Dog food comparison reviews, help pet owners select the best dog food for their pets. As there are many brands that formulate food for dogs, it’s difficult to choose amongst them. Thus, it’s essential to be aware of the nutrients that are required to keep dogs healthy and active.
Essential Nutrients Include:
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Fiber
Proteins
They help in the development of the dog’s skin, muscles, bones, and coat. They should comprise 20 to 25 percent of the dog food. However, puppies, very active dogs, sick, pregnant or lactating dogs need more proteins in their diet.
Carbohydrates
Dogs in actuality don’t require large amounts of carbohydrates though they’re considered very important for their health. Commercial foods usually contain 30 to 70 percent of carbohydrates though dogs with no underlying health concerns require only 18 percent.
Fats
These are the major sources of energy for dogs. They’re also important for the dog’s immune system. Sick, pregnant or lactating dogs need 10 to 15 percent of fat in their food. Active dogs require up to 20 percent. Animal fats, olive oil, canola oil and vegetable oil are some of the major sources of fat.
Fiber
Diarrhea, gastric problems, and constipation are all controlled by the presence of fiber in food. The daily requirement varies according to the general health condition of the dog.
Fresh and Commercial Dog Food
Dogs are carnivores and prefer meat to any other food. Pet owners should decide whether they want to feed fresh, raw meat to their pets or commercial food or a mixture of both. Feeding raw, fresh food is not as easy as feeding commercial food but results in healthier dogs. Should you decide on fresh food, it’s best to discuss with the vet, the type and quantity of food that should be fed. All commercial dog food products contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins. However they do differ in the amount and sources of various nutrients present.
Guidelines for Pet Owners
All commercial food makers have to meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to be able to state that their food is a Complete and Balanced Diet for dogs. It’s thus best to buy food products that are certified and tested. Although whole meat meals are acceptable, it’s best to choose a meal that’s labeled lamb meal or beef meal rather than meat meal. In addition, it’s preferable to use products that aren’t rejected for human consumption. Products that contain corn gluten meal, additives, dyes and preservatives are best avoided. Pet owners should remember, products that contain low quality proteins are difficult to digest and pets fail to assimilate such proteins.
Wet and Dry Dog Food
There’s a debate as to which food is better for consumption, dry or wet. Wet food is less processed and tastier. Moreover, it contains a higher percentage of moisture, proteins and vitamins. Wet food has a longer shelf life, fewer preservatives and is easy to chew. However, the disadvantages are that it spoils quickly once opened. It’s also expensive when compared to kibble or dry food. Research often suggests that dry food satisfies the dog’s chewing instinct as it’s difficult to chew. However, it has a shorter shelf life, more preservatives and fewer nutrients.
Regardless of the brand or type of dog food purchased, it’s crucial to choose high quality commercial food for your pet to ensure a healthy and happy life for him.