The Best Dog Food Brand Choice
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Each Dog Is Unique |
Each dog is unique and has different requirements in everything from how old they are, how big or how small they are, their breed and heredity, individual health issues, are they a couch dog or a working dog and of course for those pampered pooches you must consider their personal palette preferences.
Obviously with all of these things to consider when choosing your dogs best dog food brand, you can see why recommending any one single food for every dog would never be a good idea. My other reason for recommending that you evaluate your dog's food requirements, is because you know your dog better than anyone.
You will be the first one to notice if your dog begins to show signs of any changes. For example, if their coat begins to look dull or maybe you notice they just aren't enjoying their food as much as they once did or perhaps their behavior is unusual or they don't appear to feel well or maybe they just aren't acting like themselves.
Only you know your dog better than anyone and will be able to notice these changes immediately and address them yourself or with your veterinarian if necessary.
What Should You Be Looking For |
The first thing you should always look for on your dog food bag is the list of ingredients. Although ingredients are listed in order of highest amount by law, unfortunately the labeling regulations are limited and you need to look a little deeper that the label to find out what's actually in the dog food and at what quantities.
To do this, look for the “dog food guaranteed analysis”. This is the information that generally follows immediately after the ingredients on your dog food label.
It will give you precise information on both the ingredients of the dog food and percentages and actual amounts of the ingredients in the dog food. Without this information, it is not possible to determine if a dog food meets your dog's nutritional requirements and if it truly is the best dog food brand.
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AAFCO Standards |
The second standard required from your dog food is that it meets AAFCO standards. This is the Association of American Feed Control Officials. This organization is made up of members from state and federal agencies and employees from pet food companies. It is not a government agency.
For a dog food to be allowed to label itself as “complete and balanced”, it must qualify for the AAFCO standards. The AAFCO rules are in addition to FDA rules. To receive this statement the dog food must meet the following requirements:
- Proof and safety
- Nutritional Quality
- Meet A Defined Dog Food Nutrient Profile
What To Leave Out |
Once you have established the food meets the required labeling requirements and you are studying what's actually in the bag, you should also consider what you DO NOT want in the bag. Too many dog foods use fillers, chemicals, preservatives and meat-by-products in their dog foods.
To avoid these look for whole products such as chicken or salmon for the protein source. If you see “with beef flavor or with beef” your dog food may not have any actual beef in it!
Think of it like this. If you were buying the product for yourself, would you eat it? Don't buy dog food with long lists of chemicals and preservatives that you can't even pronounce. They are not healthy for you or your dog. Remember, if you can't identify the ingredient, then it's probably best to choose a different dog food. For Details on the Ingredients listed on dog food labels:Click Here For Details On
Dog Food Ingredients
Once you are clear on what not to include it is easier to concentrate on the ingredients you want in a healthy dog food but before you start worrying about flavors and size etc., make sure you include the following basics:
- Protein
- Carbohydrates & Fiber
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Fat
- Water
Each of the above items is necessary for a complete diet.
Observing Your Furry Friend |
We discussed how you know your dog and their behaviors' better than anyone else. That bond and attention to detail is critical when observing your furry friend for any sores, injuries or illnesses. If they have a health or medical issue that needs addressed nutritionally, then you will most likely be the one to notice their need or symptoms.
- Watch their behavior. Are they happy, sad, grouchy?
- How is their energy level? Are they energetic or tired?
- Are they eating or has their appetite changed?
- Are their eyes, ears and teeth clean and clear?
- How's their coat & skin? Is it shiny & clean, not dry?
If you have any concerns beyond what you think are minor or that can be cared for at home, it's important that you see your veterinarian immediately for treatment.
Ready To Choose Your Dog Food |
Once you have made these determinations for your dog, you are ready to choose your best dog food brand. You have the knowledge of your dog's behavior and health, what to look for in best dog food brand ingredients and what not to look for and the necessary ingredients for proper nutrition.
From there use your knowledge of your dog's likes and dislikes, size, age and if they have any specialized nutritional requirements. Many dog food sites online will give you FREE dog food samples for your dog to try.
Just look for the link on their site and sign up. Try several and keep track of which ones they liked and how they agreed with them.
Remember to change your best dog food brand occasionally. You don't want to eat the same bologna sandwich for lunch everyday for the rest of your life right? So mix it up a little, with different flavors and varieties but always change foods over slowly to avoid stomach upset.
Feeding your dog and choosing there food is an important part of their healthy life. So spend a little time and understand what to look for in your dog food. The added health and years it will give to your loyal, loving dog will pay you back a hundred times over.
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