What Should I Feed My Dog?

Mostly Mutts highly recommends you purchase the highest quality food for your dog you can afford.  Read the ingredient labels.  Avoid foods that consist of meat by-products. These can include feet, gristle, and all kinds of things not good for your dog.  The best food is where the first ingredient is a meat or chicken meal and no by-products. Also avoid food and treats that are preserved with BHA and/or BHT.  These preservatives have been linked to possible cancer, in both humans and animals.

Always be very careful giving dogs “people food."  Examples of  good "people treats" are carrots, apples, cottage cheese, grilled or boiled boneless chicken, hard-boiled egg slices, pumpkin, cooked or from a can, broccoli and green beans.   NEVER give your dogs raisins, grapes, chocolate, raw onions, garlic or Macadamia nuts as they are very toxic and can cause major liver problems and possible death.  Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products is also extremely dangerous for dogs and can be fatal. Be sure to keep any product containing Xylitol away from your pets. 

Some controversial ingredients to look out for:

• Propylene glycol - formerly considered a generally safe additive. Current studies show that it reduces the survival of red blood cells. Propylene glycol is now prohibited in cat foods. 
• Eethoxyquin - used for many years as an additive. Current studies show links to allergic reactions, skin problems, major organ failure and cancer.

Keep in mind obese dogs are unhealthy dogs and a dog who is only 10% overweight could have his lifespan shortened by 33%.  Obese pets can suffer from orthopedic disorders, respiratory difficulties, heat intolerance, heart disease, gastrointestinal distress, diabetes, incontinence, urinary tract infections and stones, immune system suppression and cancer. 

Keep your dog healthy and you’ll all be happier. Please remember the first ingredient should be a meat or a  meal, but NO byproducts.  We recommend you do not buy Beneful as the first ingredient is corn, the second by-products.  Animals need protein from meat.  If changing food, do it gradually.  MM also does not recommend rawhides nor treats preserved with BHA and/or BHT as they are being linked to cancer