It’s not that dog parents don’t want to feed nutritious foods to their furry companions. It’s just that most don’t know what ingredients make dog food healthy. Just like humans, when dogs eat foods essential for their health, they naturally tend to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. So, every responsible pet owner must educate themselves on the healthiest ingredients that make up dog foods and choose what’s best for their pet.

1. Meat protein
Meat is the healthiest and most essential ingredient in any dog food. It’s packed with proteins and a slew of other nutrients that dogs need for their overall health. It also helps them maintain a healthy weight and keep their joints and muscles strong as they grow older. Experts maintain that pet owners must look for dog foods that contain about 30 percent lean protein. These include chicken, beef, fish, rabbit, and venison, among others. Organs meats, such as kidneys, heart, liver, and gizzard, are also very healthy. Besides protein, they’re rich in essential vitamins like A, B1, B2, B6, B12, and folic acid. Also, keep in mind that the best dog food products will always name the meat source and list them on the top of the ingredients list.

2. Carbohydrates and grains
Some pet owners avoid choosing products that contain carbohydrates and grains. But that’s because their dogs are sensitive or allergic to these ingredients. Those whose dogs have no problems with carbohydrates and grains must specifically look for products that feature them because grains help in digestion and carbohydrates give a significant amount of energy to dogs. However, skip products that list low-quality ingredients like whole wheat, soy, or corn, and select those with rice, peas, barley, or oats instead.

3. Healthy oils and fats
These are also vital components of dog food. Dogs need oils and fats for proper cell function and enhanced vitamin absorption. Fats and oils also help ensure that their coat appears healthy and shiny. Look for fat sources like chicken fat, pork fat, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, fish oil, and flaxseed oil. Omega-3 (fish oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (sunflower oil) are among the healthiest ingredients in high-quality dog foods and can help reduce inflammation and improve kidney function.

4. Vegetables
Dogs can do without vegetables. But for optimal health, veggies must become a part of their diet. They’re chock full of various vitamins and minerals that can boost overall health. However, make sure to avoid choosing toxic ones for dogs, such as onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Instead, feed them nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.

5. Fruits
Like vegetables, fruits are not a must for a dog, but they, too, contain many vital nutrients and provide a good amount of fiber. Fiber helps clean the digestive tract, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent anal gland disease. Nutrients found in fruits also help with oral hygiene. Some excellent fruits for dogs include apples and blueberries.