The description “Super Premium” is often attached to many types of dog food formulas. Since this phrase is so commonly used, it can be difficult to actually understand what “Super Premium” means. In general, dog food formulas are subject to a general scale that measures the quality of the ingredients contained in a formula.
Defining True Super Premium Dog Food
In order for a dog food formula to be classified as “super premium”, there are a few requirements. The ingredients of a super premium dog food formula should be high quality, at least with the “human grade” classification. The ingredients should never include fur, beaks, feet, or other parts of an animal that are generally considered inedible. The formula should also be free of artificial colors, artificial flavors or chemical preservatives. Most super premium dog food formulas are preserved with vitamin E, or rosemary extract. The primary protein sources in a dog food formula should be animal-based, with a lower percentage of vegetable-based proteins. The types of meat should be high-quality muscle meat, without a high percentage of dangerous fats. It’s also best if a super premium dog food formula has its ingredients cooked at low temperatures, since this preserves more of the nutrients in the food.
In addition to this, super premium dog food formulas should be free of corn, wheat, soy and other ingredients that are commonly used as cheap fillers. These ingredients may also cause food-based allergic reactions in some dogs.
Feeding Dogs Super Premium Food
Not all dogs are able to adapt to eating super premium dog food formulas right away. If your dog has been fed a low quality corn-based dog food formula, they may not be able to digest high quality foods at first. This is usually the period of time where your dog may experience vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach. However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean that a formula is not good for your dog. It simply means that your dog has a sensitive digestive system, and is having trouble adapting to the higher quality formula. This is most common in dogs that have been fed a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet for an extended period of time.
What to Look For
In most cases, a good super premium dog food formula will be significantly more expensive than an economy formula. This is due to several factors. Since the ingredients in super premium dog food formulas are of better quality, they are more expensive, resulting in a higher price for the food. Super premium dog food formulas also tend to be more “nutrient dense”, which means that your dog will need to consume a lower amount of the formula in order to have their nutritional needs met.
It’s best if at least two of the first five ingredients in your dog’s formula are protein-based. The ingredients are listed in order of which ingredients make up the bulk of the food. Avoid formulas that have an ingredient list that is dominated by carbohydrates, such as grains, starches and rice.