When you go to the grocery store, you’ll often see a whole aisle dedicated to pet food. Of course, you can also buy your dog’s food online, or sometimes through your veterinarian’s office. And don’t forget about all the supplements you can add to your dog’s diet!
At Dan’s Pet Care, we understand that choosing the best diet for your dog can be overwhelming. It’s always important to consult with your veterinarian to plan the very best diet for your dog’s individual needs. In this article, we’ll discuss a few of the qualities you should look for when choosing a dog food – and how you might choose to supplement your dog’s diet for additional benefits.
What To Look For When Choosing A Dog Food
With so many commercial dog food options available today, it can be hard to choose just one. But with these tips in mind, you can rule out some choices on the shelf that won’t be ideal for your pet.
A wide variety of nutrients
Your dog’s metabolism is designed to process a lot of meat, but they need a variety of other nutrient sources, too. A good dog food doesn’t just contain meat and protein sources – it also includes vegetables, fruits and grains to provide a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and macronutrients. While grain-free diets are popular with humans these days, it’s a misconception that grains are bad for most dogs. In fact, grains can be a healthy source of energy for your pet, unless they’ve been diagnosed with any specific conditions that indicate otherwise. Grain-free diets have been linked to specific forms of heart disease, so ask your vet before eliminating grains from your pet’s diet.
A statement from AAFCO on the package
AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. This organization is responsible for setting standard requirements for pet food ingredients. If your pet’s food has met with the approval of AAFCO, it will provide all the nutrients they need for a balanced diet. This label isn’t the only thing you should look for on your pet’s food packaging, but it’s a good place to start.
Ingredients that are dog-friendly – not necessarily people-friendly
Some owners make the mistake of scanning dog food ingredient labels and choosing foods that sound appealing to them. However, your dog’s digestive system and nutritional needs are far different from yours. Some dog foods contain trendy ingredients that humans are eating these days, but they’re created to appeal to owners more than the nutritional needs of dogs. Focus on the actual nutritional content of your dog’s food, not just the ingredients themselves.
Specialization for your dog’s unique needs
If your dog is a puppy or a senior, choosing a food that’s formulated especially for their age group can optimize their health. For overweight dogs, ask your veterinarian about low-calorie dog foods to help them shed some pounds. And for dogs with kidney or urinary disease, allergies, or other diagnoses, a specialty food can help them live longer and stay healthier. Specialty foods often cost a little more than their all-purpose counterparts, but the benefits to your dog’s health are worth the extra cost.
Supplementing Your Dog’s Diet
Many dogs can benefit from food supplements beyond their packaged food. Of course, there are many chews, tablets and powders you can use to deliver specific ingredients. But you can also add whole foods to your dog’s diet to keep them in peak condition. Let’s look at a few options vets often recommend (but be sure to consult with your vet before adding them to your dog’s diet).
Pumpkin
Pumpkin can be great for your dog’s digestive comfort, and it can also help them maintain a healthy weight. Use unflavored, canned pumpkin with no additional ingredients added. You can even freeze it to make a tasty treat!
Green beans
Plain, unflavored green beans are a great way to add fiber and vitamins to your dog’s diet. Make sure to choose unflavored options that contain no salt or other ingredients.
Scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs can add protein and nutrition to your dog’s standard diet. Most dogs benefit from around half an egg per day, raw or cooked with no oils or other ingredients added.
Need a Hand? Call Dan’s Pet Care Today!
At Dan’s Pet Care, we understand that every dog’s needs – from nutrition to exercise and grooming – are unique. No matter what your pet needs, our trained and licensed professionals can help you give them the care they deserve. To get started, fill out our consultation form today.
