Choosing the Right Dog Food Among the Best Pet Food Brands

If you are a new dog owner, one of the issues that you need to resolve is finding the right food for your furry little pal. But with the sheer number of options to choose from, making the right choice can be overwhelming.

Further compounding your woes are the diverse opinions of dog owners regarding which type of food to buy and serve to your pooch. For example, some dog owners argue that dogs should avoid grains and animal byproducts. The truth is that whole grains and animal byproducts can be nutritious. Unless your dog has a grain allergy, you can serve him dog food with whole grains. If you choose to give him pet food with animal byproducts, you have to make sure that the pet food contains regulated byproducts.

Giving your beloved pet processed food may sound like a bad idea. But the reality is that the best pet food brands make sure that their products have undergone rigorous testing by trusted professionals. Also, these products are highly regulated.

A good pet food will contain the optimal balance of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals and fibre. And contrary to the belief by some owners that dogs are carnivores, your dog is an omnivore and can benefit from products which contain fruits, veggies, and grains.

In choosing a particular brand of food for your dog, you need to make sure that his nutritional needs are met. Although many commercial pet food brands provide the minimum nutritional requirements of dogs, be aware that your pet has unique nutritional needs. The nutritional needs of a puppy will differ from those of an adult dog.

Two other factors that you need to consider are the size and breed of your pet. Large dog breeds are prone to musculoskeletal disorders and, as such, require dog food with nutrients that ensure optimal musculoskeletal health.

Which is better? Dry or wet food?

Many dog owners prefer dry dog food for a few good reasons. For one, dry dog food is cheaper and does not need to be refrigerated. Wet food, on the other hand, can be given to dogs that are picky eaters. Unlike dry dog food, wet food is more delicious for dogs. However, it needs to be refrigerated and consumed immediately after opening.

How do you know when you have chosen the right food for your canine? There are a few signs that you can look for. You've chosen a good pet food if your dog has a healthy appetite, is fit and active, and has firm stools.

If you are unsure about which pet food to choose, consult your veterinarian.