Saturday, December 31, 2011

When It Comes To Choosing Healthy Foods For Your Dog

By Danielle Russell


Larger and more diverse than ever before are today's pet food market. This will present a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog even though it offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food. Which is suitable for a dog: generic or store brands? Have you considered familiar name brands? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? It's true that loving dog owners deserve to have answers for all of these valid questions.

Considering Some Dog Food

You need to consider several factors when you are choosing the right food for your dog. Different nutritional needs are what different dogs have during the different stages in their lives. When you are choosing the food you will give your dog, there are some things you have to consider.

The Dog's Age

Just as human children have different needs than adult people, puppies also have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Selecting food that is appropriate for your dog's stage in life is what you would need to do as well.

What about Your Dog's Health?

Perhaps your dog has a specific medical condition. If so, then make sure that the food you choose is partially dictated by that condition. Low-glucose foods are what diabetic dogs need and for dogs with specific allergies, since dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things just like people, they may require certain foods. Your veterinarian can help you choose foods that are appropriate for a dog with a specific medical condition.

Consider the Dog's Size or Body Type

You will notice that some dogs are overweight. Then there are those that are underweight. Some have a natural tendency to get lots of exercise while others tend to prefer to lie around a lot. Of course, aside from small, medium, and large dogs, there are also the ultra-tiny 'toy' dogs. Different requirements for the type of food they need as well as how much of it is what all of these different types of dogs will have.

Consider Your Budget

When it comes to dog food, it can be expensive and there is no doubt about it. Speaking of dog food, the rule here states that you will get what you pay for. Low cost generics and store brands are made with cheap ingredients and lots of fillers which is why even though they will lighten the burden on your wallet, they are not the healthiest choice for your dog. Buying the best dog food you can on your budget is what you should do to help ensure the nutrition of your dog.




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