We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives, and health doesn’t start and stop at the vet’s office. Everything you do with your pet daily affects their health, especially the food you give them. Unfortunately, not all dog food is created equal, and the cheapest options are typically the least healthy for your beloved pet. Additionally, pet parents have to deal with having hundreds of options available to them, which can make finding the right dog food for their pooch even more difficult. This article will discuss what makes dog food healthy and the types of food that are best for your dog.
What Determines Pet Food Quality?
There are many options when it comes to pet food. First, you have options at the grocery store when you’re shopping for your own food, and then you have different options at the pet store and even more options when shopping online. Most people feed their dog kibble or wet food, which contains the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy.
Commercial dog foods are regulated and undergo testing before being put on shelves, but many pet parents don’t understand what makes a dog food good or healthy. Dogs need a balance of meat and other nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, some dogs could have a food allergy to any ingredient in dog food. While the non-meat ingredients in your dog’s food are fillers, they’re still sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Quality dog food should contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruit, so it’s always best to learn how to read your dog’s food label to ensure they’re getting a nutritious meal.
Best Dog Foods to Feed Your Dog
The best foods to feed your dog depend on various factors, including their size, age, overall health, and what they like to eat. Some dogs can be picky eaters, especially if you spoil them with human foods and treats. Here are some ideas to help you get started choosing dog food.
Small and Large Breeds
Small and large breeds have different needs. For example, large dogs are prone to health conditions like musculoskeletal problems and require a certain food for large breeds that balance different nutrients to support their health. Conversely, small breeds shouldn’t eat food for large breeds because the kibble is typically larger and can be a choking hazard. Additionally, small breeds have their own nutritional requirements.
If you’re not sure if your dog’s breed has any nutritional requirements, you can check with your vet.
Best Food for Puppies
Puppies are growing, so they need nutrients to help them get to their full size while enabling them to play, run, jump, and use their brain during training. Young, growing dogs have different nutritional needs than an adult or senior dogs, and many popular pet food brands offer options formulated specifically for puppies.
Best Dog Food for Seniors
Dogs over the age of seven are typically considered senior unless they’re small and their breed has a longer lifespan. Senior dogs have their own nutritional needs to support their health while aging. Some senior dogs might struggle with being overweight, while others have joint issues and pain.
Just like for puppies, many dog food brands offer formulas designed for senior dogs.
Special Needs
No matter how old your dog is or their breed, they could have special needs. For example, many dogs have food allergies that make them allergic to traditional meat sources, such as beef and chicken. In these cases, vets will prescribe diets with other types of meat, including kangaroo or rabbit, to ensure your pet is getting nutrients without experiencing negative side effects such as itchy skin, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Additionally, there are other types of diets aimed to target dogs with specific health conditions. For example, your vet may prescribe food for diabetic dogs to help them lose weight and manage their blood sugar. If you believe your dog might have special dietary needs, consult them before buying dog food at the grocery store; they may be able to provide you with a prescription for food that will improve your dog’s health and overall quality of life.
5 Best Human Foods for Dogs
Now that you understand the best dog foods, you might also be wondering what human foods you can share with your dog. There are many healthy foods you can share with your dog, but be careful not to overfeed them. Anything you share with your dog will add to their calories, contributing to weight gain. A few common healthy human foods you can share with your pooch are:
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- Kale: Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins and antioxidants to detoxify the body. In recent years, it’s been most notable as a great addition to add to your smoothies. But did you know it’s also great for your pet? It has anti-inflammatory properties which make kale great for humans and furry friends.
- Carrots: Carrots are filled with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, all of which can improve your pet’s health. Additionally, carrots make a healthy treat for your pup, so you can avoid giving them dog treats that might be high in calories.
- Green beans: Green beans are another food you can share with your pet as long as you haven’t put any seasoning on them. Green beans are low calorie and low carb and can even be used to supplement your dog’s diet to help them lose weight.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin not only has a lot of health benefits for humans but is nutrient-rich food for your pup as well! Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help your dog maintain a healthy digestive tract.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics that can benefit your dog’s gut health, along with offering a variety of other health benefits. If you’re going to give your dog yogurt, it’s typically best to give them plain yogurt so you don’t have to worry about any other ingredients.
- Bone Broth: You may have heard about bone broth being good for people, but it’s also great for dogs! Bone broth contains a ton of nutrients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Just make sure you buy bone broth specifically made for pets as it will contain little to no sodium and you can rest easy knowing it’s safe for your pet.
Feeding Your Dog Well
Your dog’s diet, as well as reg significantly impacts their overall health and wellness, so it’s important to figure out a food that can help them live well. Finding the right dog food can be difficult, though. If you’re not sure what to feed your pet, you can consult your vet, who can give you recommendations for what to feed your dog and how frequently to ensure they remain at a healthy weight while getting all the nutrients they need to live a healthy life.
Julia Olivas
Julia Olivas graduated from San Francisco State University with her B.A. in Communication Studies. She is a contributing writer at 365businesstips.com where she loves sharing her passion for digital marketing and content creation. Outside of writing, she loves cooking, reading, making art, and her pup Ruby.