What should natural mean for your dog?

Veterinarians agree: Animal proteins are best. Check the label on puppy and adult maintenance dog foods. Is chicken or lamb listed as the first ingredient? This is important for your dog's well being.

Survey results*: 4 out of 5 Veterinarians agreed that the best and most natural way to feed healthy, adult dogs is with diets rich in animal-based protein.

But dog owners should be very concerned about any food that emphasizes vegetables or vegetable-based proteins like corn gluten meal. In dogs, these proteins can actually reduce muscle mass and increase body fat, contributing to a decline in total body condition.

Eukanuba dog food formulas use all-natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals. These foods...

• Emphasize animal proteins like chicken, lamb, and egg - the most natural and nutritionally sound way to feed a dog.
• Contain wholesome grains, with a patented carbohydrate blend to improve digestive health and maintain consistent energy levels.
• Allow your dog to thrive, for a long, healthy life.

Check the front of dog food packages.

Brands that use the word "with" before the ingredient chicken, beef or lamb may have as little as 3% of that ingredient. These foods will often compensate for lower animal protein content with less expensive ingredients and fillers. Those ingredients may not be bad - but they are an inferior substitute for high quality animal proteins.

Veterinarians agree: Dogs need the majority of their protein from animal sources. In fact, up to 90% of the protein in dog foods should come from animal sources, such as chicken or lamb.

That's the natural and best way to feed a dog.

*These findings are drawn from a July 2002 telephone survey, conducted by an independent research company with veterinarians across the United States, all of whom are full-time, general-practice veterinarians, with 70% or more of their individual practices treating dogs and/or cats.