Just like human beings, each dog is unique. Some foods work great for the dog, while others will not agree with the tummy. Since you are in charge of keeping your dog healthy, you have to get all the info you can about what is going into the bowl. Use the tips below to buy your dog food.
Know your dog
This one is quite easy. Is the dog a large or small breed? What is her age? Does she like lounging around the couch the whole day or is she active? These are the criteria that will affect what food you give to your dog. For instance, small breeds need small kibble, because they can choke on large food bits. Perhaps the dog has issues of health that need an important address. Allergies like gluten and wheat mean that you have to oversee the diet of your dog.
Read the labels
You need to read nutritional labels on food before buying it – you have to do the same with the dog’s food. Check on the list of ingredients carefully, most likely the leading five. The leading five need to be rich in high-quality meat or protein. Stay far from foods which list ingredients like rice, corn, or wheat among the top five.
Guaranteed Analysis Statement
Each dog food you purchase must have a statement that offers detailed data on the percentages of ingredients. The accurate details pinpoint nutritional ingredient value of the food of the dog. This statement provides minimal guarantees for fat and protein and a maximum assurance for fiber and moisture.
Category of dog food
Where will you be purchasing the food of your dog? This will say a lot when it comes to the quality of the food. There are three basic categories of the food of the dog, and they include health food, premium food, and grocery store food. You can find grocery store food in big box stores and are made with ingredients of low quality. These brands are cheaper and will not offer the dog ingredients that are dense with elements. You can find premium food in veterinary offices and pet stores and feature ingredients of high grades, while healthy foods give your dog the most nutritious and high-quality ingredients.
At times, you will try several of them to find the right match for your dog. Keep the record in the journal about the reaction of the dog to different foods. You need to introduce the dog to the new food slowly. You can do it by feeding the dog at a time and then gradually increase the amount to avoid chances of vomiting and diarrhea. Be keen to check the consistency of stool and coat appearance. Also, a good indicator of the food preference is a bowl that is empty. If the dog likes the food, you will see it by seeing the bottom of the feeding bowl.
It is crucial to note that the price is not the indicator of the best food for the dog. Nevertheless, foods that contain high nutrient amounts will be costlier, but that is not to mean that it is the best one for the dog.