Which is the Best Food for Dogs?
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.
Lastly, take into account all factors of what your dog needs and wants, including the life stage of your dog (puppies, adult maintenance, pregnancy, senior dogs) as well as foods that serve any specific health conditions (dry skin, liver or kidney problems, etc.,). Carefully read ingredient labels and then choose a food that fits your pet's lifestyle, environments, medical conditions and flavor preference. Then try it for 6-8 weeks to see how it affects your pet, and if the result is a healthy looking pet with a shiny coat and lots of energy, you may just have a winner!
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.
Lastly, take into account all factors of what your dog needs and wants, including the life stage of your dog (puppies, adult maintenance, pregnancy, senior dogs) as well as foods that serve any specific health conditions (dry skin, liver or kidney problems, etc.,). Carefully read ingredient labels and then choose a food that fits your pet's lifestyle, environments, medical conditions and flavor preference. Then try it for 6-8 weeks to see how it affects your pet, and if the result is a healthy looking pet with a shiny coat and lots of energy, you may just have a winner!
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