Dogs love to eat and will most likely consume any type of food you offer. However, choosing the right food for your dog is essential to their overall health and well-being. Today, there are plenty of various options to choose from which can feel overwhelming. Continue reading to find out how to choose the right food for your dog.
Wet Dog Food
Have you ever opened a can or package of wet dog food and had the smell overwhelm you? Well, this juicy food smells amazing to dogs and encourages them to eat their meal. Also, since wet dog food includes water it helps keep your dog hydrated.
Pros of Wet Dog Food
- Comes canned or in a convenient pouch
- Ideal for any budget
- Cans can be stored for a long time frame
- Encourages picky eaters to finish their meal
- Delicious flavor
- Easy to chew
- Variety of flavors available
Cons of Wet Dog Food
- Cost can be expensive for dog breeds that require large portions
- Various meat content and quality
- A dog needs to eat more to meet calorie requirements for their breed
Dry Dog Food:
Dry kibble dog food is a popular choice that provides balanced nutrition. There are a variety of brands, flavors, and options. Organic and natural kibble dry dog food is increasingly becoming high in demand for many pet parents seeking a natural diet for their pets.
Pros of Dry Dog Food
- Cost-effective
- Easy to travel with and feed your dog on the go
- Long shelf life compared to raw or fresh foods
- Easy to store
- Life stage formulas available
- Easily fits into interactive dog toys
- Can be used as a training tool
- Various nutrition formulas are available
Cons of Dry Dog Food
- Some brands have low quality or filler ingredients
- Package labels can be confusing
- Some low-quality brands contain additives, preservatives, food coloring, chemicals, and binders
Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food is often a touchy subject with pet parents. There is confusing and conflicting information out there causing pet parents to carefully approach a raw food diet for their dog. However, a raw food diet is the closest to what dogs eat in the wild and provides optimal nutrition.
Pros of Raw Dog Food
- You can customize the raw diet to suit your dog’s nutritional needs
- Store in a freezer
- Can be purchased in bulk
- Does not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Chewing motion massages gums and cleans teeth
- Produces healthy skin
- Creates shiny coats
- Creates smaller stools
Cons of Raw Dog Food
- When making homemade it can be difficult to balance mineral and vitamin requirements
- Increased risk of spreading Salmonella and other harmful bacteria to humans
- Once defrosted the raw dog food needs to be used within a few days
What does a raw dog food diet contain?
Raw dog food diets often contain muscle meat, bones, livers, kidneys, and other organ meats, plus raw eggs, vegetables, dairy, yogurt, and fruit.
How to Choose the Right Dog Food for Your Dog
Choosing the right food for your dog is determined by a variety of things such as your budget, the amount your dog eats, your pet’s flavor and texture preferences, and the pros and cons listed above.
To begin your journey of choosing the right food for your dog, decide on your budget. Once you have the amount in place decide the healthiest food option for your specific dog. You can also discuss your dog’s nutritional needs with a veterinarian to help you find the best option for your pet.
Next, decide on the easiest way to feed your dog. Do you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to cook homemade food for your pet? If so, consider dry kibble, wet food, or raw food that needs to be defrosted. It’s also wise to consider your dog’s oral health when choosing the texture of the dog food.
Dogs that have oral health issues such as loose or missing teeth will find it easy to chew soft wet food or kibble that is soaked in water. However, dogs with powerful jaws will enjoy sinking their teeth into raw food.
If you have any doubt which food is best for your dog, consult with a veterinarian for further assistance. Remember, when choosing dog food you don’t have to just choose one option. You can create a customized diet for your dog by combining wet food, kibble, and raw food options together. Start choosing the right food for your dog today!