5 Tips for Selecting Quality Dog Food

We care a lot about what we eat, so it makes complete sense to be concerned about what your dog is eating. When you adopt a dog, it becomes a part of your family and deserves appropriate treatment. While selecting suitable dog food, you will have to keep a laundry list of things in mind. Here it goes:

Variation is necessary: You can’t keep your dog feeding with the same food just because it is healthy for him. A little deviation from the scheduled food now and then is very important. Just like we humans can’t eat a particular food daily, dogs also need variety in their meals. A well rounded diet with variety of tastes and nutrients is the key to a good health of your dog, and off course good pet ownership.

What’s in it: Quality of the dog food largely depends on the ingredients present in it. While selecting the food for your dog, check whether the ingredients are a good source of protein or not. Avoid food with fillers such as corn or grain. When it comes to non-vegetarian, whole protein sources such as turkey breast and salmon are great.

First ten ingredients of a dog food should have enough amount of protein, vitamins, minerals and carbs according to the requirement of your dog. Rice or barley are better as compared to gluten, corn and processed grain products as whole grains are more easily digestible. Try to avoid food with added preservatives as they may lead to allergies.

Ask your vet: Lifestyle, age, body measurements and genetics of dog all play a very important role in what food is ideal for him. A complete evaluation of the body condition of the pet should be performed with the help of your vet before you make his diet plan. A vet can better understand the gastronomic requirements of dog. 

Consider dog’s preferences: Don’t forget to consider what your dog prefers to eat. Selecting the healthiest food is of no use if your dog says no it. Take care of his taste buds; you can also make healthy food delicious by adding flavoring and soup stock.     

Nutrition: Balanced nutrition is very important for dogs to remain healthy and active. Roughly, 50% meat and 50% veggies in your dog’s diet may fulfill the nutritional requirements of your dog. This will provide them the essential protein, carbs, and vitamins. Offering balanced food will also strengthen the immune system of dogs and keep the digestive system hale and hearty.     

Conclusion:

Options seem to be infinite when it comes to right dog food. Correct selection of food will make your pet friend happy and healthy. Apart from the above mentioned factors, there are so many other factors such as your budget, and health condition and breed of dog which should be taken into account while selecting ideal dog food. Cross-breed dogs have special nutritional requirements and food preferences which vary from those of general dog breeds. Also, do your homework on dog food brands.