The ingredient label tells you almost everything about a dog food's quality. Here's a simple guide to the best ingredients to look for—and the fillers and additives worth avoiding.
Best ingredients to look for
- Named, human-grade meat (e.g., beef, chicken, turkey, salmon) as the foundation
- Organ meats for natural vitamins and minerals
- Whole fruits & vegetables (blueberries, cranberries, kale, green beans)
- Omega-rich fish oil for skin, coat, and joints
- Natural antioxidants and chelated minerals
Ingredients to avoid
- Corn, wheat, and soy fillers
- Meat "meal" and by-product of unclear origin
- Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
- Added sugars and excessive starches
Why this matters
Whole-food ingredients are more digestible and nutrient-dense, which often means better energy, a shinier coat, and smaller, firmer stools. Loyal Saints is built on human-grade meat and whole foods—no corn, soy, wheat, GMOs, or artificial additives—and is AAFCO complete and balanced.
See exactly what's inside on Why Freeze-Dried? or shop the formulas.
Frequently asked questions
What are the healthiest dog food ingredients?
Named human-grade meats, organ meats, whole fruits and vegetables, and omega-rich fish oil—without fillers or artificial additives.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
Corn, wheat, soy, unnamed by-products, and artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
Is grain-free always better?
Not necessarily—what matters most is whole-food quality and balance. Loyal Saints is grain-free and AAFCO complete and balanced.
Feed ingredients you can pronounce. Use code KING40 for 40% off your first order. Shop all formulas →
