The Best Dog Foods to Keep Your Pooch Healthy and Happy
Like most pet parents, keeping your pup healthy and happy is of utmost importance if you're a dog owner. That's why it's important to choose the best dog food for them.
Unfortunately, poor quality dog food or food that does not cater to certain health conditions such as allergens or diabetes (yes, dogs get this disease, too!) can contribute to a less-than-happy hound in the belly department. In addition, it can cause pesky dog food allergies like itchy skin, bald patches, gas, coughing and more!
Of course, with so many different varieties of dog food on the market, it can be tricky to decide which of the best dog food brands is suitable for your furry friend.
Today's blog will discuss the various types of dog food available and what to look for when selecting one of the best dog food brands that's healthiest and most beneficial for your pup!
Different Types of Dog Food
When selecting the best dog food brands aka yummy grub for your hound, it's important to know what your options are. Some of the most popular varieties of dog food include:
Allergens
If your dog has allergies, it's important to choose a food that
does not contain anything they are allergic to. Typically, dogs that
suffer from food allergies are allergic to proteins found in both plant-based and animal ingredients; these include wheat, beef, chicken and dairy. Some of the best dry dog food brands offer dog foods formulated specifically for canines with allergies. When purchasing dog food, check the label to ensure these allergens are not present!
Grain-Free
Grain-free dog foods are food free from grains such as soy,
barley, rice, oats and wheat. These dog foods are becoming increasingly popular as more pet parents realize the benefits of a grain-free diet for their furry friends. Grain-free dog foods are typically made with fewer ingredients and are easier to digest, making them the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. In addition, most grain-free dog foods usually have a higher protein (meat) content.
Organic
Organic dog foods are made with ingredients that are grown
without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals. This means it's full of nature's natural goodness! However, this type of food is often more
expensive due to its organic label. But many pet parents feel it is worth the extra cost to know that their dog is eating healthy, natural food.
Raw
Raw dog food is highly nutritional and is typically made with meat, vegetables, and bones that are all ground up together. This means it is free from grain and gluten, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Many pet parents prefer a raw diet for their dogs as it is natural and closer to what canines would eat if they were in the wild.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
There are a few considerations to take into account when choosing the best dog food for your pup. Some of the factors you should take into account include the following:
Your dog's age
Puppies, seniors and adult dogs each have different nutritional needs. Therefore, it's important to choose a food specifically formulated for their age group.
Your dog's activity level
Active dogs need more calories and protein than less active
dogs, so you'll want to choose a food tailored to their activity level.
Your dog's health
Dogs with certain health conditions may need a special diet. For
example, dogs with diabetes may need food that is low in sugar. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.
The Final Nibble
Most of the information you require to decide what kind of dog food is best for your furry friend can be found on the dog food's nutritional label. So when purchasing your pup's next bowl of delicious grub, do your research and if in doubt, speak to your veterinarian.
Image by Mat Coulton from Pixabay
