What Is the Healthiest Food You Can Feed a Dog?
Feeding your dog the healthiest food possible is essential for its long-term health and well-being. But not all dog foods are created equal. Evaluating ingredient quality, sourcing transparency, and nutritional balance are crucial when choosing the best options for your canine companion.
Ingredients Matter
The most important factor in determining healthy dog food is the quality of its ingredients. The first two to three ingredients should consist of real, named animal proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, or fish. Avoid generic terms such as “meat meal” or “animal fat,” which often indicate lower-quality, unspecified sources.
- High-quality animal proteins should be listed first.
- Named fats (e.g., chicken fat) are preferable to generic ones.
- Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, or soy as primary ingredients.
- Minimize artificial additives such as BHA, BHT, and synthetic dyes.
The Downside of Low-Cost Brands Like Ol' Roy
Ol’ Roy is a widely available and budget-friendly dog food brand sold at Walmart. Although it is affordable, it often uses low-quality ingredients including ground corn, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and poultry by-product meal. These ingredients not only offer less bioavailable nutrition but also increase the risk of digestive upset and allergies.
Preservatives such as BHA and artificial colors found in Ol' Roy products are flagged by nutritionists and veterinarians as potential health risks. Moreover, some canned formulas include onion and garlic extracts, which can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Nutritional Profile Comparisons
Good dog food should offer a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Here's how Ol’ Roy stacks up:
- Dry Food: ~24.5% protein, 12% fat, and 50–57% carbohydrates
- Canned Food: ~44% protein, 17% fat, and ~31% carbohydrates
While protein levels appear sufficient—especially in the canned variety—the quality of the protein is a significant concern, as much of it comes from by-products and generic sources.
Signs Your Dog May Need a Diet Change
Though some dogs may tolerate low-quality foods, many suffer issues such as:
- Itchy skin or hair loss
- Digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or behavioral changes
- Hotspots or skin infections
If you notice these symptoms, it might be time to switch to a better-quality food.
What to Look for in Healthy Dog Food
- Named Animal Proteins: Chicken, beef, lamb, or salmon as the first ingredients
- Whole Grains or Vegetables: Brown rice, sweet potatoes, peas
- No Fillers: Avoid corn, wheat, and soy
- Natural Preservatives: Mixed tocopherols instead of BHA/BHT
- Minimal By-Products: Organs are okay, but beak, feet, and bone meals are not ideal
Premium brands may be more expensive, but they offer superior bioavailability and fewer allergens.
Transitioning to a New Food
If you're switching from Ol’ Roy or any other brand, do so gradually:
- Day 1–2: 25% new food, 75% old food
- Day 3–4: 50% new, 50% old
- Day 5–6: 75% new, 25% old
- Day 7: 100% new food
This helps prevent digestive upset.
When Budget Is a Concern
Some owners supplement budget kibble with lean meats and steamed vegetables to enhance nutrition. While this might help, remember that poor base ingredients still impact your dog’s health long-term. Invest in quality whenever possible.
Veterinarian Guidance Is Key
If your dog shows symptoms of food intolerance or doesn’t thrive on a current diet, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. They may recommend:
- Limited-ingredient diets for allergies
- Prescription foods for chronic conditions
- Sensitive stomach formulas
Regular checkups help assess whether your dog’s food supports optimal health.
Conclusion
A truly healthy dog food is one anchored by high-quality animal proteins, maintains nutritionally balanced profiles, and avoids potential irritants or harmful additives. Products like Ol’ Roy serve a cost-effective purpose but may not deliver the best possible nutrition for long-term well-being. For the healthiest outcome, select food made with real ingredients tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
