Navigating the maze of pet foods can be overwhelming. Step into any pet store, and you’ll be confronted with an array of brightly colored bags covered in buzz words like “All Natural,” “Ancient Grains,” and “Fresh!” As interest in our own nutrition has increased, so has interest in animal nutrition. It can be confusing to know what is best for your furry family member.
Before we discuss nutrition recommendations, let’s get some important information out of the way. First and foremost, veterinarians have an almost zero profit margin on dog and cat food. The prices are set by the companies that manufacture these diets. Carrying them in our practices and selling them is not financially beneficial. We do this because the research shows that these diets are superior and safe, not because we are receiving financial kickbacks.
This information is important, because we want you to trust that we are making the best recommendations!
So, what should you be feeding your pet? We confidently recommend the Big 4 pet foods, which have been around for 50+ years and have been doing research on these foods as long.
This refers to four major pet food manufacturers:
● Hill’s Science Diet
● Royal Canin
● Purina Pro Plan
● Iams/Eukanuba
These companies:
● Employ veterinary nutritionists and PhD animal nutrition experts
● Perform AAFCO feeding trials to ensure their foods are safe and complete
● Conduct peer-reviewed research on pet health and nutrition
● Own and operate their own manufacturing facilities
● Have decades of proven safety records
Why Are These Brands Recommended?
1. Science-Based Formulas
These diets are carefully balanced with the right proportions of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They aren’t based on fads—they’re based on research.
2. Rigorous Safety Standards
Because these companies manufacture their own food, they maintain strict quality control from start to finish. As a result, they are often the first to determine if there is a problem and recall foods when needed.
3. Life Stage & Health Support
Whether your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has a medical condition like allergies or kidney disease, these brands offer diets tailored to specific needs.
4. Proven Results
Countless dogs thrive on these diets, and many therapeutic diets have been shown to extend quality and length of life in dogs with chronic diseases.
What About Boutique, Exotic, and Grain-Free (BEG) Diets?
In recent years, many smaller or boutique brands have marketed “grain-free,” “all-natural,” or “exotic ingredient” foods. While these sound appealing, there are important concerns:
1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Risk
Veterinary cardiologists have raised concerns about a link between certain grain-free, boutique diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a potentially fatal heart disease. This is especially alarming in breeds not genetically prone to DCM.
2. Lack of Testing and Oversight
Most BEG companies do not employ full-time veterinary nutritionists, do not perform AAFCO feeding trials, and often outsource production to third parties—raising concerns about consistency and safety. This is changing, as many companies are starting to employ veterinarians. Still, it will take time for these foods to be evaluated!
3. Marketing over Science
Many BEG brands market their foods with trendy claims like “no fillers” or “human-grade,” but often lack the scientific evidence to back up their formulations.
Are grains and byproducts bad?
No. Byproducts and grains have gotten an unfair rap. Contrary to popular belief, grains are not harmful for most dogs and are actually a good source of nutrients. The vast majority of dogs do not need a grain-free diet. In fact, eliminating grains can increase the risk of nutrient imbalances if not done carefully and under veterinary supervision.
Byproducts are simply the parts of animals that are left over after meat has been processed for human consumption. These include organ meats, tendons, ligaments, and other tissue. They often sound unappealing to us as humans—but they are not inherently bad for dogs and can actually be a highly nutritious part of a balanced diet.
How to Choose a Good Dog Food
● Look for brands that employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists
● Choose foods that have undergone AAFCO feeding trials – not just for palatability but also for longevity and health.
● Avoid brands with vague ingredient lists
● Talk to your veterinarian—especially if your dog has allergies, GI issues, or other health problems
Final Thoughts
We all want what’s best for our pets. While trendy brands and marketing buzzwords may be tempting, sticking with a well-researched, veterinary-recommended diet is one of the best ways to support your dog’s health. The “Big 4” brands are backed by science, not fads—and that means peace of mind for you and a healthier life for your dog.