Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food

Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein.

Think about your dog
Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies. 

Check the ingredients
You must remember to check out the ingredient list for the products it contains. While the list does not specify the amount or quality of ingredients used, it comes handy when your dog has special dietary needs. It is also very useful for owners who want to feed their pets with the best dog food and are specific regarding the sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, but their diet does consist mainly of meat. The mixture of grains, vegetables, meat, and other food sources might not seem appealing to us but dry kibble and wet canned food are nutrient-rich and meet the requirements. So, while you are looking for the best dog food to treat them with, it is necessary to make note that the non-meat foods are not simply added to bulk up the product. Vegetables, fruits, and grains can be relevant sources of required vitamins and minerals

Your vet knows best
The one person that you can implicitly trust when it comes to your pet’s needs is your vet. While you observe your dog day-in and day-out, your veterinarian is more qualified and has access to better research, resources and of course years of experience. Take your vet’s opinion into consideration before making the right choice, as they will only help your process of picking out the best dog food easier. 

We’re sure that already have hours of research under your belt, and all the information available can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to overthink. If your dog can digest the food well, produces firm and healthy stools, and maintains a healthy appetite, you have made the right choice. You got to remember that dogs are flexible eaters, and you can treat them with a meaty bone every once a while.