How to choose the right dog food?

Every loving owner wishes the very best for their pet. And it’s well-known that the health of a domestic animal largely depends on the food it consumes in its diet. However, with such a huge variety of food options, how do you choose the one that will best suit your dog? There are a few simple tips that will help you make the decision on what to feed your beloved canine. While there is no one “best” dog food, there are certainly some that will be better suited to your four-legged friend.

1. Always remember that the first thing to consider is to assess your pet’s age and activity level. Your dog’s energy and nutritional needs are based on several factors such as growth, activity, reproductive status, and age. Different pet foods are adapted to feed during different stages of a dog’s life. A young growing puppy will need more calories than, for example, an older one. A pregnant or lactating dog will also need more calories than her spayed or neutered companion.
2. You should care about the necessary calories for your dog, but also, you must remember that they should come from different types of nutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates).
3. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s diet. Analyze the advice he will give you based on your pet’s current condition. If your dog has a specific health problem (diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis, food allergy, etc.), then the doctor should create a specific feeding plan for your furry friend.
4. Pay attention to your four-legged friend’s skin condition and daily stool. If something is not right, for example, diarrhea, dryness, itchiness – it could be a sign of a food allergy. In this case, you need to change the food and consult with your veterinarian.
5. Don’t be fooled by advertising! Remember that marketing on television, magazines, and in stores is aimed at people! Labels that include marketing terms such as “premium,” “natural,” or “gourmet” may be good for sales, but they have no actual significance to the FDA or dog food manufacturers.
6. You need to decide which (canned and dry) dog food you prefer for your beloved pet. First and foremost, it’s a budget question. Usually, canned food is more expensive, however, it contains about 75% water. Recently, canine experts have been giving greater preference to dry food, as they believe it already contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients, and additional feeding is not required. Dry food provides calories in a concentrated form and is made from rice, corn, and soybeans. In quality products, the main ingredient is fish or meat. There is also an opinion that this food helps maintain the dog’s teeth in the best condition, it can slow down the development of various gum and teeth diseases, but not completely prevent them. As for canned food, it often has an unpleasant odor, although dogs often prefer it. In good quality canned food, whole vegetables are added, and the main ingredient is meat or fish. Low-quality canned food consists of more than 80 percent water.
7. Check the ingredient list on the food label. Dogs are omnivorous and can eat meat, grains, and vegetables. However, you should make sure that the first ingredient listed is meat. Not just “meat by-products” or “meat meal,” but “chicken” or “beef.” For example, the word “chicken” on the label means that the primary use is muscle tissue from the bird, and then there may be inclusions such as animal diaphragm or heart.
8. Compare the ingredients between different brands of dog food. They will be listed in descending order by weight (i.e., it will indicate how much of each ingredient is used in that particular food).
9. After you have chosen the type of food, you should also ensure that the food is fresh. Check the expiration date indicated on the package or can. Also, make sure the packaging is not damaged and there are no holes in it.
10. And finally, it is very important to store dog food correctly at home. Dry food is best kept in its original packaging or in an airtight container (plastic or metal) in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard, pantry, or even a freezer. Unopened canned food should be stored in a dry, cool place, and any remaining food that was previously opened should be placed in the refrigerator.