Choosing the Right Dog Food

Even if you only own one dog, with so many brands and types of dog food at the market, it can be a very daunting task deciding on which type; will be right for your dog. The novice dog owner may think that any dog food will work, but that is simply not the case. This is because a puppy requires different nutrients, compared to an adult dog and a working dog has far different nutritional needs, than a lap dog.

There are a certain criteria that can be established for pet food that can help you determine what food is best for you dog. This criterion generally includes:

• Cost


• Place of purchase


• Nutrient density (number of calories per pound)


• Palatability and digestibility

Here is some information that can educate you about dog food and aid you in choosing the right one for your. Characteristics of dog food are grouped under the issues that should be considered, before you buy-

Brand name versus store brand-

• Specialty or super premium products are generally sold in pet specialty stores, and veterinarian offices. They usually have higher prices, and are more energy dense, or have more calories per pound of food. It is important to realize that overfeeding with these products, can lead to weight gain faster than products, with a lower caloric value.


• Premium products are traditionally sold at grocery stores (but sometimes are available in pet specialty outlets). These types of products are moderately priced, and are generally lower in caloric value, compared to super premium products. It is important to check the label to see if this product will meet your pet's needs.


• Store brand products are pet foods that are sold under the store's name, as opposed to a national brand name. These foods are designed to offer similar guarantees, ingredients, and performance, compared to the nationally advertised brands, at a much lower price.

Dry versus wet food-

• Pet owners should realize that dry food has more calories, and less moisture then wet food. If you choose to use this type of food your dog will require less food, in order to meet his or her nutritional needs.


• On the other hand wet food has fewer calories, because it contains more water. Because of this it may be difficult for large breed dogs to meet their energy needs, before feeling full.

Breed size-
It is important for owners to consider breed size (large breed vs. small breed), because each dog food contains nutrient levels (fat, protein, carbohydrate, minerals, etc.), that are appropriate for a specific breed size's metabolism, and life stage. Each size of dog requires a specific amount of nutrients and calories that is appropriate to them. Failing to meet these requirements or overfeeding your can both be detrimental to your dog's health.

Age of the dog-

1. There are certain requirements for growing puppies that must be met. Puppy food is high in nutrients (such as protein, and calories). These are extremely necessary for growing puppies. These products contain the appropriate levels of calcium, and phosphorus, to help support healthy bone and joint development.


2. Food for adult dogs contains the appropriate levels of nutrients. It should be noted that this type of food, is generally not appropriate for pregnant and lactating dogs.


3. There is also food that is formulated for dogs over the age of 7 years old. This type of food is known as senior food. These dogs (even if they are not less active or overweight), have very different nutritional needs, as compared to other adult dogs. These senior dogs should have food that contains increased protein levels, to help maintain muscle mass and support a healthy immune system.

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