Life4k9 Dog Food Corporation

Why Oven-Baked dog food from LIFE4K9?

Whole Dog Journal Top Approved Dry Dog Food

We have spent years researching the method to create the healthiest dog food. We discovered that besides using ultra low-grade ingredients and unwholesome fillers such as wheat, soy and corn, most dog food companies use the extruded method to cook kibble. Extruding dog food is cooking it at extremely high temperatures for a few seconds with hot steam to produce kibble. Then to make this unpalatable food edible, grease and fats (ick!) are added so dogs will be interested in consuming it. Ever wonder why dog bowls and dog food bags are slimy and lined with grease? Where's the nutrition in those other dogfoods?

If you consumed fried rice each day your entire life you would have allergies and health issues which plague our beloved pets at an alarming rate. You've paid thousands of dollars on vet bills for steroids shots, drugs, Benadryl, cortizone shots, etc and learned the hard way, It's not just about ingredients but how "ya cook it." Consumers are guilty of buying dog food "that tastes good" and is cheaper, but it is really not about nutrition. Other dog food brands can brag about being free-range, organic, no corn.. but the end result is how you cook it with those ingredients. Extruded is cheaper, both in price AND quality.

With Oven-Baked dog food, the kibble and its ingredients are mixed together, along with real human-grade real chicken or lamb, and baked at 350° for about 30 minutes. Just like how we bake our own meals! Oven-baking produces a healthier kibble by baking out the naturally-occurring oils. Our ingredients are of the highest quality as well, notably human-grade quality. Sweet Potatoes, Barley, Dried Yucca, Rosemary, and Sage are a few of our wholesome ingredients in our formulas.

It's important to buy US dog food using only US-sourced ingredients. LIFE4K9 is subject to the rules and regulations set by over 50 Departments of Agriculture, USDA, FDA.. etc. Other brand dog foods sourced from other countries are not regulated like a US company. Made in the USA foods follow higher standards and more restrictive processes ensuring the highest quality in both safety and taste.

Yes, most dog foods are cheaper, but honestly we found you will pay more in medical bills throughout your pet's life by feeding low-grade, poorly processed dog foods. Do not compromise your loved one's quality of life! Our reason for naming our company LIFE4K9, was the promise to formulate wholesome and healthful recipes for the entire LIFE of our pets.

We ask that you not just shop for proper ingredients but come full circle with LIFE4K9 Oven-Baked dog food and get on the path of good nutrition. We're so confident you will see a healthier and happier pet, we guarantee our entire product line!

HEALTHY PET FOODS BAKED VERSUS EXTRUDED

Extrusion process is as follows:
The dry mix is fed in to the extrusion chamber Water, Oil and Steam is added to moisten the mixture

The mixture is cooked in the extrusion chamber at very high temperature
The dough is forced through small openings in the die at 2,500 psi pressure
The extruded product is exposed to ambient pressure and temperature
The product enters dryer, where it is subject to 350*F temperature for 30-40 minutes
The product is cooled to ambient temperature by forced air
Cool product is coated with oil and palatability enhancer.

Baked Process is as follows:

Dry ingredients are added to the mixer, where liquid ingredients such as oil, fresh meat and water are added
The ingredients are mixed under ambient conditions until cohesive dough is formed
The dough is pass through two rollers to form a sheet
The sheet is pressed against a die to form shapes of kibble or biscuits
The product is conveyed to an oven, where it is baked at 350 for about 30 minutes.
The baked product is conveyed in to the dryer to bring it to 10% to 12% moisture level.
Product is cooled to ambient temperature.

Since in extrusion process, the dough is cooked at very high temperatures inside the extrusion chamber and then forced through a die at high pressure, many of the vitamins are destroyed. When the formed dough exits the die, exposure to ambient condition results in flash evaporation of various flavor components. Therefore, the product is nutritionally deficient and also is void of any flavor. The high pressure also denatures the protein, resulting in deficiency in amino acid balance. The resultant product has lower bioavailability of protein. In order to overcome the loss of flavor, the product must be coated with fat and other kinds of palatability enhancers such as “digests”. On the other hand, baked product is not subjected to extreme high temperatures and pressures. The ambient conditions keep the nutrition intact. Vitamin losses are at a minimum.

The baking process, results in what we call “caramalizing” effect. The browning of meat and other ingredients give it savory flavor, liked by the animals. This enhances the palatability of product. Since protein is not denatured, the bioavailability of protein is very high.

In summary, baked pet food is far superior to extruded food, due to better nutrition and higher palatability. Baked food is much more expensive, because it is a slower process, to retain nutrition and flavor.

GRAIN FREE PET FOODS
Many pet food companies are jumping on the “Grain Free” band wagon, trying to convince the consumer that all grains are bad for the pets. Some people believe that pets are allergic to grains. It is true to some extent. It has been shown that many pets are allergic to wheat, soy and corn, while some are allergic to glutens. However, majority of pets can thrive on healthy grains such as oats, barley and rye. The grains have complex carbohydrates, which provide quick energy for the pets. Also, grains contain some of the vitamins, minerals and amino acids which are lacking in meats. Therefore, in order to have a balanced diet, one must include grains in the pet food.

Cats and dogs in the wild hunt for animals which eat mostly grains and vegetables. The hunting animals eat the contents of their prey’s stomach first. This is mostly grains and vegetables. Healthy diets must be balanced with adequate amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates and fiber. This can be achieved only by a diet that contains meat, fruits, vegetables and grains.