Is IAMS a Good Dog Food

Overview of IAMS Ownership and History

Founded in 1946, IAMS is a well known dog food brand, now owned by Mars, Inc., a giant in the pet industry. Over the years, IAMS has changed ownership multiple times: originally bought by Clayton Mathile, an employee, in 1982, it was sold to Procter & Gamble in 1999, then to Mars, Inc. in 2014 for $2.9 billion. Mars also owns several other pet brands, including Pedigree, Royal Canin, and Nutro, as well as multiple veterinary care providers.

IAMS Dry Dog Food: Ingredient Quality and Safety Concerns

When choosing food for your dog, ingredient quality and safety are top priorities. Many pet owners ask, “Is IAMS a good dog food?” IAMS dry dog food is known for providing balanced nutrition, but it’s important to examine the quality of its ingredients and any potential safety concerns to ensure it’s the best choice for your pet’s health.

High Carbohydrate Content

IAMS dry dog food averages around 49.5% carbohydrates, which is considered excessive for dogs. High carbohydrates are often added to lower production costs. Still, dog food can lead to various health issues, including obesity, gut imbalances, and elevated insulin levels.

Added Vitamins and Minerals

Excessive added vitamins and minerals can indicate that natural ingredients are insufficient in nutrients. This often results from processing, where nutrients are lost and must be artificially added back.

Added Amino Acids

IAMS includes amino acids like DL-methionine to compensate for lower quality protein sources. In premium foods, these amino acids are typically provided by animal proteins, which are more bioavailable and nutritionally complete.

Unnamed Animal Ingredients

IAMS dry food contains unnamed animal ingredients like “fish oil,” which can be from any fish source. This lack of specificity can mean lower quality ingredients, which may be processed from animal by products or waste.

High Processing Levels

Ultra-processed dog foods undergo multiple rounds of heating, which breaks down essential nutrients, vitamins, and phytonutrients, potentially leading to long-term health concerns.

Use of Pesticide/Herbicide Heavy Ingredients

Common grains in IAMS dog food, like sorghum and barley, are often treated with pesticides or herbicides. These chemicals can leave residues, such as glyphosate, an antibiotic that can kill gut bacteria and has been linked to health risks.

GMO Ingredients

IAMS dry dog food contains genetically modified corn, a controversial ingredient. GMO crops can have lower nutrient values than their non-GMO counterparts. They can impact the soil’s nutrient levels, requiring higher pesticide usage.

Artificial Additives

Ingredients like caramel color, natural flavor, and titanium dioxide are used to make the food more appealing but are linked to potential health issues, including gastrointestinal irritation and even cancer risks.

IAMS Canned Dog Food: Ingredient Quality and Safety Concerns

When choosing food for your dog, ingredient quality and safety are top priorities. Many pet owners ask, “Is IAMS a good dog food?” IAMS canned dog food is known for providing balanced nutrition, but it’s important to examine the quality of its ingredients and any potential safety concerns to ensure it’s the best choice for your pet’s health.

High Carbohydrate Content

Although canned dog food generally has lower carbohydrates, IAMS dog food averages around 23%. This is still considered high for wet food, and it affects insulin levels and weight.

Added Vitamins and Minerals

Like dry food, IAMS canned dog food includes added vitamins and minerals. Ideally, these nutrients would be sourced from whole ingredients, which provide better absorption.

Added Amino Acids and Plant Proteins

Lower-quality canned dog food, including IAMS, often compensates for reduced animal protein with added amino acids and plant proteins. These proteins are less digestible for dogs and may not provide a complete range of amino acids.

Ingredient Transparency Issues

Similar to their dry food line, IAMS canned food contains unnamed animal ingredients like “fish oil” and “meat by products,” which can come from less desirable protein sources.

Processing Concerns

Canned dog food undergoes high temperature cooking to preserve shelf life, which can reduce nutrient levels and lead to long term health issues, including gastrointestinal sensitivities.

Risk of Contaminants

The canned formulas also include ingredients like barley and rice, which are known to absorb arsenic. This heavy metal is linked to chronic health issues and can accumulate over time.

Potential Harmful Additives

Ingredients like carrageenan are used as a thickening agent, and synthetic preservatives are added to the formula. Carrageenan has been associated with inflammation and other health concerns.

Additional Concerns Across IAMS Dog Food Lines

Ingredient Splitting

IAMS sometimes uses an ” ingredient splitting technique,” where subcategories of the same ingredient (like corn or rice) are listed separately. This practice can make the main protein ingredient appear higher on the list than it actually is, potentially misleading consumers.

Glam Ingredients

Some recipes include “glam” ingredients, like fruits and vegetables, which are negligible amounts and do not offer meaningful nutritional benefits.

Lack of Sourcing Transparency

Mars Inc., the parent company, does not disclose whether the fish used in IAMS dog food is farmed or wild caught. Farmed fish, for example, is considered less nutritious than wild caught.

Recall History

IAMS has had multiple recalls for salmonella contamination and mold growth. Although these recalls don’t automatically mean all IAMS products are unsafe, they highlight potential lapses in quality control.

Ingredient Quality and Safety

For both dry and canned food lines, IAMS scores relatively low on ingredient quality due to:

• High carbohydrate content.
• Dependence on added vitamins and minerals.
• Usage of unnamed animal ingredients.
• GMO ingredients and pesticides are heavy crops.

Safety concerns are also notable, as the processing methods used in IAMS foods contribute to nutrient loss, and including potential toxins (such as arsenic in rice) and artificial additives adds risks.

Bottom Line

Is IAMS a good dog food? IAMS provides basic dog nutrition and is popular in the market, but it has some drawbacks. The brand uses high carb ingredients and additives and has had recalls, which raise concerns about quality and safety. While it’s affordable, pet owners seeking top-quality, healthier options may want to explore other brands with more natural, less processed ingredients.

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