LogoPet-1.png
BestForPets is reader-supported. Your purchases via our links may earn us an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our Affiliate Disclaimer

Dog Foods Made in the USA: The Secret To Your Dog’s Health And Happiness

As a dog owner, you want to provide your furry friend with the highest-quality food possible.

You may have heard that dog food made in the USA is superior to imported food, but do you know why? And where can you find the best American-made dog food? This article aims to answer these questions and more.

BestForPets will explain what "made in the USA" means for dog food, provide tips on how to select the best one for your dog, and highlight some of the top US-made dog foods on the market.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of American-made dog food and how to choose the best option for your pet.

icon Vet Approved
icon Reviewed & Fact - Checked by

Deborah R. Fletcher (DVM)

Veterinarian

The information provided is current and up-to-date, in line with the latest research conducted in the field of veterinary medicine.

Read more icon

1. What Does “Made In The USA” Mean For Dog Foods?

When you see the phrase “Made in the USA” on the label of dog food, you may assume that it indicates that the ingredients are domestic. However, this is not always the case.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), “Made in the USA” denotes that “all or virtually all” of the product’s ingredients and processing are of American origin, meaning that the product should contain zero or negligible amounts of foreign material.

However, this does not imply that all of the ingredients in dog food produced in the United States are sourced domestically.

Some dog foods may contain foreign ingredients, such as lamb from New Zealand or poultry from France, but still bear the “Made in the USA” label because they are processed and packaged in the United States.

This does not necessarily mean that these foreign ingredients are harmful or dangerous for your dog. Some foreign ingredients may be of higher quality or more sustainable than their American counterparts.

However, it does mean that you should not presume that all dog food produced in the United States contains only domestically sourced ingredients.

The good news is that any dog food manufactured in the United States is still subject to FDA and AAFCO regulations, regardless of the origin of its ingredients.

The FDA and AAFCO regulate the safety, quality, and nutritional standards of dog food, so you can trust that any dog food prepared in the United States is safe and nutritious for your pet.

2. Why Do So Many People Choose Dog Food Made in The USA?

Many dog owners prefer domestically produced dog food over imported brands. However, what are the reasons behind this preference? And is American dog food truly superior to that produced abroad?

The quality of U.S.-made dog food is one of the primary reasons why people choose to purchase this product.

The United States has stringent regulations and manufacturing standards for pet food, ensuring that the products are secure, wholesome, and consistently manufactured.

The FDA and AAFCO supervise the pet food industry and enforce regulations for labeling, ingredients, testing, and recalls. Safety is another reason why people choose American-made dog food.

Food safety and sanitation standards are high in the United States, preventing contamination and disease outbreaks.

Additionally, the United States has a reliable system for monitoring and tracing ingredients, making it easier to identify and recall problematic products.

Nutrition is a third reason why consumers choose American-made dog food. The United States has access to numerous high-quality ingredients, including meat, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, and supplements.

These ingredients provide a complete and balanced diet for canines, catering to their specific dietary requirements and preferences.

However, not all dog foods produced in the United States are equal. Some brands may use foreign ingredients that are of inferior quality or safety to domestic ingredients.

For instance, some brands may use lamb from New Zealand or duck from France, which may have different regulations or standards than the United States.

Therefore, it is essential to determine the origin of the ingredients and whether they are organic, non-GMO, or human-grade. Dog food produced in the United States is not necessarily superior to dog food prepared abroad.

Some foreign nations may have comparable or even higher regulations and standards than the United States. Additionally, some foreign ingredients may be of higher quality or more sustainable than their American counterparts.

Therefore, it is essential to investigate the brand’s reputation, history, and manufacturing procedures, as well as its country of origin, before purchasing any dog food for your pet.

In conclusion, many individuals choose dog food made in the United States due to its high-quality, safety, and nutritional value. However, these factors may vary depending on the product’s brand and ingredients. It is important to carefully examine the label and conduct research before purchasing any dog food for your pet.

3. How To Choose The Best Dog Foods Made In The USA?

Production line in the food factory

If you’re looking for the best food for your dog, here are some factors to consider when purchasing dog food made in the United States:

1. Ingredients

The most important consideration is the quality and origin of the dog food’s ingredients. Look for natural, nutritious, and high-quality ingredients that meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

Avoid artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and additives that may be harmful to your dog’s health. Determine the origin of the ingredients and whether they are organic, non-GMO, or human-grade.

2. Formulas

The formula of the dog food is the next factor to consider. Choose a formula that is appropriate for your dog’s life stage, activity level, health condition, and preferences.

Dogs with allergies or sensitivities may require hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient formulations.

3. Brands

Consider the brand’s reputation, history, and manufacturing practices.

Find out how long the brand has been in business, where its products are manufactured, how its ingredients are sourced, and what quality control and safety measures it employs.

Look for a brand with a solid track record of customer satisfaction and reliability.

4. Reviews

If you’re looking for ways to determine the best dog foods made in the USA for your furry friend, one useful approach is to read honest and objective customer reviews mentioning both the advantages and disadvantages of the products, as discussed in our article “Best Dog Foods Made In The USA.”

Check websites like Amazon, etc. for honest and objective reviews that mention both the product’s advantages and disadvantages.

Consider the product’s impact on your dog’s health, appetite, digestion, energy level, coat condition, and more.

5. Price

Finally, consider the cost and value of the dog food made in the United States. Compare the prices of various products and brands to determine which offers the best value.

Consider factors such as ingredient quality, formula variety, package size, and shipping costs. Remember that when it comes to the health and wellbeing of your companion, cheap is not always good.

4. Conclusion

Stack of coins with USA America flag on dollar banknotes

Choosing an American-made dog food for your pet is a smart decision.

Typically, dog food made in the United States is safe and of higher quality than imported dog food. Additionally, they offer a wide range of formulations and flavors to suit your dog’s preferences.

However, not all dog foods produced in the United States are created equal.

When selecting the best food for your dog, consider the quality and origin of the ingredients, the formula, the brand, customer reviews, and price.

Be sure to determine the origin of the ingredients and whether they are organic, non-GMO, or of human-grade quality.

BestForPets hopes this article has assisted you in finding the best dog food made in the United States. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Author Image

Dr. Ramona Terrell

Dr. Terrell has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Wildlife Conservation Society, in addition to her professional affiliations. She is the Veterinarian Director of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Exotic Animal Health Program.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Ramona Terrell

Comment

0.0
Rated 0 out of 5
0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Related articles