Top 5 Trends in the Premium Dog Food Industry for 2023

Posted on by K9 University Chicago
Top Trends in Premium Dog Food in 2023

Eating healthy is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Dog parents are advised to invest in premium dog food that reduces the risk of digestive issues and is made with quality ingredients that promote optimal health. They boost immunity, improve coat and skin health, and help dogs maintain a healthy weight. Current trends in the premium dog food industry are setting the standards for high-quality food. This article will review those trends, so you know what to look for when shopping for your dog’s meals.

Alternative Protein Sources for Dogs: The Latest Trend in Premium Dog Food

Protein is a valuable part of your dog’s diet. It is a source of amino acids that benefit skin, hair, nails, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and cartilage.

But some dogs are allergic to certain proteins. Additionally, some pet owners may want to use plant-based proteins as opposed to meat proteins which are harmful to animals and the environment.

There are various proteins you can try adding to your pet’s diet. These include plant-based sources like:

  • Soy
  • Quinoa
  • Buckwheat

And meat-based sources like:

  • Salmon
  • Duck
  • Turkey

Going Grain-Free: Why More Pet Owners Are Opting for Grain-Free Foods

Grain-free diets replace corn and rice grains with legumes as a carbohydrate source. The idea is to give dogs less to digest so they don’t experience digestive issues. It’s an ideal meal routine for dogs that are allergic to grains.

A grain-free diet is also said to yield other benefits like:

  • Better skin
  • Better breath
  • Smaller stools
  • More energy

It may also benefit pregnant dogs as it offers optimal nutrients to puppies before birth.

However, some research suggests that grain-free diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that decreases the heart’s ability to pump blood. If your dog is on a grain-free diet, he/she should be monitored by a vet.

Limited Ingredient Diets: A New Approach to Premium Dog Food

As the name suggests, limited ingredient dog food is formulated with a limited number of ingredients. The idea is to reduce the ingredients your dog is exposed to, to determine the source of food allergies. There are no clear guidelines for what’s included in limited-ingredient dog food, but it will generally have one alternate-source protein and one out-of-the-ordinary carbohydrate.

Limited-ingredient dog food doesn’t necessarily mean high-quality dog food. It’s important to source yours from a brand you can trust. These include:

  • Natural Balance
  • Wellness
  • Zignature
  • Blue Buffalo

Raw Feeding: The Controversial but Growing Trend in Premium Dog Food

Raw feeding involves switching out processed dog foods for all-natural ingredients. A raw feeding diet will reduce processed foods that can cause disease. It provides several benefits including:

  • Improved skin and coat
  • Increased joint and bone health
  • Better immunity
  • Improved dental health
  • Reduced stool odor and volume

You can source your own raw food ingredients, but it will be challenging to find the right balance of ingredients. It can also be quite expensive. You may be better off with a recommended raw feeding brand such as:

  • Raw Wild Dog Food
  • Raw Bistro Dog Food
  • Steve’s Real Dog Food
  • Small Batch Raw Frozen Dog Food
  • Stewart’s Raw Naturals Dog Food

Customized Meal Plans: The Future of Premium Dog Food?

Customized meal plans are like meal delivery programs for humans. You fill out a questionnaire about your dog’s dietary needs. The company uses the information to create a suitable personalized plan. They will deliver the meals as scheduled.

Customized meal plans offer several benefits to dogs and dog owners, such as:

  • Healthy meals customized to the dog’s dietary needs
  • Owners no longer have to shop for dog food and stress about ingredients

Several companies offer customized meal plans including:

  • The Farmer’s Dog
  • My Ollie
  • Perfectly Rawsome
  • Daily Dog Food Recipes
  • Just Right Dog Food

K9U Premium Dog Food Trends

K9U Offers Free Premium Dog Food Delivery to Our Clients

K9U makes it easier for you to feed your dog a healthy diet by providing free delivery of premium dog food to clients who use our daycare and boarding transport service. We offer a variety of brands and dog food varieties made with high-quality ingredients. The brands we carry include:

We offer various services including dog boarding, training, grooming, puppy parties, and play activities. Our Activities for Dogs engage your canine in activities that teach them respect and help them maintain a healthy weight. Visit our blog to find out valuable dietary tips about which foods to give your dog and what they should be eating.

Enhance Your Dog’s Health With Premium Dog Food Trends

Alternative protein, grain-free options, limited ingredient diets, raw feeding, and customized meal plans must be considered in creating a healthy meal plan for your dog. If you are unsure of which choices to make, visit the K9U premium dog food page to try out some of our recommended brands. We are committed to helping your dog achieve optimal health.