Selecting The Correct Food For Your Dog Is Important

It's impossible to resist those eyes, that tail, the tender affection your dog has for you. The value your dog adds to your life ought to be returned with more than affection. Just like in your own life, a canine needs proper exercising and a proper diet. And diet is often the hardest part of the equation-- just like it is for us himans.

Most of us don't spend nearly enough time thinking about how we feed our pets. It's so tempting just to buy the best dry kibble available, pour it in your dog's bowl, and walk away. Even worse, it might be easy to "throw them a bone" every once in a while from our own plates, potentially damaging your dog's digestive tract.

In order to feed our dogs right, it's important to understand what a dog needs in the way of nutrition. You'd be surprised at how standard store options may not be the best option for your pet. Read on to learn about the types of dog food, amount of food your little one should be chowing down, and the nutritional content of optimum dog food.

Types of Dog Food

Essentially, it boils down to dry food, wet food, organic food, and "other." Dry food, also known as kibble, is the most commonly thought of option. Cheaper varieties are often loaded with filler carbs and glutens, which in the long term are as unhealthy for your animal as they are for humans. Wet food often contains less fillers and more protein. It's important to make sure that wet food doesn't sit out too long, however, as it will acquire dangerous bacteria quickly. Organic food is an elusive label, especially on dog food. There's no tightly held definition for "organic" dog food, so it's important to do your homework. "Other" foods include uncommon varietals like doggy treats, pig ears, baked goods, etc. Quality and nutritional value varies widely, so those options won't be discussed in depth here.

Amount of Dog Food

Three key metrics should be considered as you decide how much you will feed your dog: age, sizebreed, and how active your pup is.

Puppies should be fed three to five times daily. The frequency of feedings should decrease as your hound reaches maturity, until you generally feed it twice a day. The amount of food should be determined by Fido's size, breed, and activity level.

Nutrition in Dog Food

The nutritional content of dog food is too often subjugated to its price tag. However, if you want your dog to last you for a long time, learn to read those labels! Dry dog food contains fillers, glutens, and empty carbohydrates. We should avoid cheap dry food like we avoid feeding our own bodies processed foods: those empty carbs are processed into unhealthy fats, and may result in higher cancer rates and other health problems. The first ingredients you should see in your dog's food should be meat.

It doesn't matter whether you select kibble, wet, or organic pet food. The best vittles for your canine will contain the right nutritional content in the right amount. A long, happy healthy relationship between you and your pet starts with a proper diet.