If you resided in an ideal world, all dog foods would have the same ingredients but in the world we live in, owners of dogs are confused with the plethora of options that they get once they enter the market. There are too many dog food owners in the market who all claim to provide you with the best foods for your four-legged friends. There are complications however, large breed puppy food needs to contain different nutrients compared to small breed puppy food, which can be confusing. Due to the fact that you may feel frustrated wading through so many choices and choosing the most affordable yet healthy choice, we have compiled a list to narrow down your options.
Dog food – When is it called ‘Good’?
Majority of the dog owners feed their dogs wet canned food or dry kibble. All these are processed foods which might not be suitable for your pets but they do contain all sorts of vital nutrients that are required for a pet’s good health. Good quality dog foods are regulated and they usually undergo lots of tests by the vet specialists. What makes dog foods good?
Unlike cats, dogs are not always considered as carnivores. Though meat constitutes the major part of their diet, dogs that are kept as pets can also get their essential nutrients from fruits, grains and veggies. Such foods aren’t just deemed as fillers but they are also the source of minerals, vitamins and fiber. Dog food that is considered as ‘good’ will certainly constitute vegetables, meat, fruits and grains. All these have a great impact on the digestive system of your pet. For the best chew bones for your dog, you may click here.
Nutritious dog food – What does it constitute?
The best dog food for your four-legged friend should be able to fulfill his nutritional requirements. Though a majority of the dog food companies formulate the foods with the minimum nutrition yet it is vital to remember that the nutritional requirements for all dogs are not the same. To meet your pet’s nutritional requirements, you can enhance your dog food with some vitamin powder (check this helpful site for more information).
Throughout the course of their life span, a dog might need different range of nutrients in various quantities. Like for instance, the nutritional needs of an adult dog are different from that of a puppy. In case you’re not sure about these nutritional differences, you may check out the Merck Veterinary Manual as they have a long list of the best nutrients that dogs need at different stages of life. Furthermore, dogs might be capable of consuming many of the same foods that humans consume, which may have benefits such as improved breath, better joint strength, and allergy resistance. You can research what dogs can eat and then consult a veterinarian to see if you can give them to your canine friend.
Reading the label of a dog food properly
Reading the label is the best way to decipher whether or not a particular dog food is good or bad. Labels can often be misleading. As per instructions from the FDA, dog food labels should tell you about 8 main pieces of information like:
- Name of the product
- Address and name of the manufacturer
- Total weight of the product
- Ingredient list
- Guaranteed analysis
- Statement of nutritional sufficiency
- Intended species of animals (whether cat or dog)
- Guidelines for feeding
It is entirely up to you to decide which dog food is perfect for your dog. It is you who sees the dog on a regular basis and hence none other than you can decide on what is best for your pet.
