With so many choices on the market today regarding food you can buy for your dog, how does one decide? What is actually the best food for dogs? There is wet food, dry food, and semi-moist food. There is natural, organic and holistic food; raw, homemade and commercial food. Some food is breed-specific and others caters to certain health or organ functions. So what is the answer? Well, it depends. Each dog needs a different diet, but there are some important bottom-lines that will help you decide the safest and healthiest diet for your dog.
One major point to remember is always this: price does not necessarily reflect quality, i.e. the more expensive dog food brands aren't necessarily better. When it comes to commercial dog food (most of what you see in grocery stores, pet stores, etc), although the label may say "Balanced & Complete" and suggest is it healthy for your pet, the ingredient label may read very differently.
The key things to watch out for are pesticides, toxins, dyes, chemicals, preservatives, and worst of all, animal "by-products," which basically means that your dog is being served the stuff from dead animals that can't be sold or used elsewhere. Make sure to read all ingredient lists carefully, and know what you are feeding your precious pup.
Speaking of ingredients, what should dogs be eating? Over time, it has been recognized that the number one ingredient most canine diets should contain (barring any health problems) is protein. Way higher in content than any grain, dogs need protein. The first ingredient listed on any label should be a meat: chicken, lamb, beef, fish, venison. Grain-based diets (such as corn being the highest content ingredient) are unhealthy for most any dog.
Your dogs environment, medical conditions, lifestyle and flavor preference are all important aspects to consider when picking out a dog food. And remember to take into account the life-stage of your pet, i.e. is your dog a puppy, an adult, pregnant and nursing, a senior? The special formulas will increase longevity and overall health. When you find something that seems to fit, try it out for 6-8 weeks, and if your pet responds well (shiny coat, full of energy) then you might have found a good match, so stick with it!
One major point to remember is always this: price does not necessarily reflect quality, i.e. the more expensive dog food brands aren't necessarily better. When it comes to commercial dog food (most of what you see in grocery stores, pet stores, etc), although the label may say "Balanced & Complete" and suggest is it healthy for your pet, the ingredient label may read very differently.
The key things to watch out for are pesticides, toxins, dyes, chemicals, preservatives, and worst of all, animal "by-products," which basically means that your dog is being served the stuff from dead animals that can't be sold or used elsewhere. Make sure to read all ingredient lists carefully, and know what you are feeding your precious pup.
Speaking of ingredients, what should dogs be eating? Over time, it has been recognized that the number one ingredient most canine diets should contain (barring any health problems) is protein. Way higher in content than any grain, dogs need protein. The first ingredient listed on any label should be a meat: chicken, lamb, beef, fish, venison. Grain-based diets (such as corn being the highest content ingredient) are unhealthy for most any dog.
Your dogs environment, medical conditions, lifestyle and flavor preference are all important aspects to consider when picking out a dog food. And remember to take into account the life-stage of your pet, i.e. is your dog a puppy, an adult, pregnant and nursing, a senior? The special formulas will increase longevity and overall health. When you find something that seems to fit, try it out for 6-8 weeks, and if your pet responds well (shiny coat, full of energy) then you might have found a good match, so stick with it!
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