Dog food is simply food designed for consumption by canines and other domesticated animals. Dogs are generally considered to be omnivorous with a slight carnivorous bias. In the wild, dogs eat a variety of foods including plants, seeds, insects, and even carrion. Dogs have been domesticated over time, but the basic diet of a dog is primarily made up of plant-based diets. Virtually all commercial dog food currently available on the market contains meat as an ingredient, although this is beginning to change as more dog owners become aware of the adverse effects of commercial dog food and choose to feed their dogs healthier alternatives.
Commercial dog food brands are typically designed to appeal to the needs of dogs with specific dietary factors. Some, like Purina for example, are designed around puppies in mind while others are geared towards older dogs. Other, like Revolution and Iams, are designed for all sized dogs. Many dog food brands contain different types of protein and fat, which is another determinant as to the diet that a dog needs to remain healthy. Therefore, you should always do your homework and read the labels closely to make sure that your dog is getting all of the nutrients that he needs.
Dogs are primarily carnivores and it would be difficult to develop a human diet with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that carnivores need. Therefore, dog food manufacturers heavily promote their products as being “nutrient dense”. What this means is that they provide your dog with the best possible nutrition with little effort on the part of the pet owner. Unfortunately, many of these so-called “nutrient dense” dog foods actually contain fillers such as soy, corn, and white rice that rob the pet’s food of important vitamins and minerals.
There are several different things to keep in mind when choosing a good brand of dog food. First of all, you should always make sure that the dog food contains no corn or wheat. These ingredients are common allergens that can trigger negative symptoms in dogs. Second, you should always avoid the cheapest dog food brands as the quality of the ingredients in these pet foods is extremely poor. It’s important to look for dog food that offers an all natural, wholesome diet and this will include chicken and fish as well as vegetables and fruits.
Most dog food companies use the same cuts of meat for their products. This makes sense since they are all essentially the same animal. When selecting your dog food, make sure that you choose a brand that offers a variety of choices. Your dog will enjoy fresh meat, cooked meat, or even fish and vegetables. Some dog foods have a mixture of cooked meat and raw meat in order to help maintain the right balance of nutrition.
In addition to choosing a good brand of dog food, you should also be concerned about what you feed your dog. Certain dog food companies use chemicals and preservatives that can harm your dog. This doesn’t mean that all dog food companies are bad, but it is important to be aware of the things that you feed your dog. For instance, some dog food companies use byproducts such as gelatin and artificial flavors. While these ingredients are inexpensive and available at any supermarket, they are harmful to your dog and should be avoided.
Finally, don’t be afraid to read the dog food labels. Some dog food companies use fillers such as soy and corn instead of real beef or chicken. While these fillers may be cheaper, they are not healthy and often cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs. If possible, choose a brand that offers real meat and natural supplements.
You know your dog better than anyone. You know her personality and quirks. By taking the time to read and learn more about dog nutrition, you’ll be able to provide your dog with the best quality dog food.