Here’s What Could Be In Your Dog’s Food

In browsing supermarket shelves and talking with customers, we’re always shocked at the gray areas of food guidelines that can mislead dietary planning for pets. While the FDA regulates dog food, the specific labeling guidelines allows for companies to create confusion among consumers. We have gathered some information that we think will help you read and question the ingredients.

American-Made Doesn’t Mean The Ingredients Are From America

Even if a product is made in America, it doesn’t mean the ingredients came from American farms. Oftentimes, ingredients will be shipped from China, New Zealand, or other countries and processed in the USA. You must read the label on the product to see where the ingredients were sourced and manufactured, as they must list the country of origin.

For example, human-grade meats are technically consumable but are often the leftover parts of animals that are not served to humans. Our human-grade ingredients are sourced from SP Provisions, a US-based meat company that provides us with all-natural meats sourced primarily in the Northwest from animals raised without any antibiotics or hormones.

Most manufacturers also source synthetic supplements from other countries but are able to put them in ‘American Made’ products.

Natural VS. Organic 

Currently, AAFCO defines natural as “a feed or feed ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing... but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur in good manufacturing practices.”

While pet products can be deemed organic under the National Organic Program’s standards, AAFCO does not currently have standards for organic pet food. Most companies will follow these guidelines for the standards but it is not a requirement.

Rendered Meat

The USDA only approves meat for pet food from animals that are healthy enough to walk on their own. However, meat from animals that are too ill to walk can be sold to renderers, who then sell that meat to pet food companies. This could mean that your pet is eating meat from over-exhausted or ill animals. Unfortunately, this is all legal. A reputable pet food company should never buy from renderers, but sadly this is the norm.

Reading the labels of your dog’s food is one of the ways you can tell if they’re getting rendered meat. Be wary of “by-product, meal, tallow, animal fat, and grease,” usually signs of rendered meat.

Always do careful research on the product you’re interested in and consult your vet. In the meantime, Portland Pet Food Company can guarantee that your pets are getting human-grade meat and produce, never from renderings, with additives or fillers.

At Portland Pet Food Company, we make healthy, natural dog treats and healthy, natural dog food toppings. Our dog treats and toppings are especially good for senior dogs and dogs who are picky eaters. Gluten-free and grain-free options are available in our dog treats and dog food toppings.

Tasty Food For Cats, Too
Check out our cat food, too! We have two flavors that cats love: chicken and pumpkin cat food and salmon and pumpkin cat food.