dog food
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There is an adage that dogs are humans’ best friends, but when inviting friends over for a meal, would most people serve food with high-quality ingredients or dishes made with mystery meat? Although there is no need to serve filet mignon to your pet, it is worthwhile to pay attention to what you are putting in your dog’s bowl.

What About Cost?

Most dog owners want to give their furry pals the best food available, but may be concerned about the cost of high-quality food. According to the American Pet Products Association, $38 billion was spent in 2020 on dog food and treats, up from $36 billion a year earlier. However, there are always healthy dog food brands within a reasonable price range. Researching reviews is a good place to find healthy options according to your dog’s breed. Reviews of canned nutrition for small breeds, for example, show a variety of options within different price ranges.

Read the Ingredients

Basically, the more comprehensible the ingredient list is on a label of dog food, the better it is for your dog. Not only should all of the items be recognizable, but they should also be specific. An ingredient list should list types of meat, such as chicken, fish and beef, grains, and other fresh and natural super-premium ingredients.

Unrecognizable words and numbers may indicate non-natural items, including dyes. Since dogs do not care about the color of their food and dyes that can be harmful, it is best to avoid them. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that low-quality foods will contain fillers and other items that satisfy the appetite but are not nutritious.

Be aware of ambiguous wording. For instance, “poultry meal” can apply to meat from any type of bird, not just chicken. Avoid purchasing food that contains added sugar which is not healthy for dogs.

What About Carbs?

Low-carb diets, such as keto, are popular for humans, but it is good to limit carbs for dogs? Many veterinarians recommend a healthy balance between carbohydrates and proteins. This means that dog foods should contain both meat and grains.

All-meat dog foods have gained popularity, but the FDA in 2018 investigated a possible link between meat-only diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy. They concluded that more research was required to establish a strong link. This concern underlines a need to focus on a balance between carbohydrates and proteins.

Wet or Dry?

The debate between wet versus dry dog food rages on. Dry food’s main advantage is its promotion of dental health because it encourages chewing action which is good for teeth and gums. In addition, wet food is less messy and affordable. However, dogs seem to love wet food and it provides extra hydration. A good policy is to provide kibble most of the time with some extra wet food now and again.

The Right Food for Your Best Friend

Everyone wants their pet to be healthy and happy. Providing the right food is key to keeping your pet satisfied and can foster longevity. There is no need to spend excessive amounts of money to find high-quality, healthy dog food your dog will love.