A Little Something About Choosing Dog Foods

[jude09]

If you try to look inside pet stores or even supermarkets you will see a lot and I mean a LOT of commercial dog food simply stacked up one after another.

The numerous brands of dog foods can be great because it offers choice, variety and various flavor but for first time dog owners it can be one of the most difficult decisions you will have to go through.

Do you choose this dog food that has more vitamins and minerals or those that have HEALTHY or NATURAL written on the can? Are they really healthy or natural? It can be a mind boggling decision especially if you're used to looking at the beautiful pictures and descriptions on the front rather than the label at the back.

This is not an article to confuse you in choosing dog food brands or to point out the mistakes of many dog food brands in the market but simply a little something that will help you choose the dog food that's right for your dog.

Remember that the nutritional needs for every dog may differ in one way or another so before you choose a dog food for your dog it's suggested to talk to your vet and read the labels well.

Reading the label should be something that you shouldn't forget when picking up dog food. For example your dog may suffer from some sort of allergy and the dog food that they may keep on eating possesses the ingredient that triggers your dog's allergies.

Another thing you can do to check if the dog food is the right one for your dog is to occasionally check your dog's bowel habits. For example is your dog's stool is firm or loose, your dog's coat and skin, and your dog's energy level.

The dog food you choose should also be appropriate to your dog's age and breed.

If you're not a fan of commercial dog food then you have the choice to make your own dog food. But again it's suggested that you talk to your vet to ask for his/her opinion on the matter. You vet may also possess some dog recipes that you can use.

To sum it all up, dog food whether commercial or homemade is something that you dog will ingest to help keep them healthy and fit so choosing a dog food or creating one for your dog shouldn't be just a matter of closing your eyes and choosing with your heart.

It is worthwhile reading up and finding out as much as you can. The Dog Food & Nutrition Guide will help answer many of your questions. In choosing a dog food for your dog, your eyes should both be open and read the label at the back.


Here's also some few posts to get you started.


You can click the link below to view some suggestions regarding "dog food";

What dog foods do you use


You can a click the link below to view some answers regarding "Eating issues with a yorkie";

Dealing with a picky eater


You can a click the link below to view some answers regarding "Dangerous Dog Foods";

Dangerous foods for dogs


You can a click the link below to view some answers regarding "Dog Food Supplements";

Dog food supplements

[Sarah]

Thanks Jude for the information. I have a question if I may. Have you heard anything negative about IMS dog food [lamb and rice]?

[jude09]

hello Sarah, IMS or do you mean IAMS?

[Sarah]

Yes Jude, IAMS. It's been so long since I've had a dog, I have forgotten how to spell it. lol sorry

[nicole]

Thanks for this info on dog food. It sure is confusing to look at all the foods at the grocery store or a pet store. We are picking up our Westie a week from Saturday, the 22nd of May. I have read everything I can on crate training, and now on to the food issue. She will be 8 weeks old when we pick her up. The breeder has been feeding her Purina Proplan chicken and rice and suggested I continue with this. Is this good for puppies?? It is really expensive. Is there something better?? Is there anything wrong with Purina puppy chow??? I have done a search on Proplan and naturally came up with both pros and cons.

[MaryAnn]

Unfortunately all dog foods will have pros & cons, depending on who you talk to. However, when you first bring your new puppy home you will have to continue on the same food as the breeder has her on, and ever so gradually change her over to her new food...whatever you decide on. The breeder should give you enough food that she has been feeding to last you a couple of weeks at least...whereas you can slowly (emphasis on slowly) change her over to whatever you decide.

Dogs are natural carnivores, but they need a diet that provides them with the right amount of protein, vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber. Too much protein in a dog's diet has been linked with higher levels of aggression. Just be sure to read all the ingredients. A lot of the less expensive brands have a lot of fillers, instead of real meat.

[nicole]

Thanks MaryAnn. I had not thought to ask the breeder to bring along some of the food she had been feeding the puppy. My husband did find some of the proplan at a pet store but thought it was quite expensive. When I was recently at the grocery store and looked at the dog/puppy food I left very confused and overwhelmed!

[jude09]

Sarah, there are actually mixed opinions regarding IAMS others say it's good but others aren't that much of a fan of this product.

One of the things that other dog owners do not like about this product is the fact that there are actually corn and salt in the ingredients

which can be bad if your dog is suffering from allergic reactions caused by gluten and salt that can cause kidney problems for your pets.

[sunnybea]

The dog food issue is surprisingly huge. We are bring home a 4 month old moyan poodle. Our breeder uses a food that she has made for her dogs - whcih she is sending a nice supply so we can change our pup over to the new food. She recommends Blue Buffalo. In my state it's $50 for a 30 pound bag. Ummmm...that's expensive. I figured I would ask our vet what he recommends. I would just hate to buy the wrong thing. This dog is an investment and a part of the family. I'd hate to get the wrong thing and make him ill. I totally understand everyone's concerns.

[markalaw]

Dogs are natural carnivores, but they need a diet that provides them with the right amount of protein, vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber. Too much protein in a dog's diet has been linked with higher levels of aggression. Just be sure to read all the ingredients. A lot of the less expensive brands have a lot of fillers, instead of real meat.[/QUOTE]

Maryann, I agree with much of what you say here, but I can't find any supporting research to back up you assertion that too much protein being linked to higher levels of aggression. Can you provide some background? Because of the number of premium high protein dog foods on the market, I've sought out several vet school reports on the topic and they all seem to downplay any such negative effects.