A Dog’s Ancestry

Like human beings, each dog is unique in size, breed, personality and the lifestyle they lead. Present day dog nutrition is largely based on the natural diet of a wolf and for a good reason.

Wolf Dog NutritionIt is a fact that dogs originate from the wolf. Follow a dog’s ancestry back to the wolf and you find they share more than 99.9% of mitochondrial DNA. In layman’s terms, the diet of the wolf is also ideal for your dog. Quality animal protein is the main essential ingredient of a wolves’ natural diet, which applies to dog nutrition too.

Our Bentley’s Taste of the Ocean recipe is based on this information.

It contains the highest animal (fish) ingredient (82.5%) of any dry kibble currently available (May 2017).
This is a good indicator that your dog will receive the correct quality protein levels it needs in its diet.
It also contains natural vegetables, herbaceous plants and botanicals.

Feeding your Dog Bentley’s will provide a diet that gives them the best opportunity for a healthy life.

More brands including higher protein and fewer carbohydrates are being produced. Product makers are recognising the benefits linked to the canine ancestral diet. This is very good news.

dog-evolve

High Protein Values

People are becoming more aware of the benefit of feeding quality meat/fish protein. As a result, attitudes are changing. As we learn that not all proteins are not created the same, we are buying food not based only upon protein content.

The source of the protein is key.
Meat and fish contain the “complete proteins” a dog needs in it’s diet.
In its raw state the protein from any meat source ranges from 13% – 35%.

Protein also originates from plants, with the majority of plant-based proteins classed as “incomplete proteins”.
Generally these are difficult for dogs to digest. Often taking too long in digesting and passing through their system too fast.
Many dog foods are manufactured in this way i.e. without any, or little meat protein content.

The type of protein you feed your dog is of paramount importance, helping them live a long and healthy life.

Proteins are broken down into essential amino acids (i.e. the dog is unable to produce them). Amino acids stimulate growth and the immune system, strength and metabolism etc., in addition to maintaining muscle.

Dogs and Carbohydrates

It is a fact that carbohydrates are not essential in sustaining a Dog’s life. Whereas protein and fat (the other two major nutrients), are essential for a healthy canine diet[1].
People are still struggling to believe this is the case. For many years carbohydrates have been and still are still the dominant ingredients in most dry dog foods.

Dogs do not need wheat, rice, barley, corn/maize or potatoes.

[1]According to the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, “Nutrient requirement of dogs & cats” benefits 2006 edition National Academies Press, Washington DC.

Why do most Dog Food Companies use high Carbohydrate Ingredients?

Dog food manufacturers are beginning to change their outlook towards dog nutrition. But they continue to focus on carbs. This has been the case for over 150 years, when Dog Biscuits were first produced in 1860. This is because carbohydrates:

  • are readily available
  • bulks out the food
  • are cheaper than protein or fat (per calorie)
  • are required in the Manufacturing process to enable the kibble to form
  • last longer on the shelf

Are Carbohydrates safe for Dogs?

Carbohydrates can provide a practical source of energy in sensible proportions. The natural carbohydrate intake of a wild dog (around 14%). Quite a difference to the average content of most dry dog foods – between 46% and 76%[2] (June 2017).

More brands including higher protein and fewer carbohydrates are being produced. Product makers are recognising the benefits linked to the canine ancestral diet. This is very good news.

Dog Nutrition & Health

Like all carnivores, Dogs find it more difficult to digest grains. We have eliminated all grain, to create a 82.5%/17.5% Grain Free, Premium quality, dry dog food, being Bentley’s Taste of the Ocean. This currently matches as near as possible a Dog’s natural ancestral diet.

Grains such as corn, wheat and barley have links to canine allergies. Symptoms range from an upset stomach to itchy flaky skin.
Even if your pet has no allergies, these grains are less digestible. They have limited nutritional value compared to fish/meat.

[2] Taken from a sample of 876 products available on the UK market, 437 were within the 46% – 76% range (June 2017)

We welcome any questions on dog nutrition, so feel free to contact us.