Selecting the best dog food for your pet can be a difficult task. After all, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when there are so many brands, ingredients, and marketing promises to consider.
However, the food you give your dog is important to their health and well-being, so it’s incredibly important that you do your due diligence before picking one.
To help you out, here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best dog food!
How to Choose the Best Dog Food
According to the American Kennel Club, healthy dog food should have meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits combined.
Therefore, the best dog food on the market contains high-quality versions of these ingredients that are digestible for your dog.
Here at PetFitness, we use three factors to determine how to choose the best dog food for our precious pets.
Ingredients
If you want the best for your dog, you should avoid foods containing low-quality fillers and by-products, including like corn, wheat, and soy. Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin are also not good for your dog’s health.
Additionally, the first ingredient on the list should ideally be whole meat, such as chicken, beef, or fish. There should be healthy fats like flax oil, canola oil, and salmon oil, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
You can also check if the product is labeled as “natural” or “organic,” as these are typically made with higher-quality ingredients.
If you are confused about the nutritional changes between pups and adults, the Merck Veterinary Manual includes the necessary nutrients for dogs, as well as the suggested amount by weight and age.
Brand Reputation
Always choose dog foods that have been tested for quality by an accredited laboratory. Quality should be more important than the cost.
One easy way to do this is to seek out brands that are well-known and have a reliable background in supplementing their dog food with vitamins and minerals. Many of these brands already have a history of successful products, so research how the company has rated in the past before making your purchase.
Consider the following while choosing a good brand:
- There should be a canine nutritionist in the company
- The company conducts frequent safety assessments
- The brand owns their own kitchen or factory
Vet’s Opinion
The best source of information when it comes to dog food is your own vet.
Your veterinarian knows your pet’s medical history and age, and they can provide you with more specific advice regarding what type of food would be best for your pup based on their needs.
There are several medical issues that may require a vet-recommended dog food diet. Some of them include digestion troubles, dental concerns, and other metabolic considerations.
Some diets may also be suggested for dogs to avoid complications that might lead to further health issues.
It’s important to remember that every pet is different, and the best way to select a food for your dog is to get recommendations from a professional.
Just ask your veterinarian for meal advice. You can also get their approval after selecting a food that you prefer. Trust us, any vet worth their salt will be more than happy to provide suggestions.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your Pet
It may not always be easy to choose the right food for your dog, but by taking the above considerations into account, you’ll be well on your way to providing your pup with the nourishment they need.
If you want to learn more about dog care, make sure your visit the PetFitness blog. You can also check out the PetFitness channel to see more how-tos and tips!
