Choosing the right dog food for your dog is an important task, with both short-term and long-term consequences. And you have to make the choice, unless the dog has some health condition or needs to be on a special diet. Maybe you're hoping someone can tell you the name of the world's healthiest dog food so you can buy it, and then you're done. But dogs, like people, are individuals. What is good for one dog will not be good for another. For example, a Greyhound that runs every day with its owner needs a lot more calories than a Golden Retriever that spends all day on the couch. Consider your dog's lifestyle and needs and use this article to help you decide what kind of food your dog should be eating. You may also want to consider feeding your dog a mix of different foods for more variety. Moreover, the vast supply of dog food does not make it any easier. And then there is the choice of whether you make your own food at home, opt for dry chunks, fresh meat, canned food, frozen food or raw meat. To narrow down your choices, ask yourself these three questions:
1. How old is my dog? Puppies (under one year old), adults (one to eight years old) and seniors (eight years and older) have different nutritional needs. Active, growing dogs require more calories, while older dogs may benefit from ingredients designed to support their aging joints.
2. What breed is my dog?
Be aware of dog food that is specially made for the size of very large or very small dogs. Specific dog foods are adapted to the energy needs of large or small dogs and often have pieces designed to fit better in a dog's large (or small) mouth. Check the package for designations such as “small”, “medium” or “large”.
3. Does my dog have health problems?
A special diet may be best for dogs with health needs such as sensitivities to certain foods or weight issues. There is also dog food to deal with dental problems and other ailments.
Choose dog food with the right ingredients
The best dog food should have the right ingredients. Ingredients that contain all the nutrients your dog needs on a daily basis, just like humans need nutrients to live a healthy life. Think of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, grains, vitamins, minerals, fats, enzymes and antioxidants.
Choose a good quality brand like Royal Canin The cheapest dog food in the supermarket is almost guaranteed to be made from ingredients you don't want to feed your dog. Feeding your dog this food could give the dog bad skin, an oily coat and possible health problems. Of course there are dogs that do get this food and grow old healthily, but to provide your dog with the best nutrition, you should rather avoid these brands. Most of the better dog food products are sold in pet stores, specialty pet stores or online. You will find a wide variety of dog foods and not all of them will be specific to your dog. For example, Royal Canin is a good quality brand that focuses on dog food for different types of dogs. Think of specific food for a certain breed, special food for different health problems and food based on the size or age of your dog. Even if it costs a little more than a supermarket brand, the reward is that premium brands have more of the nutrients your dog needs. And in the end it's all worth it. Because a healthy dog is a happy dog!
