What to Feed Your Dog
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How Do You Pick the Best Dog Food?
When searching for a dog food keep in mind that which ever type of food you choose needs to be balanced for a dogs specific health (with water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins). These essential nutrients are required as part of the dog’s regular diet and are involved in all of the basic functions of the body.
Nutritional requirements are different for puppies and adults, large and small dogs. Look for food options that match your dog's age and size and any particular health needs.
Tips:
- Check with your veterinarian for their input on dog food choices.
- Make sure the dog food is labeled (provides complete and balanced nutrition) so you know that it is intended to be fed as the dog's sole diet. Treats, snacks, and supplements are typically not intended to be a pet’s sole diet, so these products are often not complete and balanced.
Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food "Kibble" is one of the most popular types of dog food available, and it is easy to see why. It is convenient, it can be more affordable, and can provide a balanced diet for your pup. But there are many additional benefits to feeding your dog dry food that you may not be aware of. Here are some of the top benefits of dry dog food.
Convenience: Dry dog food is incredibly convenient. It is easy to store and can be served quickly. This means that you don’t have to worry about preparing a meal for your pup every day. You can just scoop out a portion and serve it to your pup.
Cost-Effective: Dry dog food is also can be more cost-effective, depending on the brand. Dry food can last longer as well.
Balanced Diet: Dry dog food is designed to provide a balanced diet for your pup. It contains all the essential nutrients that your pup needs to stay healthy and active.
Variety: Dry dog food also comes in a variety of flavors and textures. This means that you can find a type of food that your pup loves and that will provide them with the nutrition that they need.
Enrichment: Dry food kibble is easier to place into food puzzles, or scatter in an open area to scavenge, or add to a slow feeder that may provide more brain stimulation
Dental health benefits: Dry food encourages dogs to chew their food, which could help in mechanically scraping the teeth helping to prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease.
Wet Dog Food
Moisture content: Wet dog food has a higher moisture content than dry dog food. This can be beneficial for dogs who are prone to dehydration or have a tendency to drink less water.
Taste and palatability: Wet dog food often has a stronger aroma and taste than dry dog food, which can make it more appealing to picky dog eaters. Wet food can also be used as a "Mix in" using a smaller portion of wet mixed with the dry food to make it more tasty.
Chewing: Wet food is easier to chew/swallow, which may be helpful if your dog has missing teeth/dental issues that make it hard to chew dry food.
Fresh Dog Food
There is a growing popularity of freshly prepared dog food delivery options, as well as self prepared fresh food options.
Making your dog's food at home while possible, can be a time consuming and expensive process. Home cooked diets should be prepared and cooked using recipes that were approved by a veterinary nutritionist.
Some companies now offer (human grade) all natural food options, delivered to your door.