How to Choose the Right Dog Food
It can be tough to find the right food for your dog. There are so many different options out there! You want to make sure you’re doing what’s best for them, but how do you know which is the “right” option? In this article, we’ll talk about how to choose commercial foods and some of the things that you should keep in mind when reading a label. We’ll also go over some of the more common mistakes people make when choosing food for their pup.
Consider your Dog’s Age, Breed, Size, and Activity Level
Dog food choices are never as simple as “always buy the cheapest!” or “buy whatever is on sale.” There’s a lot of factors to consider. For example, dogs have different needs for protein depending on their age and activity level. Dogs who need more energy should eat foods that contain fat whereas older dogs may benefit from leaner proteins.
Commercial brands come in many types. Some dry foods are made for puppies, which contain more protein and fat while food for adults and elderly dogs will have less.
Read Labels for Fillers and Preservatives
Some brands are better than others. Some have fillers and preservatives, which will harm your dog in the long run. You can always ask a friend what they feed their pet or read reviews online to find out more information about a specific product. The most important thing is that you make sure it agrees with all of your dog’s health.
Here are some common dog food fillers:
- Corn: Corn is a common filler and while it’s not bad for your dog, it should be in small quantities. The corn starch that forms from processing the corn can cause digestive problems such as stomach pain or gas if too much of it is consumed.
- Beet Pulp: This ingredient may sound harmless, but this form of sugar beet is not ideal for dogs. It can cause irritation to the stomach lining and should be avoided by dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
- Starch: Starchy fillers are not healthy for your dog, especially if consumed in large quantities over a long period of time. This ingredient is commonly found as wheat or corn starch which may lead to weight gain or obesity.
Some brands are better than others, but it is important to always check for filler content when purchasing any brand. You can ask friends what kind of food their pets thrive on-or read reviews online–to find out more information about specific products before buying them. The most important thing is that you choose something that agrees with all of your dog’s health needs; therefore, don’t be afraid to consult your vet if necessary!
Try Some Free Samples
Free samples are one way to try different foods without breaking the bank. Most pet stores will offer free samples of their food for you to try your dog on before buying a more expensive bag or canister. You should take advantage of these opportunities as they are often limited and hard to come by!
Compare Prices to Find the Best Deal on a Decent Quality Dog Food
Cheapest isn’t best, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy the most expensive dog food. Instead, compare prices to find the best deal on a decent quality product. You can also buy in bulk to save more money!
You can also look out for manufacturer coupons and discounts. These can help offset the cost of better, high-quality dog food.
Check with Your Vet About if You’re Not Sure What Food is Best
And of course, don’t hesitate to consult your vet about dog food options. Your vet will provide suggestions on what type of food to feed your dog based on their individual needs and any health issues you’re concerned about.
Some vets even provide samples from popular dog food makers for your pup to try. In some cases, vets will even sell you dog food from their office.
A Note on Changing Dog Foods
When changing your dog’s food, do so gradually. It’s not a good idea to make drastic changes all at once because you never know how your dog will react. To transition, start by mixing the new food in with their old favorite and slowly decreasing the older stuff over time until it has been entirely replaced with the newer variety.
This will allow your dog some time to get used to the new food and will lead to better outcomes at the end of the day.