Tips For Choosing Dog Food

Most people believe that feeding their dog is the easiest part of owning it. However, this is not necessarily true. The type of food and the amount of feed that you give to your pet has a great effect on the animal's health and appearance. It is very important to carefully check the ingredients on the bag when comparing dog foods. Unfortunately, numerous pet owners choose to compare price tags instead. Choosing the appropriate dog food can enhance your canine's skin, eyes, teeth, energy, and overall health.

To ensure that you are giving your dog the highest quality of food, always check the labeling on the bag. Everyone acknowledges that dogs like meat. They are carnivores. Therefore, the first ingredient in an adequate bag of dog food should be a form of meat. This meat needs to be lamb, beef, chicken, or liver. Stay away from foods that are made of meat by products. These foods substitute items such as feathers, skin, and beaks for real meat. Soy is another ingredient to avoid. It has been discovered that numerous dogs are allergic to soy products.

Many pet owners look to their dog's food to enhance a particular characteristic of the canine. For example, some may wish to boost the animal's outer appearance while others may want to increase the dog's energy. There are specific ingredients to look for in food to accomplish these desires.

Oils are effective at adding shine to a dog's coat. Look for dog foods with Omega 6 and Omega 3 for achieving healthier skin. Vegetable oils, flaxseed oil, and fish oil are good choices too. Fatty acids can aid in helping soothe your dog's irritated skin. Theses oils can also be given in the form of food supplements.

To see an increase in your pet's energy level, choose foods that are high in proteins and carbohydrates. This is extremely important if you own a working dog that burns many calories each day. Older, less active dogs will not need as high of a calorie diet as those that are younger and more vibrant. Typically, dogs need at minimum 10% protein in their diet and about 5% fatty acids.

When buying can food for your dog, be careful about avoiding foods that list water as a main ingredient. The cheaper can dog foods often add a significant amount of water to their product in order to lower the cost for consumers. If you choose to only give your pet food from a can, choose cans with meat as the first ingredient. You will also want to give your pet bones for crunching. Eating crunchy bones keeps a dog's teeth healthy.

Giving your pet a high quality food with maximum nutritional value is an excellent way to add energy in your dog's life and enhance the appearance of his coat, eyes, teeth, and physique. While theses foods are often higher priced, the additional cost that you pay is well worth the positive difference that you will see in your dog.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our selection of dog steps online.
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