If you've owned a dog for awhile, you most likely are aware of the benefits of a healthy and nutritious dog diet. With so many excellent dog foods on the market today, how do you decide which are the best?
It's a difficult question to answer because dog food scientists are more aware that dog diets are equally as important as our own. Dogs need proper vitamins and minerals every day. They need a balanced diet, one that contains meat and vegetables.
We often don't think of it, but dogs are carnivorous, but they also eat berries and vegetables if necessary for survival in the wild. These products provide nutrients that are not readily available from protein-rich diets.
Researchers also know that certain ingredients can produce negative reactions in dogs that are sensitive to them. As dog food manufacturers improve on their products by adding more of the nutritious elements and less of the harmful ones, dog owners can rest a little easier.
Many excellent products are on the market today. They come in a variety of forms, including canned, bagged and as individual treats that provide extra benefit such as teeth cleaning. Chain stores that once focused more on providing moderately adequate economical food are now beginning to offer dog foods that are higher in quality yet still at a low cost.
While economical food is better than it once was, it still doesn't match up to the superiority of premium dog food that has a price to match.
If you would rather not risk your dog's health, consider stores that sell feed for other animals and that regularly deal with customers interested in excellent nutrition for their pets. They would undoubtedly be able to help you decide on a specific brands that suit your dog's particular needs.
Look online and you will find companies that specialize in organic and natural dog diets. Some of the merchants will deliver the food right to your door, making it extremely convenient for you to find and purchase the best option for your dog.
Some people are still reluctant to buy online which is always a risk unless the company is well known and established. Take whatever steps you can to check them out. See how long they have been online and in business. Look for reviews of the company and their products to see what users might be saying.
Barring the internet, do not overlook your veterinarian as a good source of information. He will be able to make a recommendation based on your particular dog's breed, size and any health conditions that might exist. The food you choose can help or hinder your dog's condition, especially if he is in a weakened state.
Many vets sell specific brands and varieties of dog food from their office. The price might be a bit higher, but the value is worth to your dog's health is worth it.
Buying from your vet is handy as you can collect the food during your pet's check-up or when going to get your dog's monthly medication in the case of heartworm or other condition. If the vet recommends a particular type of diet for your dog due to health reasons, he likely will be the best person to talk to about finding the exact food your dog requires.
Of course, what better way to guarantee your dog gets only the freshest food than to grow your own. Since dogs require vegetables as well as meat and grain, you can prepare some recipes yourself from your own garden stock. Choose green beans and carrots which provide are excellent food value.
For quality meat and ideal bones, check with your local butcher who will have fresher food than you will get from processed dog food. Once you have decided on a specific diet for your dog, take advantage of the healthiest and most convenient method available to you.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
Dogs Training Series Which Dog Food is Best Canned or Dried
Whichever dog food you begin feeding your dog is most likely the one he will take to the easiest. That's why it's important to make sure you start your dog on a good dog food.
Dog foods have improved considerably over the years, but some people hold that dried food still contains the highest nutrient value. There are several benefits to dried over canned food. Dried food provides better chewing action for the teeth and gums and helps to prevent gum and tooth disease. Dried food gives your dog more value per meal because it is not high in water content as is canned food.
Budget wise, consider that you will need to provide your dog with more canned food to match the quantity of dry food both in amount and nutritional value.
Another factor to consider is that canned food contains preservatives to protect it from deterioration. Dry food also contains preservatives, but it is less susceptible to decay.
Consider too that some dogs do not tolerate canned foods very well and can develop diarrhea or stomach upsets. This is likely due to the preservatives used in production. In this case, your dog might do well with the superior quality canned foods or a strict dry dog food diet.
It's important, however, to look for dry food that is not loaded with filler such as corn or grain. You want to see beef (not meat by-products) or chicken at the top of the list when you read the label. Keep in mind that whatever is listed first represents the highest quantity of that item. If corn is listed first, move on to another brand. Corn provides little if any nutrient value and is hard for your dog to digest.br>
Be aware that meat by-products are leftovers from the slaughtering process and can include anything from chicken feet to internal organs.
Today, many manufacturers are including vitamin and mineral supplements in both dry and canned foods to help maintain your dog's health. Some contain soybean and rice, which offer valuable nutrients.
Simply by their size, larger dogs weighing over 30 pounds will likely do better on dry or semi-moist food which is more economical to buy and provides a good combination of nutrients.
Whichever choice you make, be sure to check the label. Look for real meat at the top, vegetables and vitamin and mineral supplements. Try to weed out those with long lists of preservatives as they can trigger digestive disturbances in your dog.
Look for higher priced foods, as the economical brands generally do not provide sufficient nutrients that are available from quality dog food.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
Dog foods have improved considerably over the years, but some people hold that dried food still contains the highest nutrient value. There are several benefits to dried over canned food. Dried food provides better chewing action for the teeth and gums and helps to prevent gum and tooth disease. Dried food gives your dog more value per meal because it is not high in water content as is canned food.
Budget wise, consider that you will need to provide your dog with more canned food to match the quantity of dry food both in amount and nutritional value.
Another factor to consider is that canned food contains preservatives to protect it from deterioration. Dry food also contains preservatives, but it is less susceptible to decay.
Consider too that some dogs do not tolerate canned foods very well and can develop diarrhea or stomach upsets. This is likely due to the preservatives used in production. In this case, your dog might do well with the superior quality canned foods or a strict dry dog food diet.
It's important, however, to look for dry food that is not loaded with filler such as corn or grain. You want to see beef (not meat by-products) or chicken at the top of the list when you read the label. Keep in mind that whatever is listed first represents the highest quantity of that item. If corn is listed first, move on to another brand. Corn provides little if any nutrient value and is hard for your dog to digest.br>
Be aware that meat by-products are leftovers from the slaughtering process and can include anything from chicken feet to internal organs.
Today, many manufacturers are including vitamin and mineral supplements in both dry and canned foods to help maintain your dog's health. Some contain soybean and rice, which offer valuable nutrients.
Simply by their size, larger dogs weighing over 30 pounds will likely do better on dry or semi-moist food which is more economical to buy and provides a good combination of nutrients.
Whichever choice you make, be sure to check the label. Look for real meat at the top, vegetables and vitamin and mineral supplements. Try to weed out those with long lists of preservatives as they can trigger digestive disturbances in your dog.
Look for higher priced foods, as the economical brands generally do not provide sufficient nutrients that are available from quality dog food.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
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