Providing your dog with a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs can help keep them healthy. Our Killen vets discuss what is the best and healthiest dog food and what you should look for on the label.
So, what's the best dog food?
Ensuring your dog is happy and healthy is paramount for any pet parent. You can build this foundation on a good, nutritional diet, exercise, and routine care. But what type of food does your dog need? And what does all of the information on the labels mean?
The vets at our Killen animal hospital are here to offer some advice and information about choosing the best food for your dog and what to watch out for.
Are there different types of food for dogs?
While dog food doesn't have the variety you may find with your food, there are still many different types. No matter what food you choose to feed your dog, you must be sure that it meets your pup's nutritional needs.
Here are some of the most common types of dog food:
- Kibble
- Canned Food
- Semi-Moist Dog Food
- Home Cooked Food
- Raw Dog Food
What are the nutritional needs of dogs?
Your dog's nutritional needs will depend on their size, weight, age, and health. If you have a large breed dog, you may want to choose a food that has added vitamins and minerals to help support bone health, as large breed dogs commonly experience musculoskeletal issues.
Small breed dogs tend to need smaller-sized kibble, as their small mouths and throats make it difficult for them to eat larger-sized kibble, increasing the risk of choking.
Choosing the best dog food for your dog should be taken seriously and done with plenty of research and a conversation with your vet.
What is the healthiest dog food for puppies?
If you have a young puppy, they will have a specific set of dietary needs that can't be met by standard adult dog food. The good news is that all major dog food brands have special puppy formulas that contain all of the ingredients and nutrients your puppy needs. If you still aren't sure which of these puppy formulas is right for your young dog, you can contact your vet for some guidance.
You can find dog food formulas that get even more specific, such as puppy food specifically for their size, such as large breed puppy chow. These specialized puppy foods will help ensure your puppy gets all the nutrients and support to help manage any breed-specific concerns as it grows.
What is the best food for senior dogs?
As your dog ages and becomes a senior, they will need their diet to change with them. This is because their nutritional needs also change as they age. Depending on how old your senior dog is, they may experience different weight issues, such as gaining weight when they first enter the senior year and losing weight too quickly as they get older.
You may need to settle on food that your dog will eat, as they may become much pickier at this age. Your vet at our Killen veterinary clinic can help you find ways to keep your old dog interested in their meals.
What if my dog needs a special diet?
Some dogs develop sensitivities and allergies to certain ingredients, making food choices very difficult. In these situations, reach out to your veterinarian in Killen to develop a nutritional plan for your dog.
Always Check the Ingredients
The easiest way to tell if a food will be good for your dog is to read the label. While the label has all the information you need, it might be difficult to read everything you need, especially if you are trying to do so right there in the store. Unfortunately, another issue is that some labels are purposely misleading, making it difficult to tell what the food contains. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors dog food and requires the label to provide eight key pieces of information. There are also labeling requirements that change from state to state. The 8 main pieces of information that are required on dog food labels are:
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed Analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e., dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
What will the product name tell you about the food?
The product's name is usually the most important source of information about what is in the food itself. If a food says beef in the name, it means that at least 70% of the food product is beef. However, if it says beef dinner, beef entree, or anything similar, they are only required to have 10% of the final beef product. This carries on with beef and beef flavor to 3% or less. This standard of naming dog foods applies to all flavors across the board.
What should you pay attention to on the ingredient list?
Unfortunately, you cannot tell the quality of dog food based on their packaging. This means that some companies break up the different types of a single ingredient to have it appear further down the list, even if that ingredient is a major part of the formula.
Meat is another area where companies may cut corners as there are differences in meal weight pre- and post-production.
Even though you may not know whether or not the ingredients are high quality, you will know what each ingredient is. This can be incredibly useful for dog owners who must watch for certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions.
Some Dog Foods are Listed as 'Complete' or 'Well-Balanced'
If you are looking at a new brand of dog food, you should first scan the label to look for a statement that says, “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.”
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) uses this statement to ensure that a product is complete and balanced for dogs (or cats). This means the food contains the minimum amount of each nutrient your dog needs for a well-balanced diet.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food
- Preservatives
- Corn Syrup, Xylitol, or Food Dyes
- Meat Meal
- Unhealthy Fats
- Melamine
Ingredients to Look For in Dog Food
- Proteins
- Fats & Fatty Acids
- Carbohydrates
- Fiber
- Vitamins & Minerals
What is the healthiest dog food?
The two most popular choices when it comes to dog food are wet foods and dry kibbles. While you may not be interested in either option, they are formulated to keep your companion healthy. All common dog food brands have undergone extensive testing to ensure they meet a dog's dietary needs.
Dogs not only eat meat while they eat a large amount of meat, but their diet is also supplemented by vitamins, minerals, and even fiber. A good dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. The best dog food for your pup has a well-balanced combination of these made with high-quality ingredients.
You can speak with your vet to learn about recommended dog foods that may meet the specific needs of your furry friend.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.