There's no denying that one of the most basic needs of dogs is proper nutrition. It's also one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy. Thousands of food options exist for dogs so choosing one for your own pet can be quite a struggle.
Opinions about canine nutrition vary among vets, breeders, trainers and other dog owners. The bottom line: experts don't always agree on the best type of dog food because there is not just one answer.
Ultimately, you are the one who needs to decide what food best suits your dog. Do a lot of research so you can make an informed decision. Here are some things to do before you choose.
There's a lot of information about nutrition available on the Web. Always use caution - not all the information you find is reliable. Your vet is one of your best resources. If you still have questions, you may want to ask for a referral to a nutritionist.
In general, dog food choices boil down to the following categories: holistic or natural commercial diets, veterinary prescription diets, premium dog food, economy or generic dog food and homemade or raw diets.
Commercial diets are usually available in wet or dry. Decide which category best suits your dog then start researching food companies or homemade diets.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed profiles for dog and puppy nutrition. These standards are reflected on the dog food label. This information will give you an idea of the food's content. But be aware that labels can be misleading. Just because a food meets AAFCO requirements doesn't mean it's the best food for your dog.
Look for food companies that exceed AAFCO guidelines and use high-quality ingredients that are human-grade if possible. Avoid foods that contain chemical preservatives and fillers like wheat, corn and soy.
Once you've done your research and decided on a general food category, ask others for their opinions about specific brands or recipes. Your veterinarian is a great place to start. You can also talk to dog breeders, trainers and groomers for more advice. Your local pet supply store may also be of assistance, especially if it is a smaller, independent shop that carries top-quality diets.
Keep in mind that different dogs can react differently to the same food. Use the information you gain to further narrow your options.
Many dog food companies offer samples or money back guarantees so let your dog try the food before you finalize your decision. Bring home a few varieties to see which is the most palatable.
Many experts now recommend rotating diets every two to six months if you are feeding commercial dog food. This can mean changing formulas within the same food brand, or even changing food companies entirely.
When feeding homemade diets, a variety of foods should be offered. Feeding the same food all the time is not only boring for your dog but can lead to allergies and other diseases. As always, consult your veterinarian about the best food choices for your dog.
Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe wireless containment.
Opinions about canine nutrition vary among vets, breeders, trainers and other dog owners. The bottom line: experts don't always agree on the best type of dog food because there is not just one answer.
Ultimately, you are the one who needs to decide what food best suits your dog. Do a lot of research so you can make an informed decision. Here are some things to do before you choose.
There's a lot of information about nutrition available on the Web. Always use caution - not all the information you find is reliable. Your vet is one of your best resources. If you still have questions, you may want to ask for a referral to a nutritionist.
In general, dog food choices boil down to the following categories: holistic or natural commercial diets, veterinary prescription diets, premium dog food, economy or generic dog food and homemade or raw diets.
Commercial diets are usually available in wet or dry. Decide which category best suits your dog then start researching food companies or homemade diets.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed profiles for dog and puppy nutrition. These standards are reflected on the dog food label. This information will give you an idea of the food's content. But be aware that labels can be misleading. Just because a food meets AAFCO requirements doesn't mean it's the best food for your dog.
Look for food companies that exceed AAFCO guidelines and use high-quality ingredients that are human-grade if possible. Avoid foods that contain chemical preservatives and fillers like wheat, corn and soy.
Once you've done your research and decided on a general food category, ask others for their opinions about specific brands or recipes. Your veterinarian is a great place to start. You can also talk to dog breeders, trainers and groomers for more advice. Your local pet supply store may also be of assistance, especially if it is a smaller, independent shop that carries top-quality diets.
Keep in mind that different dogs can react differently to the same food. Use the information you gain to further narrow your options.
Many dog food companies offer samples or money back guarantees so let your dog try the food before you finalize your decision. Bring home a few varieties to see which is the most palatable.
Many experts now recommend rotating diets every two to six months if you are feeding commercial dog food. This can mean changing formulas within the same food brand, or even changing food companies entirely.
When feeding homemade diets, a variety of foods should be offered. Feeding the same food all the time is not only boring for your dog but can lead to allergies and other diseases. As always, consult your veterinarian about the best food choices for your dog.
Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe wireless containment.
About the Author:
Cheryl L. True is a Manila-based freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics.
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