According to a survey conducted by Reviews.com, 70% of dog owners don’t know what’s in the food they are feeding their dogs. This statistic may sound shocking, but when you consider the reality of shopping for dog food, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the amount of options you are faced with.
So what do you actually need to know about dog food? What should you be stocking up on, and what should you toss out? We’ll break it down for you in the simplest way possible.
When you’re shopping for dog food, the most important thing to pay attention to is the ingredients label. Ideally, your dog food should contain a balance of proteins, fats, and fibers. Avoid any mysterious meats or fillers by avoiding any ingredients that say “meat meal,” “chicken by-product,” or contain high amounts of corn. Instead, look for identifiable whole foods and supplements, such as:
- Fish, chicken, beef, liver, and eggs
- Oats and quinoa
- “Certified organic”
- Vitamins C & E
But ingredients are only part of the picture. Now you have to consider things like your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.
Dog food usually comes in dry, wet, or dehydrated forms. Dry dog food lasts for a long time and comes ready to eat. This is a great option for busybodies, or for people who travel because dry dog food also requires zero preparation. However, dry food often contains more processed ingredients. They can also contain preservatives, which is how dry dog food maintains a longer shelf life. Wet food, on the other hand, offers a more complete and fresh diet. It also comes with the bonus of higher moisture content, which can help keep your dog hydrated throughout the day. On the other hand, wet food has a much shorter shelf life, which means more trips to the pet food store. Dehydrated food contains similar nutritional content to wet food. However, moisture is gradually removed from its ingredients, to give it a longer shelf life. The main drawback of dehydrated food is that it requires hot water to be prepared, so this type of dog food is not very travel-friendly.
Some owners also prefer to make homemade dog food. This is one of the safest feeding options, as you know all the ingredients will be fresh and high-quality. Plus, you have direct control over your dog’s diet. However, you also have to commit yourself to become a pet chef. And if you already struggle to feed yourself enough healthy fruits and veggies, then forcing yourself to prepare food for your pooch might present more drawbacks than benefits.
Ultimately, the final brand of dog food that you select should contain quality ingredients, and be aligned with both your lifestyle and budget. Your dog’s diet directly impacts his health, so do your research before wandering into the pet food store. And remember, you can always speak with your veterinarian if you have any specific questions about your dog’s diet. Putting some thought into your dog’s food now will help your furry friend live a happy and healthy life.
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