Puppy chow line, density control dog food items and food for senior citizens are just a few of the choices that you confront in the pet food section. Past that you can also consider between dry diet, canned meals and moist food that is served from an useful pouch. Costs can range from the very affordable to quite expensive and you can be left standing in the aisle, frantically trying to decide which one is right for your little friend. Here are some tips to assist you find the best canine food for your puppy.
Your Dog's Health and Needs
Every dog is an individual and their needs will vary. What is perfect for one pet may prove too fattening for another, or it may not provide key nutrients that another dog is lacking in.The first step is to look carefully at your dog's health. Write down any health conditions that your dog is dealing with. These could include recurrent diarrhea, obesity, being underweight, problems with worms or fleas, low energy or a thinning coat.
Now make another list and write down all of your dog's health assets. A shiny coat, for example, is an asset. Clean teeth or breath that is decent are assets. Compare the two lists. If your dog has far more assets than problems then you have probably already found the ideal dog food.
However, if your dog is facing more problems than pride, then he or she may benefit from a change in diet. The next step in this case will be to have a meeting with your veterinarian. Take along the ingredients label form the dog food bag so you can discuss changes that may be necessary. A dull coat, for example, may require a diet that is higher in essential fatty acids.
What to Look for in Dog Food
When you are changing your pet's diet, look carefully at the ingredients. Here are some tips on what you are looking for and why.
Protein
Essential to satisfy their carnivorous appetite, the first ingredient should be some kind of fresh meat type followed by a meal. Meat meals, such as lamb meal or salmon meal, are perfectly acceptable. The label should name the type of meal, not just call it "meat meal". Think of it as feeding your children fresh chicken breasts compared to hot dogs.
Fats and Oils Necessary for skin, coat and brain development, the fats and oils need to be there. Look for specifically named fats like chicken fat, canola oil and the like.
Carbohydrates
These are great for energy. Look for whole grains like rice, oats, barley, potatoes, peas and sweet potatoes. Beware of foods where the grains are split and listed as the grain, grain flour or grain bran.
What to Avoid
Sometimes it's easier to start by learning what you don't want in the dog's food. Here is a short list of ingredients that you don't want to see on your dog's food label.
Corn gluten, soy meal or soybean meal should be avoided.
Mineral oil
Grain products, like flour, middlings or mill run
Unspecified sources of grains
Apple pomace, grape pomace or citrus pulp
Onion
BHA, BHT, TBHQ, sodium metabisulphite preservatives
Sugar, fructose, sucrose, glucose, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, corn syrup, propylene glycol
Any dyes
The final step is finding the right pet food will be the taste test at home. The ideal product will be healthy for your dog and enjoyable for her to eat. Start by purchasing small bags and keep track of what is tried and what the response is. With a little patience and some research, you will soon find a dog food that is perfect for your dog's needs.
