Your dog’s health and well-being are important to you and your family. Not to mention keeping the cost of vet bills down! Therefore, you should carefully consider the food you feed your pet. Sometimes people just pick up the first bag of dog food they see in the store. It’s easy to overlook the importance of what you’re feeding your dog, but choosing the right one is essential.
To keep your pet healthy, he needs plenty of fresh water and must be given good quality food in just the right amounts to meet his energy needs. Always follow the guidelines on the package for recommended feeding amounts.
Selecting the ideal food for your dog
The first challenge when choosing what to feed your pet is choosing one that is of overall quality. The term that comes up a lot is human grade. The human grade implies that the food is good enough for us to eat… Delicious! Many commercial brands are made from materials that are unusable or less desirable for human consumption. Often the meat used in dog food is of a quality that is considered unfit for human consumption.
Major pet food companies try to provide balanced ratios of vitamins and minerals to get the most benefit for your pet. Although you may see many brands have almost identical labels, a reputable company will give you an explanation of each supplement and how it benefits your dog.
Always read the label to see what proteins, vitamins, and minerals the food provides. Try not to use store brands as they do not contain all the nutrition needed to keep your dog healthy.
Studies have shown that the main ingredient in any food you feed your dog should be meat-based protein, not cornmeal, flour, or corn gluten meal. According to reviews, a better quality dog food results in a healthier coat, fewer digestive issues, and firmer stools. Pet nutrition experts agree that the best dog food is made with human-grade ingredients like meat, whole grains, and vegetables. Premium dog food is very important because good nutrition is essential for a long and healthy life.
What are the different diets?
There are many varieties and types of dog food to choose from. The three most popular types are dry, semi-moist, and canned. Check the color of your dog’s food. Foods made from natural ingredients will generally have soft earthy tones and will not contain artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
A raw food diet for dogs it is becoming more popular. More and more veterinarians are recommending raw food feeding. They feel that this is the best option and is the healthiest diet for their dog. After all, you’ve never seen your pet enjoy commercial food the way she enjoys a good, meaty bone.
Raw food advocates concede that the diet costs more than a traditional diet, but argue that it’s well worth it. You may find that it is not easy to find free homemade and natural raw food recipes. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice, and carrots for food. Your hound will thank you.
If you decide to go the commercial route, try and choose a good premium food as it contains more energy and protein than a budget brand. Unfortunately, not all brands contain high-quality, natural ingredients, so always check the label. It is best to consult with your vet before deciding on the best diet for your dog or puppy. He’ll learn about his pet’s dietary needs and discover that vet offices and feed stores often offer excellent, natural dog food.
Going down the dry food route
A good, high-quality dry dog food will be cheaper than generic brands, even though they cost more per pound. The vast majority of dog owners opt for dry food for its convenience and ease of storage. The cheapest versions are made from soy, corn, or rice, while many premium dry foods are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
The All-Natural Dog Food Diet
Many natural dog foods contain only fresh, natural ingredients that are healthy for your dog. Not only are the protein ingredients digestible, but the carbohydrates in the food are also digestible. This style has 100% nutritional value, which is important for strong, healthy dogs. Chicken, eggs and fish are examples of proteins that are provided in this type of food. There are also ingredients that actually help the health of your dog’s skin and also your dog’s coat. One of the main drawbacks of natural foods is that they have a shorter shelf life and can go bad before being used.
Can dogs become vegetarian?
There are diets specially formulated for dogs allergic to wheat, corn and/or chicken. There are also vegetarian dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. Most vegetarian foods use soy as a protein source. If your dog has allergies, consult your veterinarian before putting him on a specialized diet.
In general, it’s usually better to let the dogs enjoy their own food and not ours, even if they prefer what we’re eating! Of course you can feed your dog treats from time to time, all dogs need a little TLC from time to time!