4Health Grain-Free Formula Reviewdog food

Note:

While the nutrient contents of the three ingredients above might seem great, there is an important issue to be considered here: ingredient splitting.

Ingredient splitting is the practice of manipulating ingredient weights so that it would appear as if real meat is the primary ingredient — when it might not be so.

If we were to combine all the legumes together and report them as one, this combination would likely move up on the ingredient list — possibly making legumes the predominant ingredient in this formula.

Some experts have criticized peas and other legumes as inappropriate for dogs primarily due to the presence of lectin and phytates.

Critics believe lectin can block absorption of nutrients and contribute to diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiovascular disease. Dogs and cats also lack the enzymes necessary to process phytates, which bind minerals like zinc and iron and leech them out of your dog’s body.

Peas, lentils, and other legumes have also become the primary suspects in a recent FDA investigation after several dogs eating grain-free diets developed canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Other Ingredients

Next, we have potatoes. Potatoes are a source of gluten-free carbohydrates. They also provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese. However, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value for dogs.

The seventh ingredient is chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), obtained from chicken during commercial rendering or extracting processes. It is considered a highly digestible animal fat source with high levels of linoleic acid (Omega-6).

Tapioca is another popular alternative to grains. While it is a source of complex carbohydrates, it is worth noting that tapioca has a very high glycaemic index value and provides little nutritional value to dogs. If your dog is diabetic, you may want to avoid food with tapioca.

The ninth ingredient in this formula is egg product. We do not know if this form is wet or dry, and quality can vary significantly. However, eggs are often referred to as nature’s most perfect protein source and is also a great source of fat and vitamin E for dogs.

Tomato pomace is an inexpensive by-product of tomato manufacturing, consisting of the pulp, skin, and seeds. It is a great source of soluble fiber, maintains a healthy digestive tract, contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, and slows digestion, thereby increasing mineral absorption.

However, some people scorn tomato pomace as a low-quality filler that has no nutritional value for dogs.

Next is natural flavor, which is a natural flavoring additive. It can come from various plant or animal sources but does not contribute to nutrition.

The 12th ingredient on this list is flaxseed. It is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. Flaxseed is a popular dog food ingredient because its nutrient-rich profile can benefit dogs’ skin and coat.

There is some concern that flaxseed is not good for reproduction, but no dog-specific studies have been done.

The next ingredient is ocean fish meal, a fish-protein concentrate that contains 300% more protein than fresh fish. It is also a source of fish oil, which benefits dogs’ skin and coat health.

Although neither Tractor Supply Co. nor Diamond Pet Foods, Inc. specifies the source species for this ingredient, dog owners may be pleased to know that Diamond only uses fish meals free of ethoxyquin, a controversial fat preservative.

Salt is a common additive in dog food as it is a necessary mineral for all animals.

Next, we have choline chloride, a source of the essential B vitamin choline. It is essential for liver function, proper brain development, nerve function, muscle movement, and other processes in your dog’s body.

Dried chicory root is a natural source of inulin, a soluble dietary fiber that also acts as a prebiotic for the probiotics that follow later in the ingredient list. Inulin can stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in your dog’s digestive system, thereby absorbing nutrients more readily.

Our next three ingredients, tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries, are all low-calorie, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants.

This formula also contains glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate to aid in joint health. The source of these ingredients are unknown, and benefits are inconclusive.

This food also contains Yucca Schidigera extract, which can help reduce your dog’s stool odor. Yucca also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Dried fermentation products of:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium animalis
• and Lactobacillus reuteri

. . . all refer to the probiotics and digestive enzymes added to this recipe.

From here on, the list includes a number of other items, mainly additional vitamins and minerals.

Listed ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Lentils, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca, Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Chondroitin Sulfate, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta Carotene, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.