Dog kibble ingredients
How To Make Kibble For Dogs
[ad_1]As a dog owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible. One way to do this is by making your own kibble for dogs. Making homemade dog food allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that your dog is getting a balanced diet. In this article, we will discuss how to make kibble for dogs, as well as some interesting trends in the field.
Making kibble for dogs is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with just a few ingredients. The key is to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy. Here is a basic recipe for homemade dog kibble:
Ingredients:
2 cups of cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup of cooked and mashed carrots
1 cup of cooked and mashed peas
1 cup of cooked and mashed chicken
1 cup of cooked and mashed brown rice
1/2 cup of flaxseed meal
1/4 cup of coconut oil
1/4 cup of bone meal
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the kibble is dry and crunchy.
5. Allow the kibble to cool completely before serving to your dog.
This homemade dog kibble recipe is just a starting point, and you can customize it to suit your dogs preferences and dietary needs. You can add different vegetables, proteins, and grains to create a variety of flavors for your pup.
Now, lets take a look at some interesting trends in the field of homemade dog kibble:
1. Grain-Free Kibble: Many dog owners are opting for grain-free kibble for their pets, as they believe it is more natural and closer to a dogs ancestral diet. Grain-free kibble is typically made with alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or peas.
2. Limited Ingredient Kibble: Some dogs have food sensitivities or allergies, so limited ingredient kibble has become a popular choice for these pups. These kibbles contain fewer ingredients, making it easier to identify and eliminate potential allergens.
3. Raw Kibble: Raw feeding has gained popularity in recent years, and some dog owners are incorporating raw ingredients into their homemade kibble. Raw kibble is believed to provide dogs with more nutrients and enzymes compared to cooked kibble.
4. Sustainable Ingredients: With a growing concern for the environment, many dog owners are looking for kibble that is made with sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. This trend reflects a broader shift towards eco-friendly pet products.
5. Customized Kibble: Some pet owners are turning to personalized nutrition plans for their dogs, including customized kibble recipes tailored to their pets specific needs. This trend highlights the importance of individualized care for our furry companions.
6. Homemade Kibble Delivery Services: Just like meal delivery services for humans, there are now companies that offer homemade kibble delivery for dogs. These services provide convenience for busy pet owners who want to feed their dogs homemade food without the hassle of cooking.
7. DIY Kibble Kits: For pet owners who want to make their own kibble but arent sure where to start, DIY kibble kits are becoming a popular option. These kits come with pre-measured ingredients and instructions, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch of homemade kibble.
Now, lets hear from some professionals in the field of homemade dog kibble:
1. Homemade kibble allows pet owners to have full control over what goes into their dogs food. Its a great way to ensure that your dog is getting a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients. Canine Nutritionist
2. Grain-free kibble can be a good option for dogs with sensitivities to grains. However, its important to make sure that the grain-free kibble still provides all the necessary nutrients for your dogs health. Veterinarian
3. Raw kibble can be a controversial topic, as there are risks associated with feeding raw meat to dogs. Its essential to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist before incorporating raw ingredients into your dogs diet. Pet Food Scientist
4. Sustainable ingredients are not only good for the environment but also for your dogs health. Choosing kibble made with ethically sourced ingredients ensures that your pet is getting the best possible nutrition. Animal Welfare Advocate
Now, lets address some common concerns and questions related to making homemade kibble for dogs:
1. Is homemade kibble nutritionally balanced for dogs?
Yes, homemade kibble can be nutritionally balanced for dogs as long as it includes a variety of protein sources, vegetables, grains, and essential nutrients.
2. How can I ensure that my dog is getting all the necessary nutrients from homemade kibble?
Consulting with a canine nutritionist or veterinarian can help you create a balanced homemade kibble recipe that meets your dogs nutritional needs.
3. Are there any ingredients I should avoid when making homemade kibble?
Some ingredients, such as onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate, are toxic to dogs and should be avoided in homemade kibble recipes.
4. Can I make homemade kibble in bulk and freeze it for later use?
Yes, homemade kibble can be made in bulk and frozen in individual portions for convenient feeding.
5. How often should I feed my dog homemade kibble?
Feeding recommendations vary depending on your dogs age, size, and activity level. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding schedule for your pet.
6. Are there any homemade kibble recipes specifically for puppies or senior dogs?
Yes, there are homemade kibble recipes tailored to the nutritional needs of puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with specific health conditions.
7. Can homemade kibble help with food allergies in dogs?
Homemade kibble made with limited ingredients can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, as it allows you to control exactly what goes into your dogs food.
8. How can I transition my dog to a homemade kibble diet?
Gradually introduce homemade kibble into your dogs diet by mixing it with their current food and gradually increasing the proportion of homemade kibble over time.
9. Are there any supplements I should add to homemade kibble?
Consulting with a veterinarian can help you determine if your dog needs any additional supplements to complement their homemade kibble diet.
10. Can I mix commercial kibble with homemade kibble?
Yes, you can mix commercial kibble with homemade kibble to provide your dog with a variety of flavors and nutrients.
11. How long does homemade kibble last?
Homemade kibble can last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freeze any unused portions for longer storage.
12. Can homemade kibble be used as a treat for dogs?
Yes, homemade kibble can be used as a healthy and nutritious treat for dogs, in addition to being their main source of food.
13. Should I consult with a professional before making homemade kibble for my dog?
Consulting with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making homemade kibble for your dog can help ensure that your pet is getting all the necessary nutrients.
14. Are there any potential risks associated with homemade kibble?
Improperly balanced homemade kibble can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses, so its essential to follow a balanced recipe and consult with a professional.
15. Can homemade kibble be cost-effective compared to commercial dog food?
Making homemade kibble can be cost-effective in the long run, as it allows you to buy ingredients in bulk and control the quality of the ingredients used.
In conclusion, making homemade kibble for dogs can be a rewarding and beneficial way to ensure that your furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible. By following a balanced recipe and consulting with professionals, you can create homemade kibble that meets your dogs specific dietary needs and preferences. Whether you choose grain-free, limited ingredient, or raw kibble, homemade dog food allows you to have full control over what goes into your dogs bowl. So why not give it a try and see the difference it can make in your dogs health and happiness?[ad_2]
Kibbles 'n Bits Dog Food Ingredients
Kibbles 'n Bits Dog Food Ingredients
According to our research, Kibbles 'n Bits manufactures 16 dog food recipes using 97 unique ingredients. To evaluate the quality of ingredients used by Kibbles 'n Bits, we've studied all 97 ingredients. In this article, we'll share our findings on Kibbles 'n Bits ingredients.
| Dog Food Recipes | 16 |
| Unique Ingredients | 97 |
| Artificial Colors | 8 |
| Animal By-Products | 1 |
| Anonymous Meats | 5 |
| Controversial | 16 |
| Harmful | 12 |
First 5 Ingredients
Dog food ingredients in the United States are listed in descending order of pre-cooked weight. The first 5 ingredients typically constitute a significant portion of the recipe.
For Kibbles 'n Bits, these are the most common ingredients found within the first 5 dog food ingredients.
- corn
- soybean meal
- beef and bone meal
- ground wheat
- animal fat (preserved with BHA)
As you can see, the most common first ingredient in Kibbles 'n Bits is corn. The most common 2nd ingredient is soybean meal, followed by beef and bone meal, ground wheat, and animal fat (preserved with BHA).
Artificial Food Coloring Dyes
Our records indicate that Kibbles 'n Bits does use artificial food coloring dyes. More specifically, we've identified 8 artificial food dyes used by Kibbles 'n Bits.
Although these food dyes are classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, we recommend avoiding them when possible.
According to the Center For Research In The Public Interest (CSPI), there are many potential health risks associated with the consumption of artificial food coloring dyes.
Given that most pets consume the same products for prolonged periods of time, these concerns should be taken seriously. In general, we recommend pet owners avoid feeding products which contain artificial food coloring dyes.
For more information regarding the CSPI's findings, read our artificial food coloring article.
Red 40 is the most widely used artificial dye in consumer goods. Studies have shown that red 40 may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice, cause allergy-like reactions and trigger hyperactivity in children.
The following recipes contain red 40:
Yellow 6 is an artificial food dye which may be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals. According to the Center For Science In The Public Interest, yellow 6 can cause adrenal tumors in animals.
The following recipes contain yellow 6:
Yellow 6 Lake is a non-soluble form of yellow 6, an artificial dye. According to the Center For Science In The Public Interest, yellow 6 can cause adrenal tumors in animals.
The following recipes contain yellow 6 lake:
Yellow 5 is an artificial dye which may be contaminated with several cancer-causing chemicals. Like other dyes, yellow 5 does not provide any nutritional value.
The following recipes contain yellow 5:
Red 3 is an artificial dye which the FDA has confirmed can cause cancer in laboratory animals.
The following recipes contain red 3:
Red 40 lake is a non-soluble form of red 40, an artificial dye. Studies have shown that red 40 may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice, cause allergy-like reactions, and trigger hyperactivity in children.
The following recipes contain red 40 lake:
Blue 1 is an artificial dye with serious but unconfirmed health concerns. Like other dyes, blue 1 does not provide any nutritional value.
The following recipes contain blue 1:
The following recipes contain blue 2 lake:
Animal By-Products
Kibbles 'n Bits does indeed use animal by-products. More specifically, 1 animal by-product ingredient was found during our analysis of Kibbles 'n Bits dog food ingredients.
According to AAFCO, by-products are defined as the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. In other words, animal by-products are the leftover ingredients that humans typically do not consume (lung, heart, tongue, stomach, intestine, blood, etc).
Many consumers have equated animal by-products with slaughterhouse waste. Animal by-products are still very controversial. Most premium brands have abandoned them in favor of specific named organ ingredients (duck liver, chicken heart, etc).
If you must feed a product with animal by-products, ensure that the specific animal source is specified. In other words, avoid ingredients such as meat by-products or poultry by-products.
By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.
This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.
The following recipes contain meat by-products:
Anonymous Meat Ingredients
Anonymous meats are animal-based ingredients which do not provide the source animal's name. These ingredients are controversial because they can come from almost any animal.
In addition, anonymous animal-based ingredients are very inexpensive and often the lowest quality meats that are still allowed to be used in pet food.
In general, we do not recommend feeding any products which contain anonymous meats. When in doubt, always contact the brand's customer service desk for further clarification.
Unfortunately, we've identified 5 anonymous meat ingredients used by Kibbles 'n Bits.
Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats.
The following recipes contain animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols):
By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.
This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.
The following recipes contain meat by-products:
Animal digest is the result of undecomposed animal tissue after hydrolysis, a chemical reaction. It is typically used as flavoring to improve taste. Animal digest is considered by many as an undesirable low-quality ingredient. What's more, the source animal is not specified and therefore animal digest can contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!
The following recipes contain animal digest:
Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats. What's more, this ingredient is preserved with BHA/BHT, both artificial preservatives and possible carcinogens according to the World Health Organization.
The following recipes contain animal fat (preserved with BHA/BHT):
Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats. What's more, this ingredient is preserved with BHA, an artificial preservative and possible carcinogen according to the World Health Organization.
The following recipes contain animal fat (preserved with BHA):
Controversial Ingredients
In most cases, ingredients which are given the controversial classification can be substituted with higher-quality alternatives. You should evaluate each controversial ingredient independently to see if there is truly a valid cause for concern.
Keep in mind, certain sacrifices often must be made to produce dog foods at a reasonable price. In general, the more expensive the product, the fewer controversial ingredients you'll find.
In our analysis, we've identified 16 controversial ingredients inside Kibbles 'n Bits products. These controversial ingredients are listed below. Click on each ingredient for more information.
Iron oxide is an FDA approved natural food coloring agent. It's commonly found in rusting metal and provides a reddish-brown color.
We believe food colorants are unnecessary ingredients in dog food. Other than potential harm, food colorants do not provide any nutritional value. These type of ingredients are used only to make the food look appealing to humans.
The following recipes contain iron oxide:
Soybean flour contains more than 50% protein. Therefore, soybean can significantly boost the protein content of the product. The inclusion of non-meat protein typically degrades the overall quality of protein in the recipe. This degradation is due to the inferior amino acid profile of plant based proteins.
The following recipes contain soybean flour:
Soybean protein concentrate is produced by removing the water soluble carbohydrates from soybeans. The inclusion of non-meat protein typically degrades the overall quality of protein in the recipe. This degradation is due to the inferior amino acid profile of plant based proteins.
The following recipes contain soybean protein concentrate:
Wheat middlings are defined by AAFCO as "coarse wheat bran, fine particles of wheat bran, wheat shorts, wheat germ, wheat flour and the offal from the tail of the mill."
Wheat middlings are marked controversial because many experts and pet owners believe wheat middlings are low quality by-products which do not provide any notable nutritional benefits.
The following recipes contain wheat middlings:
Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats.
The following recipes contain animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols):
Corn syrup is made from corn starch and it's typically used as a thickener, sweetener, and humectant (keeps the product moist). It's considered controversial because it can raise a dog's blood sugar to unhealthy levels. Of course this concern may be nullified if the syrup is used in very small quantities.
The following recipes contain corn syrup:
Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in dog food.
Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.
In regards to digestibility, the claims of "highly digestible" are only true if corn is processed into a meal or flour and subsequently cooked. In regards to the protein contribution, we must note that corn is a plant based protein which does not contain all of the necessary amino acids required by dogs to sustain life. Therefore substituting corn for meat is an unsuitable substitution and actually degrades the overall protein quality of the product.
Finally, we'll discuss the claims about vitamins and minerals in corn. Although corn does provide many vitamins and minerals, it not necessarily an exceptional ingredient in this regards. There are many other ingredients which are more complete and biologically appropriate. Therefore the usage of corn as the primary ingredient in dog food should certainly warrant further questioning.
The following recipes contain corn:
Ground wheat is regarded as an inexpensive and low-quality filler in pet food. However, wheat does provide plant-based protein and makes pet food more affordable for consumers. It's important to note that plant based protein does not provide the same amino acid profile as meat based protein.
The following recipes contain ground wheat:
Whole wheat is one type of whole grain and contains the entire grain of wheat (the germ, bran, and endosperm). Wheat is regarded as an inexpensive and low-quality filler in pet food. However, wheat does provide plant-based protein and makes pet food more affordable for consumers. It's important to note that plant based protein does not provide the same amino acid profile as meat based protein.
The following recipes contain whole wheat:
Caramel color is a concentrated form of caramel, a natural food colorant. Caramel color has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel color is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
The following recipes contain caramel color:
Liver is a controversial ingredient because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous animal ingredients are typically very low quality and may contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!
The following recipes contain liver:
By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.
This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.
The following recipes contain meat by-products:
Animal digest is the result of undecomposed animal tissue after hydrolysis, a chemical reaction. It is typically used as flavoring to improve taste. Animal digest is considered by many as an undesirable low-quality ingredient. What's more, the source animal is not specified and therefore animal digest can contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!
The following recipes contain animal digest:
The following recipes contain hydrolyzed corn gluten:
The following recipes contain hydrolyzed wheat gluten:
Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Harmful ingredients are those which have been linked to adverse health effects. In general, we do not recommend feeding any product which contains any harmful ingredients.
There are certain situations where these ingredients may be necessary. We always recommend contacting Kibbles 'n Bits for further clarification regarding any harmful or controversial ingredient.
We have identified 12 harmful ingredients used in certain Kibbles 'n Bits recipes. To learn more, click on the ingredient's name.
Red 40 is the most widely used artificial dye in consumer goods. Studies have shown that red 40 may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice, cause allergy-like reactions and trigger hyperactivity in children.
The following recipes contain red 40:
Yellow 6 is an artificial food dye which may be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals. According to the Center For Science In The Public Interest, yellow 6 can cause adrenal tumors in animals.
The following recipes contain yellow 6:
Yellow 6 Lake is a non-soluble form of yellow 6, an artificial dye. According to the Center For Science In The Public Interest, yellow 6 can cause adrenal tumors in animals.
The following recipes contain yellow 6 lake:
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an artificial preservative and possible cancer-causing agent. Studies have show that BHA can be linked to various tumors in laboratory animals.
The following recipes contain BHA:
Yellow 5 is an artificial dye which may be contaminated with several cancer-causing chemicals. Like other dyes, yellow 5 does not provide any nutritional value.
The following recipes contain yellow 5:
Proplyene glycol is an artificial preservative which has been banned by the FDA for use in cat food. Unfortunately, proplyene gycol is approved for use in dog food. Studies have linked proplyene glycol to heinz body anemia, a blood disorder.
The following recipes contain propylene glycol:
Red 3 is an artificial dye which the FDA has confirmed can cause cancer in laboratory animals.
The following recipes contain red 3:
Red 40 lake is a non-soluble form of red 40, an artificial dye. Studies have shown that red 40 may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice, cause allergy-like reactions, and trigger hyperactivity in children.
The following recipes contain red 40 lake:
Blue 1 is an artificial dye with serious but unconfirmed health concerns. Like other dyes, blue 1 does not provide any nutritional value.
The following recipes contain blue 1:
Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats. What's more, this ingredient is preserved with BHA/BHT, both artificial preservatives and possible carcinogens according to the World Health Organization.
The following recipes contain animal fat (preserved with BHA/BHT):
Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats. What's more, this ingredient is preserved with BHA, an artificial preservative and possible carcinogen according to the World Health Organization.
The following recipes contain animal fat (preserved with BHA):
The following recipes contain blue 2 lake:
