There are so many types of dog food on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose one that covers all the differences.
Modern dog foods include:
- Dry
- Wet
- Semi-moist
There's a wide variety of chew textures, and the nutrient content varies depending on the age and breed of dog, and the ingredients are carefully selected.
However, in Japan, pet food safety is a relatively new issue, with the "Pet Food Safety Act" only being enacted in 2009. Until then, there were no regulations at all. In the past, some dogs even ate the same food as humans.
We live in an age where pet dogs live long lives. Their owners want their pets to stay healthy forever. So, is the pet food you're using now safe?
Here, we'll introduce safety checks for popular dog foods and recommended foods.
Three Points to Consider When Choosing Dog Food
Learn about the nutrients your dog needs
The following six nutrients are said to be important for dogs to build and maintain a healthy body. Although dogs may appear similar to humans at first glance, their nutritional needs are not the same. Nutrient standards for dog food are set by two global organizations. "AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)" Many commercially available dog foods comply with these standards. To maintain your dog's health, it needs nutrients appropriate for its age and size. It's best to choose a dog food that contains a sufficient amount of these nutrients. Additives are not only used to enhance flavor and appearance, but also to enhance nutritional value and maintain quality. Some are necessary for dog food. However, excessive intake of these additives is said to be harmful to health, causing allergies and cancer. The "Act on Ensuring the Safety of Pet Food (Pet Food Safety Act)," enacted in 2009, imposes the following restrictions on additive content: In addition, dog food is required to list the additives used and their intended use. Choose foods that contain as few additives as possible, and if you're worried about not being able to tell just by looking at them, choose foods that are additive-free. Dog food is required to display the following information in accordance with the Pet Food Safety Act and the Pet Food Fair Competition Code. Reference: Pet Food Association of Japan You can check what's in the dog food by looking at the label on the side. Nowadays, dog food is sold not only by major pet food manufacturers, but also by a variety of manufacturers, both domestic and international, mainly online. Not only is there a wide variety, but each food also has its own unique features and characteristics. Here we will introduce some popular domestic and international dog foods. Japanese dog food is dog food manufactured in Japan. Even if a product is labeled "Japanese," it may contain ingredients not only from within Japan but also from overseas. ・ Kono Koto Tomoni: Konokono Gohan This dog food is especially suitable for small dogs. Formulated with lactic acid bacteria, it helps regulate the intestinal environment and eliminates the unpleasant odor of feces and urine, which can be a particular concern for indoor dogs. Other ingredients include green papaya, rich in proteolytic enzymes, and moringa, a superfood known as the "miracle tree" for its abundance of polyphenols and dietary fiber. ・ Pure Box: Dotwan Rice Series This dog food is made with the motto of 100% ingredient and origin information, contains less than 1.5% nutritional additives, and is made just like home-cooked food. There are also a wide variety of options, including "pork rice," "chicken rice," and "fish rice," providing peace of mind for dogs with allergies and a variety of options that will keep dogs healthy. ・ Sakura Pet Food: Dry Food (Crispy Type) Made with fresh, boneless, skinless, and organ-free domestic beef. Also, no preservatives (synthetic chemical preservatives) or synthetic antioxidants are used. Our dog food is also produced in a specialized pet food factory. With a food subscription, you'll always receive fresh, freshly made dog food. In Europe and the United States, pet-related countries with advanced pet care, strict safety standards for dog food were established much earlier than in Japan. There are many different types, including those focused on nutrition and ingredients. ・ CANAGAN Suitable for all breeds and ages. Made with 50% high-quality chicken, this grain-free, human-grade dog food is made in the UK. Made in a secure facility that meets the strict standards of the Federation of European Pet Food Industry Associations (FEDIAF), each pet food is individually numbered and can be tracked down to the production date and raw material lot. ・ Mog Wan This human-grade dog food, made in the UK, is formulated with coconut oil, contains no artificial colors or flavors, and is grain-free. Its deliciousness is born from a homemade recipe. Made in a secure facility that meets the strict standards of the Federation of European Pet Food Industry Associations (FEDIAF), each pet food is individually numbered and can be tracked down to the production date and raw material lot. This Canadian-made dog food uses low-GI grains, avoiding grains high in simple sugars that can increase blood sugar and body fat. It's also characterized by its generous use of herbs. The tagline is "Because of your love." Most of the ingredients are sourced in Canada and manufactured in our own facility. What is premium dog food?
Premium dog food generally refers to dog food made with high-quality ingredients and with minimal additives, focusing on the health of dogs. However, there is no clear definition. Premium dog food includes, for example, "human-grade" dog food, which is made with the same hygiene and management standards as human food (human-grade quality), and "additive-free" dog food, which does not contain any additives. Dog food from major pet food manufacturers fully meets the nutritional and calorie standards your dog needs. However, if you want to give your dog even more, premium dog food is worth checking out. So, how do you choose? Premium dog food has the following characteristics: In addition to the nutrients contained in these dog foods, what people expect from premium dog food is peace of mind and safety. The ingredients must be clearly labeled. This is the most important thing. In addition to the ingredients used, information such as where the ingredients were raised is very important when making a selection. Dog food from manufacturers that provide accurate information is likely to be safe. Traceability is tracking a product's entire process from production to consumption. Premium dog foods are often carefully crafted, with different target ages, breeds, and main ingredients. You may have a high chance of finding the perfect dog food that meets your requirements. Suitable for all breeds and ages. This high-quality, grain-free, additive-free platinum food is perfect for all dog breeds and ages. Contains omega-3, which is said to be beneficial for skin conditions, as well as glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane, which are indirectly beneficial. Made with over 60% easily digestible, high-quality animal protein (chicken, turkey, salmon). This low-calorie dog food is ideal for indoor dogs that tend to get less exercise. It contains minimal additives, is grain-free, and is made with carefully selected organic ingredients. You can choose between turkey or chicken as the main ingredient, making this dog food safe for sensitive dogs and those prone to allergies.
Dogs are omnivores, primarily carnivorous.
Animal protein found in meat and fish contains essential amino acids that dogs cannot produce themselves. Therefore, dogs need sufficient animal protein.
In addition, plant proteins such as soy and grains put a strain on the digestive system, so feeding them with care is required. For this reason, grain-free dog food has become increasingly popular.
Furthermore, the balance of nutrients needed varies depending on a dog's developmental stage and size.
"FEDIAF (Federation of European Pet Food Industries Associations)"
For example, the amount of protein needed per 100g alone varies as follows: Group Adult dog Puppy Mother dog AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) 18% or more 22.5% or more 22.5% or more FEDIAF (Federation of European Pet Food Industry Associations) 18% or more 25% or more (Puppies (under 14 weeks)) 20% or more (Puppies (over 14 weeks)) 25% or more
Please make sure the food you've just purchased meets these standards. Be careful if additives are included
Classification Substances, etc. Specified Amount (μg/g) Additives Ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT 150 (total amount). For dogs, ethoxyquin is 75% or less. Sodium nitrite 100 Make sure the ingredients are trustworthy
The important thing here is to know what ingredients are used.
When you look at the label, you may see unfamiliar ingredients such as "chicken meal," "meat meal," and "meat by-products."
"Meal" is meat and bones that cannot be used in human food, powdered and solidified.
"Meat by-products" refers to the parts of animals left after meat has been removed, such as hair, horns, teeth, hooves, and internal organs.
Of course, Japan has the Pet Food Safety Act, so these ingredients are not considered dangerous.
However, it's safer to choose a reliable product rather than something you don't know. Also, if you're concerned about allergies, it's best to avoid them as much as possible. What's the most popular dog food right now?
Popular Japanese Dog Food
Here, we'll introduce popular Japanese dog food (dry type). 
Popular Dog Food [Imported]
Here we introduce popular imported dog food (dry type). 
Which dog food is on the rise?
How to Choose Premium Dog Food
The criteria for determining safety and reliability are the same as for human food: clear ingredients and easy-to-understand labeling.
In particular, information on "reliable ingredients" and "traceability" are key. Reliability of Ingredients
Traceability
Dog food from manufacturers that can accurately verify the origins of their ingredients and the factories where they are produced is considered to be highly safe.
These considerations should also be considered when making your selection. Popular Premium Dog Foods
Here, we'll introduce some of the most popular premium dog foods. ・ Mishwan
・ Organic Kitchen: Solvida
・ Hanachan Dog and Cat Healthy Shop: Umaka
