Hi,

We hope you had a fine weekend.

Today we bring you the latest of our Monday emails taking a different look or a deeper dive into the companies and people who make some of the highest-rated food on DFA — plus the food itself.

(Remember, we’re not paid to promote these brands and they’re reviewed in the same way as all dog foods on the site.)

We all know that high quality fresh dog food has many benefits. You've got good and balanced ingredients put into expert-designed recipes, which are then gently cooked to keep in valuable nutrients. It's pretty obvious, right?

But we asked The Farmer’s Dog for some scientifically supported benefits that you might not be aware of — and then got our in-house nutritionist, Laura Ward, to review the claims. See what they say below.

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Weight-management can promote joint health

Customized portions, as you get with fresh food brands like The Farmer’s Dog, make weight management easier — and keeping your dog trim reduces the risk of several nasty conditions, including arthritis. The addition of Omega-3 fatty acids also helps by reducing inflammation. 

Laura says: “This is true. Keeping your dog at their ideal weight has proven benefits for the reduced risk or later onset of many health conditions. Omega 3 too, particularly sources DHA and EPA, shows great benefits in soothing inflamed joints, as well other health benefits such as supporting cognitive health and skin and coat condition.
 

“Fresh foods which deliver customized portions may help you to keep your dog trim, but you can achieve these benefits by carefully managing your dog’s weight, whatever format their diet. Omega 3, too, is a fantastic addition to fresh recipes and any other diet.”

It’s good for hearts

The Farmer’s Dog uses human-grade protein, including real meat, which, like many fresh foods, is gently cooked to retain nutrients. These include the amino sulfonic acid, taurine, which research has shown helps keep dogs’ hearts healthy.

Laura says: “Quality meat ingredients which provide all eleven amino acids are important for many aspects of canine health, including heart health. Providing sufficient taurine is important for heart health.”

It boosts immune systems

The Omega-3 fatty acids mentioned before have many health benefits and research shows that these long-chain fatty acids boost immune function. The same can be said of phytonutrients found in fresh, gently cooked vegetables like carrots and sweet potato.

Laura says: “Phytonutrients convey many health benefits, from antioxidant action to effects upon the immune system. Without knowing the quantities of each phytonutrient in these recipes, I couldn’t attest to a definite benefit to immune function. However, fresh, gently cooked vegetables deliver many health benefits.”

It may improve dogs’ moods

Studies have shown that dog food made with higher-quality real meat is not only more digestible but provides nutrients that have an affect on mood-influencing hormones like serotonin.

Laura says: “Tryptophan, an amino acid which is a precursor for the hormone serotonin, is found in meat and fish, as well as nuts and seeds. Serotonin is linked to behavior, such as feelings of calm and concentration and even sleep.”

If you want to try The Farmer’s Dog, you can get an exclusive 60% off and free delivery with your first order — but only by clicking through from this email.

You can read our unbiased review of The Farmer’s Dog here.

We’d also like to hear about your personal experiences with The Farmer’s Dog — good, bad or indifferent.

Best wishes,

The Dog Food Advisor Team
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

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