If you don't see your current dog food listed, you can still compare your brand to to Life’s Abundance.
1. On your bag of food look at the ingredient label.
2. The first 5 ingredients are very important and have a significant role in the nutritional make-up of a food BUT IT GOES BEYOND THAT
"The secret to superior pet food lies in the formula itself – not only in the ingredients, but also in the proportions of those ingredients to each other. While many dog foods may meet technical standards for dietary requirements, some pet food manufactures cut corners on their ingredients, which affects the quality of the overall formula. To help you choose the best food for your dear companion, we've identified nine crucial measures upon which all dog foods can be judged. Keep in mind that the food you choose should score well in every category, as does Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies and Adult Dogs. Remember, your dog deserves nothing less than the very best."
What are the protein sources? We believe the primary source should come from quality animal protein, not vegetable protein or grain. Foods that list 2 or more grains in the first 5 ingredients may have more vegetable protein than animal protein.
Life’s Abundance primary protein is chicken meal. Why? Because chicken meat contains a certain amount of moisture; however, chicken meal is a concentrated source of chicken protein because most of the water has been removed. Therefore, it stands to reason that you get a greater “protein content” in 1 pound of chicken meal versus 1 pound of chicken.
What about grains? Two or more grains listed in the first 5 ingredients means your food may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. Grains such as soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat gluten can be difficult to digest, which means less nutrition and more clean up.
Life’s Abundance lists only 1 grain in the first five ingredients, ground brown rice.
Are there by-products? Some manufacturers consider by-products inferior sources of protein and, depending on the source, they can be difficult to digest.
Life’s Abundance does NOT contain by-products ingredients.
What are the fat sources? Some fats are better than others. We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because animal fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and thus are generally more available to the body.
Life’s Abundance contains chicken fat.
3. Does your food contain other health-promoting ingredients, such as:
Vegetables, Beet fiber, Antioxidants, Proteinated Minerals, Bacteria cultures.
Diverse Proteins: Protein is the cornerstone of any diet, but all proteins are not created equal. In fact, every protein source contains a unique complement of amino acids, which are "building blocks" of the body. Ideally, a dog food should contain at least three different protein sources to provide a wide array of amino acids.
Animal Fat: Dogs derive significant nutrition from animal fats. While vegetable oil may sound healthier to consumers, canines actually need the nutrients found in fats from animal sources. These specific nutritional components are not found in vegetable fats. Additionally, there's great variation in the quality of animal fats, so be sure to verify that the source is species-specific (like "chicken fat", not "animal fat").
Vitamins A, C & E: It's hard to understate the importance of antioxidants in promoting and maintaining good health. And some of the most effective antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E. Ample evidence supports that dog food should contain guaranteed amounts of vitamins A, C and E, to ensure the adequate antioxidant intake necessary for wellness.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The benefits of dietary fatty acids are well-known, as omega-3's are some of the most extensively researched, naturally occurring, nutritional ingredients in the world. Not only should dog foods feature omega-3 fatty acids, they should include a guaranteed amount . And, for optimal benefit, omega-3 fatty acids need to be scientifically balanced with omega-6 fatty acids. Not only will the perfect balance support healthy skin and shiny coats, these fatty acids also help to maintain overall health.
Prebiotics: Dog food should contain prebiotics, ingredients that promote the growth of "healthy" and "friendly" bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. Prebiotics occur naturally in foods, just like vitamins and minerals occur naturally in foods. However, researchers have found that only oligofructose and inulin meet the scientific definition of prebiotics.
Probiotics: Often referred to as "friendly bacteria" or "healthy microorganisms", probiotics aid in the digestive process. For these reasons and others, your dog's food should feature guaranteed amounts of probiotics such as L. acidophilus, L. casei, B. thermophilum and E. facecium.
Vegetables: Dog food should contain a selection of vegetables, such as carrots, beets, watercress and broccoli because they each have unique, health-promoting properties. The color of the skin and flesh of each vegetable contains a vital array of nutrients, including phytonutrients, essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Be sure that your dog food features vegetables.
Fruit: Just as important to the success of a dog food formula as vegetables, fruits such as blueberries and pomegranate should be part of your dog's food. As with vegetables, the color of the skin and flesh of each fruit tell you a great deal about the variety of featured phytonutrients, essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Please confirm the inclusion of nutrient-rich fruit in your dog’s food.
No Glutens: We believe dog foods should not contain grains like corn, wheat or corn or wheat gluten, which are generally used as inexpensive and inferior sources of protein. Additionally, these grain-based ingredients are highly susceptible to toxic mold contamination. We refuse to use these ingredients because theres no excuse to risk the health of your pet.
