Why Feed Your Dog Turkey-Based Dog Food
Every loving dog owner wants to feed their dog the best food. However, sometimes sorting out what makes one product better than another can be tricky. Add in the wide array of proteins, and you really have a task to complete. This turkey dog food guide will walk you through what you need to know about feeding your dog this feathered and protein-rich healthy dry dog food.
An In-Depth Look at Chicken and Turkey Dog Food
Chicken and turkey are both high in protein and low in fat, so it’s no wonder you find them in so many dog food products--especially those meant for weight maintenance. In addition to the protein, your dog needs a variety of vitamins and minerals, so it is also important to feed your furry friend a poultry dog food that gives them a well-balanced diet with fruits, veggies, and more to support their brain, body, and mood.
Why Feed Your Dog Turkey-Based Dog?
If you’re comparing proteins and wondering if turkey is the best choice for your dog, you may be correct. However, selecting the best turkey dog food among others can make a major difference.
1. Reduce Calories and Boost Flavor
Turkey tastes delicious to many dogs. It also is low in fat and high in heart-healthy protein. So, when you select a turkey dog food or turkey and chicken blend, you won’t be giving your dog as many calories with each meal. This is ideal for dog breeds that are prone to obesity, need to lose weight, or just aren’t as active as they could be.
In addition to the protein, your dog needs a variety of vitamins and minerals, so it is also important to feed your furry friend dog food that gives them a well-balanced diet.
2. Adjust Your Dog’s Diet as They Age
As dogs get older, their metabolisms slow down. In addition to a slower metabolism, your dog’s activity level often begins to taper off. This makes turkey’s low-calorie nature a great choice for an adult or senior dog.
3. An Ethical and Sustainable Protein Choice
Chicken and turkey are both readily available types of meat. This means that opting for turkey can reduce the strain on the supply chain. Both also have a lower impact than beef, pork, and salmon on the environment.
4. Chicken + Turkey in Your Dog’s Food Bowl
When it comes to chicken, very few dogs bock at when they discover it in their bowls. Like turkey, chicken is high in protein and low in fat. Few dogs are allergic to chicken, so if your dog has allergies, chicken can be a good option.
Both kinds of meat are lean white meat that can help support your dog’s muscular health and repair. Additionally, both are easily digestible.
However, some dogs develop chicken allergies as they age. So, combining chicken and turkey may reduce this possibility and support older dogs with a penchant for poultry.
Why Is Turkey A Good Choice for Your Dog?
People have different taste preferences, and so do dogs. Turkey is an option that you should consider for your furry friend if you haven’t given it to them in the past. Turkey dog food is lean, so there is less fat and fewer calories. Since few dogs have been exposed to dog food with turkey, it is a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. [1] [2]
How to Choose the Best Turkey Dog Food
Not all turkey dog foods are created equal. It’s important to select the best brand and product for your best friend. But how can you compare turkey to turkey?
Look for the Best Ingredients
In addition to meat, your dog needs vegetables, fruits, and some grains for a balanced diet. Many high-quality dog foods will also supplement their food to exceed the barebones minimums set up by the AAFCO. So, knowing what to look for in that ingredient list makes a world of difference to your dog’s health and quality of life.
Pick Quality
Not all companies opt for the highest quality ingredients when they manufacture dog food. Additionally, some countries, like China, have fewer rules, regulations, and oversight for companies that make dog food.
So, before you check out, perform a little research on the country of origin and the regulation that oversee your dog’s food company. Too often substandard ingredients are used, and that can damage your dog’s health, and sometimes might even cause your dog’s death.
Fresher is Better
Other countries, like Australia, have laws that are enforced or upheld by dog food companies. The more local, the fresher ingredients will be. The fresher, the better they taste, and the better the ingredients retain their flavor.
The Right Ingredients Make a Difference, Too
A poultry blend of chicken, turkey, along with other superfoods will give your dog optimal nutrition, so they can partake in all the activities they love.
What Does Your Dog Need In Addition to Turkey?
1. Amino Acids
Poultry has a wide variety of amino acids--twenty-two to be exact, while turkey alone has 18. It is important for your dog’s health to get all of the following amino acids:
- Arginine
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
How Do Amino Acids Affect Your Dog?
Amino acids are important for the healthy function of your dog’s body. They assist in all of the body’s daily processes and functions, and they are necessary for your doggo to maintain a healthy mind and body [3]. Dog food that gets its protein from chicken and turkey includes all that your dog needs to grow strong and stay healthy [4].
2. Vitamins and Minerals
Dogs need a variety of vitamins and minerals, so look for vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B11, B12, D, E, K, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Choline, Pantothenic Acid, and minerals like Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese. These will help your dog stay happy and healthy.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Just like you, your dog needs to eat their fruits and veggies to be healthy. They contain many of the vitamins and minerals listed above and are a great way to provide your dog with the proper nutrients.
Check the ingredients and look for things like:
- Apple
- Blueberry
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Green Beans
- Kelp
- Lentils
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Sweet Potato
- Tomato
- Watermelon
The bigger the variety of fruit and veggies listed on the package of dog food, the better.
Go Above and Beyond with Superfoods for Your Dog
Some foods do more for your dog than you might think. These foods are sometimes called “superfoods.” They contain large amounts of antioxidants, as well as fiber and fatty acids. They also supply your dog with many vitamins and minerals.
Some you want to look for in the ingredients of your dog’s food are:
- Blueberry
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Watermelon
What Ingredients to Avoid
Just because chicken and turkey dog food has everything your dog needs, don’t forget that you want to pick one that doesn’t have what they don’t need--no unnecessary preservatives, chemicals, colouring, or synthetic flavouring
Let’s Talk Turkey.
Every dog deserves the best food available, and as a dog owner, you deserve to know what goes into their dog’s food, too. Petzyo’s Kibble That Counts-Chicken & Turkey with Superfood Extras is the best dry dog food in Australia. Our poultry blend of chicken, turkey, and other superfoods gives your doggo everything they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Our top-rated chicken turkey kibble is made from ingredients sourced in Australia that are harvested sustainably so they will not damage the environment. Since it is made here, it supports Australians and your money stays here as well. And you don’t have to worry about lax laws and poor oversight in other countries. Healthy for your doggo, and healthy for Australia.
Petzyo is committed to doing the right thing. Right for your dog and right for the environment.
References
[1] https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/healthy-foods-checklist-turkey-dogs
[2] https://thedoggypedia.com/turkey-dog-food/
[3] https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/as/as-584-w.pdf
