The Importance of Protein, Fat, and Fiber in Dog Food

Unique Protein in Our Dog Foods

Our dog-food products contain animal-based proteins that provide for all of the essential amino-acid requirements for dogs. In addition, special refining and quality assurance tests ensure that we only use high quality, highly digestible protein sources for increased digestibility.

Dogs, best fed as carnivores, require essential nutrients that aren't found in plant proteins such as soybean meal.

Unique Fatty Acids in Our Dog Foods

There are two important types of fatty acids for dogs: omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids, found in chicken fat and corn, are essential for maintenance of skin and coat and proper membrane structure. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in ingredients such as canola, fish meal or oil, and flax. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important in blood clotting and managing inflammation, among other things. All of our products contain sources of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

IAMS^® research has shown that including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio between 5:1 to 10:1 provides for optimal skin and coat condition in dogs. All of our products contain an adjusted omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio between 5:1 to 10:1.

Unique Fiber in Our Dog Foods

IAMS research has shown that moderately fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, enhances intestinal health. The fermentable part of the fiber is broken down by intestinal bacteria to provide short-chain fatty acids, an energy source for intestinal cells. The nonfermentable component provides bulk for normal feces.

Using only highly fermentable fibers can cause problems, such as excess gas, while using only non-fermentable fibers, such as peanut hulls, promotes excess stool volume, because they are of no nutritional value.

All of our products contain a patented fiber system of moderately fermentable fiber to help keep the dog digestive system healthy.