It all depends on the source material that goes into the composition of dog food, both the canned variety as well as the kibble. In general, the dry food combines a balanced combination of nutrient sources, but this is done with respect to basic nutritional principles without regard to the true variety within nature. So it is more akin to a synthetic substitute, as sometimes the chemical constituents are not natural, but even those things which are derived from foodstuffs may be subjected to harsh processing or extraction methods that create alterations undesirable for an ideal utilization by the body. If you think about this question, you will see quickly it is an arena as complex as the issue of human diet in all its variations.
We applaud you for looking into this because this is something most people would not bother to do but yet cries out for help. Many companion animals die younger than necessary because of improper diets weakening them and making them more vulnerable to karmic discord that is inevitable, as well as other sources of illness, including stress. You are seeing that your dear canine seems obsessed of late with chewing on leaves of many weeds in the parkway as you walk him daily. That is actually a sign of an inner awareness there is something missing in the diet, and this is awakening an inner instinct to forage. Animals left in their native habitat, intended for them to exist within, have many inner instincts for seeking out useful phytonutrients. When in the proper habitat, eventually they will run across those plants of particular value and, in the meantime, might try eating anything they run across as your dog is doing. So those particular weeds are not necessarily helpful but a sign of dietary inadequacy.
Please login or Register to submit your answer