What Is the Best Pet Food for Your Dog?
Our dogs deserve to have the best food in the world. A delicious, but healthy diet is key for making sure your dog lives a long and happy life. But it can be hard to figure out what exactly should be in your dog’s diet. What should you be on the lookout for when choosing the best pet food for your dog? We have all of the tips you need in order to find the best dog food for your pet.
What Should Your Dog Eat?
Dogs are known for eating anything you set before them, but what actually goes into a proper diet for dogs? While cats are strictly carnivores, a dog’s healthy diet is a combination of wheat and meat-based foods. There are a few plants that are dangerous for your dog to consume, but seeing grains and wheat in your dog food’s ingredient list isn’t a bad thing.
What you should look for on your dog’s food label is a certification from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO has strict criteria for ensuring that your food is balanced with the minimum amount of all of the nutrients necessary for your dog’s daily health. If the nutritional label does not say “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles,” then it is not certified by the AAFCO.
Kibble or Wet Food?
Kibble and Wet Food are equally nutritious for your dog, and one is not inherently better than the other. However, each option comes with its own benefits.
Kibble is easy to serve and is less expensive overall. Eating kibble consistently can also help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth, which improves their dental health. However, when buying kibble, make sure you get the brand that best fits your dog. If you give your small dog kiddle meant for giant dogs, they will not get the nutrients they need and may choke on the size of the kibble. Inversely, a large dog may not find food meant for a puppy filling or satisfying.
Wet food is more filling than kibble is. Despite its reputation, it is not fresher than dry food. However, wet food has a significantly higher water content, which means that it can help keep your dog hydrated during the summer. If you have a dog that tends to not drink enough water, wet food can help supplement their water intake. (This is especially important if your dog has a pet door that lets them outside when they want).
Consult Your Veterinarian
Ultimately, your veterinarian will know better than anyone what food would be best for your dog, especially if they have allergies or other health issues. If your vet prescribes a certain diet or brand of dog food, then it is best to stick with their choices.
If you have any concerns about what your dog is eating, it’s best to ask them for their thoughts and recommendations. They can tell you what to feed your dog and how much is best for them.
Getting the right dog food is important for your dog’s health. Another great way to improve your dog’s life is to install a pet door. Pet doors are great for making sure they have access to the great outdoors while eliminating stress and reducing incidents of wetting.