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We are used to seeing our dogs playing around the place, jumping, and wiggling their tails. These are some signs that the dogs are healthy. A pet’s diet plays a huge role in their overall health.
If you just bought a pet dog, know that your pet may lack strength and have several health problems if not fed properly. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to know what kinds of food are okay and not suitable for them.
Your journey to finding the best suitable dog food does not end in knowing these foods’ nutrient components. You should also be made aware of your dog’s specific needs. Dog foods can be further categorized depending on your dog’s age and allergies among many others.
Below we will discuss how you can thread on this journey.
What’s the Right Food for Dogs?
Jennifer Freeman, DVM, pet care expert at PetSmart, and resident veterinarian, suggests what dog food must include. Protein (meat), vitamins (fruits and vegetables), and omega fatty acids are some of the essentials. While corn, soy, and wheat are only fillers that are not as important but should be a part of the diet.
If your dog is allergic to any ingredients, you must research and pick the best dog food for allergies to avoid health problems. There are tons of sustainable dog treats for the dogs to enjoy.
Let’s look at ways to ensure that you invest in the right dog food products.
5 Tips to Choose the Right Dog Food
You need to consider a number of factors when you are buying dog food for your pet. This section will talk about everything from dog age to sustainable fish treats for dogs.
1 Choose Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Your pets, like humans, can get allergic to some foods, proteins, or environmental factors. As a reaction, the dog’s skin can get itchy, or it may start wheezing.
You’ll have to take your veterinarian’s advice and proper research before making any decision to find the best dog food for allergies. There are some serious reactions if you are unable to treat or tone down the reaction.
Picking hypoallergenic dog treats, cricket dog food, insect dog food, or other allergy-friendly dog treats can help prevent the reactions. Insect dog food is loaded with 30% to 60% protein. You can add it on with meaty meals like poultry and fish.
2 Consider Nutritious Value Before Anything Else
Before you go to the pet shop to pick up anything that comes your way, you need to know that a dog’s nutritional needs are based on the age factor. Many dog foods are suitable for different dog breeds and ages.
An adult dog needs a different percentage of proteins and amino acids, while an infant or young puppy may have different requirements. But, according to AAFCO, all dog foods are okay for all stages of dog life.
However, you may need to know the exact percentages, so don’t forget to read the product description on the pack of the dog food. According to the American Kennel Club, the size of your dog may be a factor when buying a portion of particular dog food.
Smaller dogs need more nutrients and calories than the big ones due to the breed difference. So, keep all these things in mind.
Percentage Proteins and Amino by Pet Food Industry
This chart discusses the usual percentage of proteins and other main amino acids like leucine and valine. These are some crucial nutrients that your dog food must contain. Again, dog food choice must align with your dog’s breed’s need for nutrition.
3 Fats Must Be a Part of Their Diet
Fats in the dog diet are ignored, whereas proteins get all the hail. However, this doesn’t mean that fats are unimportant. Dogs, just like humans, need a perfectly balanced diet that has all other healthy components. Fats also help with easy digestion and are a substantial part of the dog’s meal.
Fatty acids that are a part of your dog’s diet build fats like Omega-3 and Omega-4, which are equally crucial in the dog’s diet. Why? Because the dogs cannot produce them on their own. So, you must choose a brand that offers an all-rounder nutrition value.
4 Consult the Veterinarian
If your dog is healthy and doesn’t need any kind of special treatment, then you can skip this part. But, if the dog needs special attention and you want to change its diet, consulting the dietary change with the veterinarian is a wise move.
The veterinarian will examine the dog and prescribe special dietary ingredients that will help you choose the right product among the sea options when you are at a pet store. Please restrain from making rash decisions.
5 Try Dog Food Recipes
No matter the brand you choose and how much thought you put into the decision, there will still be things that are missed out. An ideal response to this is to prepare different dog food recipes that are filled with the desired nutrients.
A dozen bloggers prepare special, vet-approved dog foods on their channels. However, you’ll also have to be very cautious while making your own raw dog food. You wouldn’t want to contaminate bacteria and other germs in the food. Wear gloves and be very cautious throughout the process.
Tip: Many dog owners and vets advise rotating the dog’s regular dietary food within a 2 to 6-month period. This will give you exposure to try out different dog food companies to come up with the best-suited one.
Conclusion
Dogs are man’s best friend, and there’s no question about it. We also reciprocate their love with care and attention to their needs. As a dog parent, you must be well aware of your dog’s health conditions.
Pay regular visits to the vet if your dog is allergic and search for the4 best dog food for allergies to prevent the reactions. Also, take extreme care of what the dog eats and drinks throughout the day. If the need for clinical treatment calls out, don’t delay it and respond promptly.
