How to Choose the Best Dog Food
Every Dog is Different
To start off, there isn’t actually a “best” dog food for your pup, only better options. The right kind of dog food is just the right kind for your dog. For example, smaller dog breeds need smaller sized kibble, and larger dog breeds need food formulated to help their musculoskeletal system that they are prone to have problems with. Some dogs might need extra supplements, or be allergic to certain ingredients. With so many different kinds of food out there, hopefully this insight will help you pick the right one.
FUN FACT: Dogs can actually safely go vegetarian. Unlike cats which require things only found in meat, dogs don’t technically need to have a carnivorous diet. However, it can be challenging to ensure they are still getting all of the nutrients that they need- so make sure you talk to your vet about the best way to do this if you are planning on going the meatless route.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Titles and Claims
One of the best ways we can equip ourselves to pick out better options is to be more knowledgable on what we are looking for. We all know that when we look at a label, we can only hope to understand half of what it says. Well, it’s actually pretty important to know what you are getting for their food (and your own, but that’s a different story). With so many options out there, knowing how to read the information on the back can help you narrow it down. The first thing you are going to notice is the name. There are a couple rules that companies have to stick by if they want to include an ingredient in their main brand. If the food is advertised as one ingredient, like “beef for dogs,” then it must be at least 95% beef. Now, if there is a word after it like “dinner” or “meal,” then the ingredient has to be between 25%-95% of the food. Furthermore, if they add the word “with” like “dog food with salmon,” it is only required to be at least 3% of the ingredients. What’s even worse is that if a food has a “flavor” of something, there is no requirement on how much has to be in there, it just has to have a detectable flavor.
Can you trust a guarantee?
There is some guarantee in protein, fat, fiber, and water content. All of these have regulations (in most states) on the minimum and maximum amount in dog food and are required to display the percentages on the packaging. If something says it is low-fat or has vitamins, it is required to be true.
Serving sizes and expiration dates
Just like people, dogs all require different amounts of food to be healthy. The serving size on the back of the label is just a general suggestion. It is important to communicate with your vet on how much your dog should be eating with the dog food that you chose. Additionally, make sure you check those use-by dates! We often don’t think about it, but there are ingredients in dog food that can make it go very bad in a short amount of time, so it’s good to just be aware.
Keep An Eye Out For…
Something to keep an eye out for is the statement “_____ is formulated to meet the nutritional needs by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.” This means that this specific product has met the strict requirements that were set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for a balanced diet.
Additionally, it is generally better to have meat products in the ingredients that are listed as the actual name, like “chicken breast,” rather than just “meat” or “poultry.” Starches and grains should generally be lower on the list because they are harder to digest, but they are not something that you should be scared to give your dog.
Dry? Wet? Canned? There’s so Many!
There are so many different kinds of dog food out there, everything from freeze-dried to raw. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world if you pick one over the other. There isn’t really a “best” kind, but some might work better for you and your dog’s lifestyle. For example, wet dog food can help keep your dog hydrated, is easier to chew, and generally tastes better. But, dry dog food can be less messy, cheaper, and help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. You can also home cook your dog’s food to avoid any preservatives, but this can be more time-intensive and expensive.
You Got It!
Overall, we all just want the best for our dogs and with so may options out there, the food aisle can seem daunting. There are so many right options, don’t stress about finding the perfect one. We hope that this blog was helpful to make you feel more in control in picking out their food, happy munching!
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-food-choosing-whats-right-for-your-dog/
https://homewardpet.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/What-to-Look-For-in-Your-Dogs-Food.pdf
https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/features/dog-food-facts
https://dogsbestlife.com/dog-health/types-of-dog-food/
https://autumntrailsvet.com/types-of-dog-food/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/how-to-read-a-dog-food-label/
This blog was written by Samantha Dailey, the Social Media Associate at Dog Tired Adventures. Sam loves to hike around the hills, find new recipes, and to hangout with her Shih-Tzu Maltese she’s had since she was a kid.