When it comes to your dogs dinner every ingredient has a part to play.
At the Natural Dog Food Company we carefully select the ingredients that go into our recipes because we believe great nutrition starts with goof quality, natural ingredients. Our Original range combines quality meat with a selection of fruits, vegetables and other natural ingredients to create nutritious, balanced meals for dogs.
One of the ingredients you may spot in our recipes is apple. It might seem like an unusual addition to dog food but there is a good reason we include it.
So lets take a closer look at what is in the bowl and discover why apple has earned its place in our Original range.
Why apple?
Apple is a naturally nutritious fruit that can make a useful contribution to a dogs diet. We include apple as part of the wider combination of fruits, vegetables and other ingredients in our Original recipes. Rather than relying on one ingredient to provide everything a dog needs our approach is about bringing different ingredients together so they complement one another. Apple naturally contains fibre and antioxidants as well as a range of vitamins and minerals. These naturally occurring nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional value of the food. For us it is all about choosing ingredients that have a purpose and combining them thoughtfully.
A natural source of antioxidants
One of the reasons we include apple in our Original recipes is because it provides naturally occurring antioxidants. Antioxidants are part of the body’s natural defence system and help protect cells from oxidative stress. Including a variety of fruit and vegetables in a dogs diet can therefore contribute to a diverse range of naturally occurring plant nutrients. Apple is one small part of that bigger picture. We don’t believe that one ingredient can do everything. Instead we choose a variety of natural ingredients so that each can contribute something different to the finished recipe.
A source of fibre
Apple also provides dietary fibre. Fibre is an important part of a balanced diet and plays a role in normal digestive function. Including natural sources of fibre within a recipe can contribute to the overall balance of the food. In our Original range apple works alongside other ingredients to help create a recipe with a variety of nutritional components. It is another example of why we look beyond simply the main source of protein when developing our food.
Apple are naturally nutritious
Apples contain a range of naturally occurring nutrients including vitamin C and other plant compounds. Of course the nutritional contribution of apple depends on the amount included within a complete recipe. That is why we don’t look at ingredients in isolation. Instead we consider the recipe as a whole. Our Original range brings together carefully selected ingredients including meat, fruits, vegetables and other natural ingredients. Together they form the basis of our approach to complete everyday nutrition.
It is what is in the whole bowl that counts
When choosing food for your dog it is easy to focus on individual ingredients. You might look at the protein source first then check the vegetables, fruits and other ingredients listed on the packaging but the most important thing is how everything works together.
At The Natural Dog Food Company, our Original range has been created around the idea that good nutrition comes from providing dogs with a carefully considered combination of ingredients. Our recipes use human-grade meats, fruits and vegetables, with no artificial ingredients. We also avoid wheat, maize, dairy and soya. Apple is therefore not included simply because it sounds good on an ingredients list. It forms part of a wider recipe designed to provide a nutritious and enjoyable meal for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Apple?
Fresh apple can be enjoyed by dogs when it is prepared appropriately and given in sensible quantities. If you’re offering fresh apple as an occasional treat, remember that dogs should not be given the apple core or stem, and apple seeds should be removed. As with any new food, introduce it gradually and keep portions appropriate for your dog.
What’s in Your Dog’s Bowl?
Next time you look at your dog’s dinner, take a closer look at the ingredients. That apple isn’t just there for decoration. It contributes naturally occurring fibre, antioxidants and other nutrients to the recipe, while adding to the variety of ingredients in your dog’s meal.
Discover more about the ingredients and other Natural Dog Food Company products on our website.
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