As a Companion Animal Nutritionist, part of my job is not only to understand the functional value of each ingredient that goes into pet food, but also the quality of those ingredients. A strong case can be made that sourcing of outstanding ingredients in combination with precise formulation equates to a consistently superior end-product. For these reasons, I believe that disclosure of ingredient origins (transparency) is a ‘win’ for consumers as well as the pet food industry.
In short, ingredient excellence and transparency serve as key components in the relationship between manufacturer and consumer. By offering their customers the openness of ingredient traceability, manufacturers (like D.O.G. Certified) give clarity and peace of mind to the discerning pet parent. Please see the following link for D.O.G.’s abiding commitment to transparency: https://www.doonlygoodpetfood.com/d-o-g-transparency/
Other components of dog food production work in concert with transparency as well. For example, quality control of the production process. Once ingredient source verification has been approved, D.O.G. produces pet food in small batches at superior FDA registered facilities, and D.O.G. has a quality food scientist oversee the food while it is being made. These steps may seem meticulous; however, they are necessary to ensure quality and consistency.
Last June, I wrote a Nutritional Facts article on ingredients and how they actively aid in the functional health of your dog. In the article, I stated, “understanding how ingredients work holistically to benefit and improve the health of your pet is one of the things that makes my job so rewarding.” What also makes my work fulfilling is being able to educate pet parents. With this in mind, a new feature on D.O.G.’s social media platforms will include posts entitled, “WHAT’S THAT FOR?” These posts will take a specific ingredient in D.O.G. dog food and the nutritional functions it provides.
When our customers understand why a specific ingredient benefits their dog’s health, and we equip them with the transparency of that ingredient, it is our way of starting an honest dialogue about pet nutrition. It is our goal to keep that discussion going, and as always, please feel free to ask me any nutrition questions through the “Ask Dr. Johnson” link on the website.
