What's The Best Dog Food
While each dog has their own health requirements in general a dog is not a pure carnivore. Dogs can benefit from some non-meat ingredients for the extra minerals and vitamins, but the bulk of their diet should be meat.
There are vegan options available but if this is something you are interested in consult your veterinarian about it. This dietary plan may not be suitable for your breed of dog.
There are also diets that involve not using commercially produced dog food but feeding them raw meat and vegetables that are human food grade. This takes more work and you should consult your veterinarian if this is an option you wish to explore.
The more common diets involve commercially produced wet or dry dog food. If you are trying to pick a dog food the best thing you can do is to look at the label. Check the label for information on what is in the product. Meat should be a main ingredient.
Another way to tell if it's one of the better options is to look for an endorsement by the AAFCO. It will appear on the packaging similar to the following “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles”. The AAFCO will not tell you it is the best food but it will at least guarantee that they meet the minimum requirements for most dogs.
Diet & Your Dog's Age
When trying to decide on the healthiest dog food for your canine companion, it's important to take their age into consideration. The age of your dog plays a significant role when it comes to their nutritional requirements.
Quality puppy foods are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your young dog, and some brands even have puppy foods for different breed sizes. This is particularly important if you have a giant breed dog and need to somewhat slow their growth to preserve bone and joint health. Speak to your vet to find out more about which brands they recommend to meet your pup's needs.
Senior dogs are normally dogs that are 7+ years old. Elderly dogs are typically less active than younger pups meaning that their calorie intake needs to be monitored in order to avoid health complications due to obesity. Older dogs are also more likely to experience health issues such as joint pain or kidney disease which can be helped with the right diet. Be sure to ask your vet whether your dog could benefit from a specially formulated food for senior dogs or those for dogs with underlying health problems.
Diet & Your Dog's Size
If your canine companion is a large or giant breed they will need a diet that is rich in nutrients that will help support their large skeleton and muscles.
On the other hand, if your dog is a smaller breed then the choice of food is more often to do with avoiding choking hazards. Small hungry dogs can choke on kibbles made for larger dogs.
It is best to pick a food made for the size of your dog.
Dry Dog Food vs. Wet Dog Food
Dog owners often ask our Morton veterinarians whether it is best for their dog to eat dry or wet food. Unfortunately the answer isn't entirely straightforward. Each food can be good or bad depending on the specific brand and formulation.
Owners of large breed dogs often find that the price of canned food is too high to make feeding a large dog canned food affordable. Of course feeding a toy, miniature or small breed dog canned food is much less expensive. Another approach is to feed your dog a mixture of canned and dry food. That way your pooch gets to enjoy the great taste of wet food and you get the money saving advantage of feeding your dog dry food.
Vet Recommended Dog Food Brands
The best way to choose the right food for your dog is to ask your vet to provide you with the names of brands they trust, then find the right formulation for your dog's lifestyle, age and size. Decide whether you'd prefer to feed your pup wet food, kibble or both, then slowly begin to introduce the food you have chosen and see if they like it. Some dogs are picky while others will eat whatever is in front of them.
How to Introduce New Foods
Suddenly changing your dog's food can make it more difficult for them to adjust to the switch. Try adding gradually increasing amounts of the new food mixed into the food your dog is used to eating. As your dog transitions to the new food, keep an eye out for any signs of illness such as an allergic reaction or an upset stomach. If you have concerns about your dog's reaction to their food, contact your vet right away to have your dog examined.
Trust Yourself
Ultimately, you know your dog better than anyone. Your insight into their daily life, activity level and overall health makes you the final say in what your dog eats. With proper nutrition, appropriate portions, and regular checks with the veterinarian, your dog is sure to enjoy nutritious meals for years to come.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.