How to Recognize Good Dog Food: The Ultimate Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet
Dog food is at the heart of a dog's diet, but not all are equal. Choosing quality kibble is essential for the health and well-being of your four-legged friend. In this article, discover the criteria for identifying healthy kibble and providing balanced nutrition to your dog.
Why is choosing your dog’s kibble crucial?
A premium quality diet directly influences your dog's health, energy, and longevity. Conversely, poor quality kibble can cause digestive disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or even chronic diseases. Learning to recognize good kibble is therefore an essential step in taking care of your faithful companion.
6 criteria for recognizing good dog food
1) A composition rich in quality animal proteins 💪🏼
- Below 25 : Poor quality protein
- Greater than 35 : Good quality protein.
Also choose single-protein kibble , meaning it contains a single source of protein, for optimized digestion and to reduce the risk of allergies.
2) A balanced rate of carbohydrates and quality 🍠
- A carbohydrate level above 40% is considered excessive and can lead to digestive problems, weight problems, or metabolic imbalances.
✅ At PONGO, our carbohydrate rate is less than 40%.
3) A controlled ash rate ✔️
The ash content of kibble reflects the amount of mineral residue left after cooking. Ideally, this content should be less than 9% ; a higher content may indicate an excessive presence of poor quality animal by-products.
✅ At PONGO our ash rate is less than 9%.
4) Natural ingredients and no chemical additives 🌿
Prefer short, transparent recipes, made with natural ingredients and without chemical additives.
✅ At PONGO, our kibbles are formulated without controversial ingredients and are based on a short and transparent recipe for a healthy and balanced diet.
5) The presence of essential vitamins and minerals 💧
Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog's health and well-being:
- Vitamins (A, D3, E B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin) maintain vitality, strengthen immunity, support bones and muscles, and preserve healthy skin and coat.
- Minerals (iron, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium iodide, sodium selenite) promote a balanced metabolism, strengthen bones and joints, and protect cells against external aggressions.
✅ At PONGO , our kibble is enriched with these essential nutrients to provide a complete diet perfectly adapted to your dog's needs.
6) A transparent and recognized manufacturer 🥇
Choose kibble brands that clearly display their manufacturing methods and the composition of their products.
✅ At PONGO, we offer full transparency including the full list of ingredients as well as the aminogram of our kibbles. In addition, our production partner PETMAXI, in Portugal is IFS FOOD certified. " higher level " since 2017, guaranteeing certification of food safety, product quality and production processes. In 2024, it is ranked 2nd producer of kibble in Europe.
