Your dog is much more than just a pet. He or she is really a part of your family. You care for this animal and love your canine because they do so much to turn your house into a home.
It is not just in the way that they welcome you when you come home, but a dog can change the entire atmosphere of your house. They bring energy and love, they always make you feel welcome, and they add a level of protection that ensures that you and your family feel like no one can harm you in your domain. You want to do everything that you can for your dog.
Part of that begins by ensuring that you are feeding your dog the right kind of food. As happy and healthy as possible, and nutrition plays a big part in that. If your dog is not fed well or is overly fed it can get sick or lethargic, decrease its lifespan, and ruin its quality of life.
This is why you want to ensure that you are doing everything that you can take care for your dog. Making the right decision on what to feed your dog is important and so here are 10 things you want to look out for when buying dog food.
TIP 1: Look for Foods for Your Dog’s Breed
The first place to begin is by finding a dog food that specific for your dog’s breed. A lot of people decide to buy a dog food that can be used for any sized dog, and that simply doesn’t work in lots of instances.
You may not specifically need to choose a dog food made for a miniature schnauzer or for German Shepherd, but you do need to find a dog food that is compatible with those breeds.
You should be aware that there are foods that are breed specific. If you can afford to get this kind of food for your dog, it is the choice to make. Not only will it be beneficial for your pet because it has the nutrients that your pet needs, but these are also more beneficial because they aid in digestion and the immune system so that your dog will be healthier and happier.
For example, there are foods out there that are specifically made for pug dogs. Why is that a benefit? The reason is because these dogs have special folds of skin that will lose their constituency if the right vitamins are not in place.
There are dog foods specifically made for the pug that give them the right proteins to help maintain that skin.
TIP 2: Look for Foods for Your Dog’s Age
If you are able to find the right food for your dog’s breed, then the next thing that you want to do is find the right food for your dog’s age. Puppies do not need the same nutrients and vitamins as adult dogs.
Your dog who is in his or her senior years has different dietary needs as well. Look to make sure that the dog food you are selecting accommodates the age of your pet. You will certainly be glad you did.
TIP 3: Know Your Dog Allergies
Allergies are a lot more common with dogs than you may know. Your pet can be allergic to grains, weather conditions, and even pollen. The part your concern with is the dog food that they may be eating.
You are finding these days that there are a lot more dog foods that are prepared without grains, such as rice, soy, or corn. A lot of dogs are allergic to these kinds of foods and can get rashes, excessive itching, and even dietary problems. If your dog has an allergy, then avoid foods that can react harshly with your dog system.
Also, monitor your dog after giving them any kind of new food to see how they react. Make sure that you don’t notice excessive scratching, redness on their belly, or hair loss. Also, check their stool to make sure that there are no digestive problems.
TIP 4: Promoting Optimal Health
It seems like a lot of people are turning to such supplements as probiotics and vitamins to make sure that they are kept in the very best shape. That their digestive system works its best and that they feel really good.
Your dog has the same kind of nutritional needs. You can get dog foods that contain such things as probiotics, which will really help to not only aid in digestion but also promote a stronger and healthier immune system. If you want your dog to really be at his or her very best, then look at these kinds of things because they are helpful.
TIP 5: How is the Amount of Protein
Depending on the kind of dog that you have, your dog may have needs in terms of the amount of protein that they need to be taking in each day. For example, a Pitbull requires a larger amount of protein then does a terrier. You want to make sure that whatever food you are choosing that it has the right nutritional values to meet your dog’s needs.
Protein is one of the biggest of these. For many dogs, the amount of protein they take in is what they use for energy. They are denied the proper amount of protein that they can become lethargic and maybe even sick. You want to check this out to make sure it fits your dog’s needs.
TIP 6: Check the Fat
Like people, your dog only means a certain amount of fat in its diet. You want to be really careful about allowing your dog to have an overabundance of fat in the food. This is especially true with dogs that need to be lean to be healthy.
While some dogs can have a few extra pounds without issue, there are breeds that this can be quite detrimental to. For example, the Rottweiler can already have issues with its hip joints and so excess weight can lead to early arthritis and other issues. Monitor to make sure you’re keeping your dog as healthy as possible.
TIP 7: Read the labels, get some info
It is simply a good idea to know what you’re feeding your family pet. Your dog is an important member of your family, and so you should check to see what the ingredients are that are being fed to your pet.
You wouldn’t simply buy a can of soup off the shelf just because it said it was chicken and feed it to your children. You would check the ingredients to ensure that it offered the right kinds of ingredients to keep your kids healthy. You should be doing this for your dog as well.
The primary reason you want to do this is to see if there are a lot of artificial preservatives, colors, and other ingredients that have been added in. These can have a negative effect on your pet, and so it pays to see what may be going in his or her body. Give your dog that little extra attention.
TIP 8: Flavors, always check the taste
This is something we don’t often consider, because many just expect their dog to eat whatever is put in front of them. Just as you have tastes so does your pet. Look to see brands of dog food that have the right kinds of flavors to them. Many use all natural flavors, such as liver, to make the food more palatable to your pet.
Look into this because it will ensure that the food you are feeding to your dog is eaten and enjoyed. That way your dog will be looking to be eating what you’re having so often.
TIP 9: Grain or No Grain?
We talked about allergies and how grains can often lead to your dog having an allergic reaction. However, there are some who simply don’t want to feed grain to their dog. They prefer a more protein-based diet for their pet, and that is perfectly fine. There is nothing wrong with not giving your dog such things as wheat, corn, rice, or soy.
There is also nothing wrong with feeding it to your dog if they do not have allergies to it. In fact, many prefer to give their pet foods that contain grains because they are known to help the dog have better digestion.
Such things as wheat or corn process through the body in a way that makes the stool from your dog look more consistent in this can be a benefit.
TIP 10: Consider the cost
No one really likes to talk about this very much, but the truth is that dog food can be quite expensive, especially if you have a larger sized dog. These dogs need up to 50 pounds of food a month, and that can be quite expensive for some families.
The choice of dog food that you make is often dependent upon how much you can afford to feed your dog. This is one of the reasons why some choose to go with foods that are high in grain content. Not only does this give your dog a filling meal, but they can be quite a bit less expensive than foods that are high in protein.
As an owner of your pet, you have to walk the tightrope to finding the best food for your dog at a price you can afford on a regular basis.
Can My Dog Eat This? – Answers to Products Dogs Can Or Cannot Eat
There are many who really like to feed their dog table scraps or other food that they would be eating. While some of this is perfectly fine, other things are not good for your dog to have. So here are some quick answers to some common questions that people have.
Can dogs eat nectarines?
The answer to this is a resounding yes. In fact, many dog foods you buy on the market contain fruits such as oranges and nectarines in them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding this to your pet.
Can dogs eat crab?
This is kind of a tricky answer, because in some instances, it is not a good idea. Your dog can be allergic to such thing as shellfish, so you need to be aware of how they may react to it. This is one of the reasons why it is probably best that you stay clear of this unless you absolutely want to try it out for your dog.
Can dogs eat tuna?
You can feed your dog canned tuna without any issue, but don’t do it on a daily basis. It’s not that the tuna is bad, but that the amount of sodium can be quite high. This can be detrimental to your pet over time.
Can dogs eat shrimp?
This is another example of shellfish, so the answer is to avoid it if you have concerns about allergies.
Can dogs eat corn?
Corn is used as a filler in many brands of dog food that you will find. Your only issue that you may have is if your dog is allergic to corn. If not, it’s perfectly fine for your dog to eat corn straight from the table.
Can dogs eat papaya?
Papayas are commonly used in dog food so that your dog gets the benefit of fruits and vegetables. You can feed this to your pet without a problem. Just make sure that you remove out the seeds and the core before feeding it to your dog.
Can dogs eat licorice?
Licorice is perfectly fine to feed to your pet. Just make sure you feed it to your best friend in moderate amounts. Check out the post to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of feeding liquorice to your dog.
Can dogs eat mango?
Mangoes are perfectly fine to feed to your pet. Remove the peel and you can give this to your dog as a nice snack.
Can dogs eat bread?
Many feed their dog bread every day. Some go as far as to give their dog butter and jelly on it as well. There are absolutely no issues you will have with feeding your pet bread.
Can dogs eat bananas?
When a child is having an upset stomach one of the things doctors recommend is that they eat bananas. Your dog can have the same issues and bananas work perfectly for them as well. There are no toxins that would affect your dog.
Can dogs eat beans?
It really doesn’t matter what kind of beans you are talking about, they can all be good for your animal. Whether green beans or kidney beans, your dog can have them. Read more…
Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Your dog will have no problems digesting cucumbers but they really offer the pet no nutritional value. They should be fed to your dog sparingly, because an excess amount can be dangerous over time.
Can dogs eat almonds?
Your dog will love the taste of almonds, but they are quite difficult for them to digest. This can lead to digestive distress and is a reason why your dog should not eat them. Click here.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Watermelon should be given sparingly to your dog. This can actually cause diarrhea if given in larger amounts.
Can dogs eat lobster?
Because lobster is a shellfish you should avoid giving this to your dog unless you already know that he or she will not have an allergic reaction to it.
Can dogs eat salmon skin?
Salmon is something that is quite healthy for your dog, and so feeding the skin of his salmon to the canine is perfectly fine as well.
Can dogs eat peaches?
Your dog can eat peaches without any issue at all. It is actually quite good for your dog, but don’t allow your dog to eat too much peach as any fruit given in excess can cause digestive issues.
Can dogs have tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a popular choice for many pet owners to give to their dogs, and that is generally perfectly fine. You should avoid the nightshade version of tomatoes because they can be poisonous to some pets.
Breed Specific Best Dog Food:
Best dog food for Labs
The very best option for a lab is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness because it provides a high-end formula that has no artificial preservatives or soy to it. There are many great benefits.
Best dog food for Chihuahua
Because of the unique nature of the Chihuahua a lot of dog breeders and vets recommend Taste of the Wild to ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of nutrition. Click here to read.
Best dog food for Yorkies
Yorkies are small dogs that can be quite nervous and have special dietary needs. The Fromm small breed adult dog food can be an exceptional choice for your pet. Read full article.
Best dog food for Boxers
You will see this brand on here quite a bit because Royal Canin it is known for producing dog foods geared towards a specific breed of dog. This brand for boxers is a great option because of the dietary needs of your dog.
Best dog food for Pitbulls
Royal Canin is also perfect for pitbulls. The reason is quite simple. Your pitbull requires a great deal more protein than most dogs do, and so this brand of dog food is geared to not only provide the right amount of nutrition and vitamins for your pet, but also to ensure that they get the protein they need.
Best dog food for Pomeranian
The Wellness CORE brand of dog food is considered to be the very best for the Pomeranian because it takes a holistic approach to providing the right kind of nutrition for your dog. With the right kinds of nutrients sustenance, this dog food will keep your dog happy and healthy. Read more.
Best dog food for Shihtzu
The Royal Canin is the best option here as well, because these dogs need special nutrients to ensure that they keep the folds in their skin. This brand provides the perfect end proteins to ensure that the skin as well as the entire body of the dog get the right kind of nutrition. Read now…
Best dog food for German Shepherds
While there are many great options out there for a German Shepherd, the one that is most recommended is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection because it not only comes with all of the nutritional value that your dog needs to be healthy, but offers probiotics and antioxidants which will help with the immune system and digestion.
Best dog food for Dachshunds
Eukanuba offers a great dog food for the dachshund, which have different nutritional needs from other dogs because of the odd shape of the animal.
Best dog food for Bulldogs
The Wellness CORE is the perfect option for your bulldog because this animal also needs a great deal of protein. Not only are the right vitamins and minerals included, but is a tasty food your bulldog will love.
Best dog food for Pugs
The pug also has special needs because of the unusual folds in and skin. The Royal Canin brand offers a specific dog food for pugs that has the right proteins for optimal health of your animal. More info…
Best dog food for Golden Retriever
Blue Buffalo Life is a great option for feeding here golden retriever, especially because these dogs need the right kind of nutrition to maintain their active lives.
Best dog food for Beagles
If you are looking for the right dog food for your beagle then look no further than the Eukanuba brand that is specific for the beagle.
Best dog food for Maltese
Maltese dogs have their own dietary needs specific for them as well, and so this is why many like the Royal Canin brand as well because it specifically caters towards the Maltese.
Best dog food for Boston Terriers
While there are many great brands for Boston terriers one that is really good is the Taste of Wilderness for small dogs which has the right balance of protein and fillers to take care of your animal’s nutritional needs and ensure that it does not become overweight.
Best dog food for Poodles
Poodles can be very hyperactive dogs and so the Fromm option for dog food is exceptional in giving your poodle the right nutritional value without giving it unnecessary energy.
Best dog food for Dobermans
Dobermans are another breed of dog that require a large amount of protein in their diet and so the Royal Canin for Dobermans is the perfect option here.
Best dog food for Corgi
If you are looking for a great brand to feed your corgi, then the option that many vets recommend is the Orijen brand. This food will be exactly your dog needs.
Best dog food for small breeds – Some smaller breeds like maltese, poodles, corgis our yorkies have the same feeding needs in common. In this post we sum them up for you.
Dog Food Brand Reviews
Canidae
A great brand of dog food that offers grain free options, as well as dry and canned foods. More info …
Natural Life
This is a great brand of dog food because there are a wide variety of options available to you no matter what breed, size, or age of dog you have. Read full review…
Exceed
This is one of the newer brands of dog food on the market, but offers an excellent nutritional option for pet owners. More info…
Orijen – This brand is one of the all time top brands. We particulary love the Orijen Tundra dog food. You can check out a review on our site.
Organix
For those who are willing to spend a little extra money, this is a great option because you know all of the food is made from natural, organic products. Click here to read full post.
Nature’s Recipe
This brand also offers a wide variety of options for whatever breed, size, or age of dog you have. Read more …
From
Fromm dog food has been a top quality brand. You can check their top grain free products in this post containting the Fromm review. Other great brands in the same category to consider are Pro Plan and Royal Canin.
Diamond
One of the dog foods that pet owners love because of the great nutritional value it offers, no matter which specific option you choose. Read more…
General considerations about dog food
When choosing the right dog food for your pet, there are some other issues that you may want to take into account to make sure that your dog is getting the right nutrition and sustenance that it needs.
You also have issues related around how your dog is fed, snacks that it receives, and what to keep your dog food in. Here are some things you want to look into that go beyond simple protein and vitamins.
Dog food without corn
Many dog owners are finding that their pet is allergic to corn, so finding a good dog food that doesn’t use this filler is essential for achieving the right health for your animal.
High protein dog food
There are lots of great options for high protein dog foods out there, especially for dog owners that have pets that need a larger amount of this food group.
Homemade dog biscuits
If you are wanting to find how to make homemade dog biscuits or to have brands that are homemade there are great choices out there for you. Get some nice ideas in this post.
Lamb and rice dog food
Lamb and Rice is quickly becoming one of the most popular food choices to feed to dogs, and you will find them in a wide variety of dog foods out there.
Low residue dog food
Oftentimes foods that are high in residue can cause digestive issues for your pet, which can lead to such things as loose stool or diarrhea. This is why many pet owners like the low residue food option for their dog because they know that it will be free of additives that can cause issues such as these.
Dog food storage
When looking for the right dog food storage container you want to get something that will not only keep your pet or other critters from getting in, but will also maintain the nutritional value of the food. Many food containers can chemically react with the food inside which can be negative for your pet. Finding the right container is important if you don’t intend to keep the dog food in its original bag.
Dog dishes
A dog dish may seem like it is not that big of an issue, but this is important especially related to the size of your dog. Having the wrong type of food dish can have consequences that you may not have considered when you purchased it. Make an informed decision about the dish your dog will eat from.
High fiber dog food
There is a lot of discussion about how humans need a high-fiber diet to maintain their bodily digestive processes, but your dog needs this is well while there is so much discussion about removing grains and other fillers from a dog’s food this is often done at the expense of maintaining the proper amount of fiber your dog needs.
You want to ensure that the dog food your pet is eating has vegetables and fruits that provide a good amount of fiber.
Low calorie dog food
Dogs get most of their energy from the amount of protein that they eat. This means that calorie additives included in the food are unnecessary for most breeds. When excess calories are included the usually wind up becoming nothing more than fat, which can increase the size of your dog. Read now…
Low Sodium Dog food
Some human beings need to maintain a low sodium diet, and this is true of your dog as well. Depending on the kind of food you have been feeding your pet to this point, if he or she has too much sodium, it can be negative and detrimental toward its long-term health. A low sodium food can be the perfect solution.
Low protein dog food
While many breeds of dogs need a high protein diet, there are those that need just the opposite. Protein is often used as energy for dogs, but when there is too much of it, then it can be a real problem for your pet. Low protein dog foods can be a great way to take care of your animal so that the canine is healthy and has the right amount of energy.
Conclusion
Whatever you feed your dog, do not forget to add some supplements every now and then. The best supplement to add on a regular basis appears to be zinc supplements to improve immune system and skin coat quality.
