Dog Foods That Produce Less Waste

Dog foods come in many formulations, with a broad range of ingredients and nutrient levels. Choosing specific dog foods and types of ingredients can help minimize the waste your dog produces. This is a good outcome for your dog's body and your cleanup efforts.

  1. A Reflection of Your Dog's Health

    • Dog waste may not be an exciting subject, but it's an important part of your dog's health. His waste is a reflection of nutritional status, diet and food quality. If your dog is experiencing excessive potty trips, it may be a sign that he's not receiving or absorbing enough of his food. It also could mean that his food doesn't contain enough high-quality ingredients. Feeding high-quality foods can help reduce the level of waste, while also supplying his body with more nutrition.

    Focus Foods

    • Dogs are built to eat mostly animal protein, with meat and organ meats forming anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of the diet. Surrounding that should be cooked vegetables, a little fruit and some starches like oatmeal, rice or potatoes. Adding healthy oils like safflower and olive oil will slow digestion and add extra nutrition. This dietary profile is one that's efficient for the dog body and will result in an optimal nutrition intake and less wasteful results.

    Foods That Might be Wasted

    • Foods that your dog can't digest, or foods that don't fit the ideal dog nutrition profile, are more likely to be expelled by your dog's body. These include fillers such as wheat gluten, corn and some animal by-products. Often, these items are added to commercial dog food to add bulk and texture, but they don't add nutrition. Avoiding fillers and focusing on meats, vegetables and other dog-friendly ingredients will lead to less waste and more thorough digestion.

    Watching and Monitoring Your Dog

    • If you determine your dog's current food is giving him potty issues, it's time for a change. Seek out food with quality meats, veggies, oils, fruits and other digestible ingredients. Once you find it, transition your dog slowly so his body can adjust. The last thing you and your dog need is diarrhea due to tummy upset. Transition over a month or so, and monitor potty routines. Ideally, over time his body will normalize and benefit from increased nutritional status.