The Best Canned Dog Foods: Healthy Diets for Your Pup

The best food for your dog is the one they will eat and stay healthy afterward. You know this, but it’s hard to know which one to buy with many available options. Don’t worry; we’re here to help. From dog food for sensitive stomachs to grain-free diets, there are plenty of options out there for pet owners that want to feed their furry friends the best. We have highlighted some of the best healthy canned dog foods we could lay our hands on in the previous section, but we understand that you may need more information to make the best food decision for your pup. So here, we’ll talk about some factors you should take into consideration when purchasing canned foods and how they’ll affect your pup’s health and happiness.

It’s important to choose the right type of dog food for your dog. For some, the goal is to find something with a budget-friendly price tag or high protein, while others might prefer to buy canned food that’ll be easier on their dog’s teeth no matter the cost or protein concentration. Whatever you’re looking for, this article will help you make informed decisions on what type of dog food will work best for your pup.

Factors to Consider When Buying Canned Dog Food

Deciding what type of canned food you want for your pup can be difficult. Luckily, the information below will make it a walk in the park. 

Allergens

Dogs sometimes react badly to certain food substances, and the humane thing to do is not to feed them with these items. So when buying canned dog food, check the ingredients and confirm that there are no allergens before buying and feeding it to your dog. 

Note: Do your best to avoid canned food flagged to contain BPA. It is a common canine allergen that could really hurt your pup. 

Excess preservatives

Many brands of dog canned food today add artificial preservatives that are supposed to increase shelf-life. But the truth is, in excess, they could cause some serious damage to your pup’s health. For example, Ethoxyquone, a popular canned dog food preservative, is known to cause skin reactions, cancer, organ failure, and behavioral problems in dogs. 

In a nutshell, avoid canned dog foods flagged to contain excess preservatives. 

Dog’s age

Your dog’s age is an important factor to consider because, just like humans, dogs’ nutritional requirements differ by age. For example, the best canned dog foods for puppies are those with a high concentration of amino acids, proteins, calories, fatty acids, and minerals. Older dogs don’t require as much protein, so a lean-protein diet should suffice. 

You might want to consult a certified veterinarian to help you figure this part out. 

Dog breed

Your dog’s breed may also play a vital role in determining the type of canned dog food to go for. For example, some brands are specially formulated for huskies, and feeding such products to a terrier or golden retriever may cause allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues. 

Note that most canned dog foods are healthy options for various dog breeds. However, do well to check the label and description to ensure that you’re making the right choice for your pooch. 

Presence of whole grains and veggies

The best and most balanced canned dog foods always contain substantial whole grains and veggies. Like humans, dogs need their greens to stay healthy, so go for canned foods that have them. More specifically, choose canned dog foods with brown or wild rice (avoid white rice and wheat gluten if you can), alfalfa, apples, carrots, and other non-starchy fruits. 

Food binders

Food binders in wet dog foods function to thicken and bind together the food pieces, and they’re usually the first indications of a bad product. So avoid canned dog food with binders such as honey, cellulose, lecithin, gum arabic, and sorbitol. 

Note that not all food binders are harmful for your pup, but it’s better to avoid them all just to be safe.

Urinary tract infections

There are specialized canned food formulas for dogs with digestive or urinary tract infections, and you can easily find them in dog stores. But just in case you can’t find such canned foods, simply go for products with low acidic pH. 

Specified meat and protein source

The best canned dog foods always have a specified mean/protein source. Some of the best meat sources you’ll find include beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb. Simply check the ingredients list, and you’ll find them there. 

Beware of canned dog foods with meat by-products and unidentified meat sources. Most times, they’re of low quality and may cause digestive problems for your pup. However, by-products like ground bones, liver, and other major organs have been quite healthy for canines. 

AAFCO approval

The  Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the main regulatory body of canned dog foods. All you have to do is check for a stamp that says, “Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles,” or “Provides complete and balanced nutrition,” and you’re good to go. Their stamp is all you need to differentiate a quality product from a fake or poor one. 

Expiration date

Like human food, canned dog foods also have expiration dates, and they’re very valid when choosing. This goes without saying, but don’t select and feed your pup with expired canned dog food (especially if the expiration date has passed by six months). The health ramifications of that are beyond measure, and they mostly include gastrointestinal conditions that could be life-threatening.