Choosing the right food for your dog can be a difficult task. There are a lot of factors you should take into consideration. Some of which are the breed of the dog and of course the age your dog is in. It can be very daunting to pick the right foods, so lets get started!
What should be in your dog food
Other than cats, dogs are not strictly carnivores. Most of their food is indeed made of meat, but they also require nutrients coming from grains, fruits and vegetables.
The contained vitamins, minerals and fiber are an essential part of their diet and therefor all of the above should be contained in a good high-quality dog food.
Right dog food for the right age
Depending on age and breed, dogs require different amounts and ingredients in their food. A puppy for example is a different story than an adult one for example. And then senior dogs have some special need again. Another great resource is the Merck Veterinary Manual which lists all the required nutrients for your dog in respect of weight and age.
Dog food myths
There are quite an amount of myths flying around in the internet about do’s and don’ts when it comes to dog nutrition. One of them is that grains are not good for dogs. While this might be true in the very seldom case that your dog has a grain allergy, in most cases this is simply wrong all the way! Whole grains are a very important source of wholesome nutrients.
Make sure to ask your veterinarian in case of any doubts about nutrients!
How to Read Dog Food Labels
While dog food package design will vary between the different manufacturers, all of the packages are legally required to contain the following pieces of information as a minimum: