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There’s nothing like the joy of having a happy dog in the house. They’ll keep you company, let you exercise, make you smile, and even give you the chance to make new friends on those dog walks. However, as a parent of a loving doggy, you can no doubt agree that taking care of a dog is a huge responsibility. The beautiful furry creature needs occasional grooming, vet checks, vaccinations, walks, a comfortable home, toys and much more.
Most importantly, they need to be well fed so that they can live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. This means choosing the right foods for their needs based on several factors, including weight, size, age, breed, and so on. It also means that they should be fed high-quality, balanced and nutritious meals every day to ensure their well-being. It means those food scraps and leftovers just won’t cut it if you’re trying to raise a happy dog.
But again, it’s not uncommon to run out of ideas about what to feed your dog. Some people also just buy dog food until they realize they’ve made a mistake and it’s too late to correct it. Knowing the right food for your dog can also save you a significant amount of money. Now that we’ve put this into perspective, here are some dog food buying tips that dog food experts want you to know.
1. Premium isn’t always the best option
Even if most stores classify dog foods into categories such as “popular,” “premium,” or “gourmet” diets, there aren’t really any nutritional requirements for all of the groups listed. In fact, many experts will agree that feeding your dog a combination of both popular and premium dog food diets is not a problem.
As long as the food you receive contains a combination of nutrients from the main food groups based on their needs, your dog can be assured of a healthy diet. That’s why you don’t have to rob a bank to ensure your dog always gets quality food. A good part of the? most affordable dog food from well-known brands often contain high-quality ingredients for your canine friend. Even so, you should still steer clear of foods with fillers, additives, and cheap fillers. Instead, just settle for pocket-friendly whole-ingredient formulas selected to raise a strong, fit, and healthy puppy.
In short, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a helping of cheaper popular dog food if you are on a tight budget. That way, you can save a few bucks to spend on other important things your dog needs, such as heartworm medications, toys, treats, vet appointments, and even pet insurance.
2. Look for the right ingredients and nutritional guarantee
A dog’s staple food must be labeled by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The label must certify that the product provides complete and balanced nutrition or is formulated to meet nutrient levels established by the AAFCO nutrient profiles for dogs. Otherwise, you could be purchasing a substandard dog food that has no nutritional value for your dog.
Also make sure that the composition of your dog’s food ingredient is correct. For example, if dog food says “with chicken,” make sure it actually says it. Remember, there is a huge difference between a chicken flavored dog food and one that actually contains the chicken ingredient. High quality dog food tends to: contain more chicken, lamb or beef. Also, if the meat can be used better in the body after digestion, it is crucial to give your dog a mixture of both meat and other plant material.
3. Do not omit other by-products or grains
Chicken and meat by-products often get a bad rap from most people. According to dog food expert Sanderson, grinding up cadavers, including bones and organs, can be highly nutritious, even more so than most muscle meats humans eat. Associate professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Joseph Wakshlag emphasizes that grains and cornmeal are a common ingredient in commercial dog meals and that it is very good. He adds that while most people go gluten-free these days, dogs with gluten sensitivities can be hard to find.
4. Both wet and dry food are good for your dog’s health
Whether you choose to feed your dog wet or dry food, it’s just a matter of tossing. In fact, your dog needs both. For example, dry food are easier to store and less cluttered. In addition, dry dog food such as kibble is good for the dog’s teeth. On the other hand, wet food is the best alternative for dogs that have difficulty chewing or cannot drink enough water on their own.
5. Unlike cats, dogs can go vegetarian
If you assumed that dogs should only be fed meat products, you were completely wrong. Our canine friends can really go vegetarian and still be healthy. In fact, if your dog is allergic to animal products such as chicken, it is recommended that you feed him a vegetarian dog meal for a while.
However, it can be tricky to get a perfect balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates and minerals from a homemade vegetarian dog meal. This is why experts advise dog owners to go for commercial meatless dog food. You will also find a wealth of information on tips and ways to ensure that your dog stays healthy for a long time vegetarian diet. This means that if you are a strict vegan or vegetarian, you may not have to worry about feeling guilty for consuming animal products.
Finally, it is crucial to note that each dog has its own specific nutritional needs. Often this depends on the breed, size, weight and overall health. All in all, the food should be balanced with carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins in the right proportions. Don’t forget to give your puppy’s diet a boost every now and then with a good dose of supplements and multivitamins. With this and the above tips in mind, buying dog food should be like a walk in the park for you.
Updated on July 03, 2021
by Janus Atienza
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