Dog food is specifically designed and formulated for use by dogs and all other related canine canines. It is a very important part of the dog’s nutritional needs and must meet a number of standards. Dogs are generally regarded as omnivorous with a dietary carnivore lean emphasis. Because of this, dog food often contains very little protein, fat or carbohydrates. However, dog food does include a variety of meat sources such as chicken, beef, duck and turkey. All sources of protein should be used sparingly and to maximum the nutrient value.
The first step to proper dog food nutrition is making sure that the ingredients are of high quality. High-quality ingredients will help your canine friend live a longer, healthier and more comfortable life. Good dog food contains the right balance of vitamins, minerals and other healthy nutrients that your pet needs on a daily basis. In addition, good dog food will have no harmful chemicals or fillers and added sugar.
Good dog food will also contain the essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your pet needs for a healthy coat, teeth, and skin. Many commercial foods sold today contain chemical additives and preservatives that are not only bad for your pet but also very unhealthy. Ingredients such as corn, wheat, artificial flavors and coloring are common and can be found in most dog food. These preservatives, colorings and additives are not needed and are not beneficial to dogs. Some common preservatives used include ethoxyquin, saccharin, BHA, paraben and saccharin. These chemicals can cause cancer, heart disease, renal failure and nervous system damage.
Another important ingredient found in dog food is sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is a common additive to processed dog food and can be listed as sodium chloride dioxide, sodium benzoate or sodium nitrate. This ingredient is often used as an engine degreaser and is listed under numerous different names. Dogs that have been exposed to excessive amounts of sodium benzoate may develop kidney failure or be paralyzed. Other harmful ingredients include toluene, dioxins and mercury.
Other harmful ingredients are petrochemicals and dyes. Petrochemicals refer to any substance that can be formed in a manufacturing process and are generally considered poisonous. Dyes are a mixture of chemicals and other substances that are used to color fabrics or to enhance the color of food. Most dog foods contain a combination of petrochemicals, vitamins, carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Unfortunately, many of these ingredients are toxins that can be extremely harmful to dogs.
To help make sure you’re providing your dog with the best dog food, you should consult with your veterinarian. A qualified veterinarian will have the knowledge and experience to advise you of the best brand of dog food for your dog. They can examine your pet’s diet and see if any unnecessary or harmful chemicals are included. If so, your veterinarian may suggest a switch to a dog food that is healthier or one designed especially for dogs with certain health conditions.
To make sure you’re feeding your dog a healthy and balanced diet, it’s a good idea to talk to a veterinarian as well. While it’s always best to keep on hand the information your vet provides regarding dog food, you may also want to check in with other veterinarians in your area to see if they have a recommendation for you. Many dogs suffer from chronic illnesses and diseases at some point in their lives. Your veterinarian can provide information regarding prevention and treatment options available to help them provide quality care for your dog.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing dry dog food. While it’s important to buy dog food that’s right for your dogs, you must also consider other aspects such as the type of lifestyle you wish to maintain with your pet. Do you live in an apartment? Are you concerned about leaving your dog outside all day? You’ll find that there are many different types of food for dogs available both in stores and online, so taking the time to learn more will pay off in the long run.