatoes and Their Byproducts

Potatoes and derivatives like potato starch and potato protein are often used to replace grains in grain-free diets. However, these ingredients are high in carbohydrates, which break down into sugar, feeding diseases like cancer and diabetes.

3. Legumes (Peas, Lentils, Chickpeas)

These ingredients, including pea protein, pea fiber, and lentil flour, are often used as cheap protein sources in grain-free diets. They contain lectins, which can harm nutrient absorption, and phytic acid, which binds essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

4. Byproducts and Unnamed Meat Meals

Byproducts and meat meals often include low-quality or diseased animal parts unfit for human consumption. Without specific labeling (e.g., “chicken meal” vs. “meat meal”), you can’t guarantee consistency or quality.

5. Rendered Fats and Low-Quality Oils

Rendered fats and oils like canola, corn, and soybean oil are prone to oxidation, which can produce harmful free radicals that damage cells.

6. Artificial Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin)

These chemicals, used to extend shelf life, have been linked to cancer and organ damage.

7. Artificial Colors and Flavorings

These additives serve no nutritional purpose and may cause allergic reactions or behavioral changes in sensitive dogs.

8. Corn Syrup and Added Sugars

Sugars like corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose are unnecessary and harmful, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues.

9. Xylitol and Other Artificial Sweeteners

Xylitol (also listed as birch sugar or E967) is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, causing hypoglycaemia and liver failure.

10. Propylene Glycol

Often used to maintain kibble’s moisture, this chemical can be toxic in large quantities and poses health risks over time.

11. Fish Oils and Seed Oils

While omega-3s are important, fish oils in kibble are prone to oxidation. Opt for fresh, high-quality sources like green lipped mussel oil or algae oil instead.

12. Gums and Glycerins

Common in wet and semi-moist foods, these additives can disrupt digestion and offer little nutritional benefit.

13. Melamine and Sodium Hexametaphosphate

Melamine contamination has been linked to kidney failure, while sodium hexametaphosphate, often used as a dental additive, can cause digestive upset and long-term health issues.

14. Token Superfoods

Many brands include tiny amounts of trendy superfoods like kale, turmeric, or blueberries to appear healthier. These ingredients are often included in such negligible amounts that they offer no real benefit to your dog.

Decoding Misleading Labels

Ingredient Splitting

Ingredient splitting is a deceptive practice where manufacturers divide a single ingredient (e.g., “corn” into “corn meal” and “corn gluten”) to push it lower on the ingredient list. This creates the illusion that the food is higher in quality protein than it is.

Premixes and Vitamins

If the food uses a vitamin and mineral premix, ensure it includes chelated vitamins and minerals, which are more bioavailable and easier for your dog to absorb.

Simplistic Ingredient Panels

A shorter, simpler ingredient list is often better. Avoid foods with lengthy, convoluted lists full of synthetic additives, fillers, and vague terms like “animal derivatives.”

Storing Kibble Safely

Proper storage is crucial to preserving the freshness and nutritional value of kibble:

• Keep it in its original packaging. The bag is designed to protect against light, air, and moisture.

• Seal the bag tightly. Use a clip or store the entire bag inside an airtight container to reduce oxidation.

• Refrigerate small bags. If your kibble bag is small enough, storing it in the refrigerator can extend its freshness and prevent spoilage.

• Avoid decanting. Moving kibble directly into a container can expose it to air and light, increasing the risk of rancidity.

The Best Diet for Dogs

A fresh, species-appropriate diet (raw or cooked) is always the healthiest option for dogs, providing optimal nutrition without the harmful additives commonly found in kibble. However, if you must feed dry food:

1. Choose High-Protein, Low-Carb Options

Look for brands with an 80:20 protein-to-carbohydrate ratio.

2. Explore Our Resources

Our website features a UK Healthy Food Database, as-well as USA, Canada and Australian articles offering recommendations of healthy foods in each diet type.

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s diet directly impacts their health, energy levels, and longevity. By avoiding harmful ingredients, choosing a high-quality food, and storing kibble correctly, you can ensure your dog gets the best possible nutrition.

For more detailed guidance, explore our articles and join our online community dedicated to canine health and wellness.