In order to choose the right food for your dog, start by learning what the wrong ingredients look like on a label. You can avoid rendered mystery meat by not buying food with generic ingredients like “meat meal” or just “meat.” Ingredient lists that start with whole, easily identifiable proteins are best. For instance, chicken and chicken meal are better than the more generic “chicken by-product.”

It’s also important to know which ingredients dogs need for complete nutrition, and different dogs require a different balance of nutrients. As the study results state, “Dogs need the right combination of protein, fat, moisture, fiber, and nutrients to live healthy, happy lives.” The right combination may vary based on your dog’s life stage and health, and your vet can help you determine what to watch out for.

The wrong combination of ingredients can lead to health issues like digestive problems and allergic reactions. The dog experts interviewed all agreed that bad food can also lead to bad mental health. According to one trainer quoted, “If not healthy and feeling good, the dog cannot focus or concentrate.” It makes sense, especially if you think about your dog’s diet compared to your own: in general, healthful meals make us feel better, and junk food makes us feel, well, junky. It’s the same for dogs.