When looking for dog food, it is in our best interest, and our dog’s health, to get them the right type of food they need to stay strong and healthy. But with so many different brands to choose from, how can anyone make sure that they are picking the right dog food for their pet?
Canine cuisine is just like people food; there are many different flavors to choose from. And just like their owners, certain dogs are more interested in certain flavors of food. Even the way the food is presented has an effect on whether or not they will find it pleasing to the palate. Some animals prefer dry dog food, while others find wet varieties much more satisfying. This may take some trial and error, but eventually you’ll find the type that does the most to wet their appetite.
Of course, one critical factor in your selection will also be price. Unfortunately, some brands that you might find appealing carry a substantial price tag with them. But you have to go with what is feasible for your budget. There are plenty of foods out there that have adequate levels of what your dog needs, and is still available at the right price. That’s not to say that more expensive brands are not an option: you just have to decide what you are willing to comfortably pay for your pet’s meals.
The selections available are staggering and are plastered with the all of the proper key selling terms: reduced, healthy, management, enriched, etc. So where do you begin? First, you have to pick something that is right for the age of your dog. Each company generally has their own categories of food depending on the age, and sometimes even the overall health, of your animal. Starting with the age is the best place to begin.
Each manufacturer will conveniently place an age range on their product depicting what the ideal age of pet is that should be consuming that specific product. Staying within those ranges are important because these foods are designed with specific vitamins and nutrients that are needed for growing pups, active dogs or mature animals. Mixing formulas that are not designed for that age animal doesn’t necessarily harm them, but it might deplete them of vital elements that they need in their diet.
Another category to consider is your dog’s health. Sometimes, even younger animals have health concerns. Their needs might be different than other animals the same age. Matching them correctly to the right food gives them extra vitamins that might help prevent certain conditions from flaring up and causing them to feel, and act, more advanced in years than they actually are.
Certain diseases that strike dogs require specific formulas to keep them running as close to normal as possible. On top of medications, your veterinarian might recommend certain brands of food because they hold more of the vital elements that help to regulate your dog’s condition.
Just like humans, as a dog ages, their bodies go through changes. Things that once were no problem to consume are often too taxing for their systems to break down as well. That’s why when your animal hits the appropriate age it is time to switch them over to formulas designed specifically for their advanced years. Again, your veterinarian is the best one to inform you when it is time to think about switching over to more important nutrients and vitamins for the animal’s age.
Another factor that canines sometimes have to deal with is excess weight. Like us, they may have a tendency to carry more than their frames were designed to comfortably manage. And, just like us, those extra pounds also carry with them complications. Being overweight puts a lot of stress on joints, bones, and especially the lungs and heart. Just being a few pounds over their intended weight can seem like much more to a dog in side effects.
That’s why for these animals it is important to keep an eye on their bodies in order to notice any subtle changes in their shape. That’s also why there are a wide variety of formulas designed specifically for weight management. It trims the excess fat and empty calories out of the food and gives them more of what their body needs to keep their weight at a more manageable level.
Regardless of what type of dog food you purchase, the main thing to remember is that they should not be overfed. Even specific formulas should only be consumed in moderation. If there are any questions, consult your veterinarian to see if your dog is getting enough, and not too much, to eat.