Choosing the best Pet food

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While we all want the best for the animals, finding the right nutrition on their behalf can be difficult. What's suitable for one dog, isn't right for a different dog. 

There are something like 5,000 pet food brands, and evaluating your options is key to making the very best dog food for the pet. Different regions will have different choices, but there are some simple rules that will help pet parents feel confident in their decision. 

Interested in hearing a veterinarian's undertake pet nutrition: Listen Here

A Note on Guilt
Parents are always feeling guilty round the choices they make- that pertains to pet parents too. You're doing your best (just by looking over this), so please be compassionate on your own while you learn and grow!

Read the Manufacturer’s Label

Reading the ingredients on the food labels is becoming commonplace, company, it's important. However, reading the manufacturer's details ought to be among the first stuff you do.

This provides a clear method to contact the manufacturer and a way to learn essential details about the merchandise. Searching for a telephone number is an important step since it is not necessary, but is the one other step that gives transparency. 

Bonus Tip: Not every manufacturer has a nutritionist on staff, but there's an easy way to discover who is. Pet Nutrition Alliance announced their Dare to inquire about Guide Here that provides this information and more. 

Pet's Age

Your dog's age is much more than just a number, it is a tier of life that determines what types of nutrition they require. Breed of dogs reach each stage at a slightly different time, so make sure to keep their specific characteristics in mind. 

Learning about pet take care of adult dogs, senior dogs, large breeds, and small breeds are a little varied. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos outlines the different nutritional requirements for each life stage here. 

Allergies

When it comes to rescue dogs, it's impossible to recognize a food allergy without some guidance. This is why some animal welfare groups have opted to use high-quality vegan pet food to avoid reactions to protein allergies. 

As time continues, different proteins can be tested in a controlled environment and any health issues can be monitored. Your veterinarian can help provide some insight into any allergies whether they are meat specific, grains, or otherwise. 

Dry Dog Food vs. Wet Dog Food

All our dogs may have preference with regards to their dog food which pertains to canned food and dry kibble as well. There are some very real advantages and drawbacks with both. 

Dry dog food is really a staple in many households for a good reason. It is shelf stable and is helpful when it comes to dental health, but does not retain the same level of fresh ingredients.

Wet food can benefit hydration and support your dog's nutritional needs because of the high quality ingredients. However, it does require refrigeration after opening and can negatively impact a pet's teeth. 

Dog Food Fads

There are so many beliefs associated with the fads in commercial dog food and thus many of them are traced back to your dog owners. Good pet food means nutrition that is specific to that dog's breed, size, age, and level of activity.

A pet food label can clarify should there be gaps in nutrition since not every grain-free, raw food, human-grade, or commercial pet food are the same. Likewise, some big name pet food brands may have some surprising information.

As owners, we are all researching ways to increase the quantity and quality of our animals' lives. Finding quality food for your dog may go through time consuming, however it supports life-long wellness.

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