The market is overflowing with a diverse range of dog food options that you can get your pet. Some are expensive, others are cheap. Some come in bright, eye-catching packaging, others choose more conservative designs. With so many choices out there, how does the average dog owner know which one is right for his canine?
The most common advice is to look at the list of nutrients on the packaging to tell if you’re getting the right stuff. However, how does one really know which ingredients are right with all the technical terms listed? Here are a few quick tips that will enable you to narrow down your selection so that you make the best possible choice or come close to it.
Holistic is fantastic – A dog food that contains vegetables, meat and grains gives your pet a complete meal every time. The usual proportion for dog food ingredients is 10% grain, 40% meat and 50% vegetables. However, this can vary slightly depending on the breed of your pet.
Make protein a priority – If three of the first five ingredients listed are types of meat, you know you’re looking at a good option. Dogs need the protein from meat to thrive, so it’s a great idea to proactively seek it for your canine.
Avoid preservative paranoia – Understand that processed food will always contain preservatives, so don’t go on a wild goose chase looking for a type of dog food that’s absolutely devoid of it. In the right amounts, preservatives keep the dog food edible, which guards your pet against food poisoning.
Premium brands are better – Good stuff usually doesn’t come cheap and that rule applies to dog food, too. Cheap ingredients rarely provide great nutrition, so try to get the best dog food that you can afford as much as possible.
Go organic – Dog food with natural ingredients is always a better choice for your pet. Organic food promotes good health, has fewer preservatives and retains most of the nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy.
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