Walking the isles, you will find a wide choice of dog food available in supermarkets and pet supplies today. This can make it difficult to decide which is the best dog food for your best friend. This may be one of the most commonly asked questions by pet owners when they take their dogs to their veterinarian. The answer really is not definitive.
There really is not one "best" that is suitable for all gogs across the board. The answer can be narrowed down by looking at each dog. Dogs are very much like people. Some dogs are extremely active to the point that they are often labelled hyper. Some dogs are built big and tough and some small and delicate. Each will need a diet tailored specifally to that dog's physical needs. However, understanding what determines those needs will help you to determine what the best dog food is for your pet.
The First Component
The first primary difference in dog food relates to the raw materials that are used to provide the nutritional value. You will notice that commercial dog foods are either grain-based or meat-based. Most experts will agree that the best dog food to maintain healthy dogs (who don't have heart or kidney problems) is a meat-based food.
Meat-based dog foods are considered the option due to the fact that their digestive system more easily extracts the nutrient value from the food source. It is common knowledge that protein is a necessary component in the diet of all dogs. Meat based dog foods typically are very high in protein. While meat based dog foods are produced from lamb, turkey, fish, beef and venison, many professionals in the field feel that chicken-based dog foods are the best choice.
Basic Guide
As notednpreviously, no single dog food can be rated the best for all dogs. There are a few things to specifically look for when selecting your dog's food. These components found in the appropriate ratio will ensure that your pet is getting the required source of nutrition from their food. As with people food, dog food will display nutrition labels that provide information about the nutrient value that can be expected from that product. These labels will provide the information you need to dtermine which is the best dog food for your pet.
When reading the nutritional value analysis, pay attention to the amount of protein contained in the dog food. For most dogs this value should be at least 30 per cent. In addition be sure to look at the fat percentage as well. The food should contain at least 18 per cent fat. This number may vary according to several factors. Older dogs or overweight dogs may require food that provides lower fat levels. These issues can be manged simply by selecting a product with lower fat in the source. Other components you should look for would include Vitamin E, the presence of Vitamin C, and the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Food for Health and Happiness
The best dog food for your dog ultimately rests on the evaluation of your particular dog's needs. The key thing to consider is that you ensure that your dog is getting the appropriate amount of nutrients. You may want to consult with your veterinarian for more professional advice about a healthy choice for your dog. That will help you determine what is the best dog food to meet your needs.
Author Resource:-
Tom Henricks is a retired utility worker and charter fisherman from The Canadian of Shore of Lake Erie.
For more information about Petfood please visit Petfood Tips and Info
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