A pet at home is a joy for all family members. A source of happiness, a friend, a protector, an assistant. Any dog owner will agree that life without a pet would not be as bright and fulfilling. There is only one nuance – proper nutrition for dogs. All pets are willing to eat human food, but not all dogs will benefit from it. Domestic animals require their own diet. And in this article, we will thoroughly answer the question “How to choose dog food.”
What dog food can be bought in a store
Dog food is a ready mix of food products, in dry or wet form, made from natural ingredients. The composition can (and should) include vitamin and mineral complexes that promote proper growth of the animal and support its body in the right tone. There is even such a concept as “balanced” dog food. Here, it should be understood that one dose contains a list of all the beneficial substances necessary for a pet.
All dog foods are traditionally divided into three main groups:
- Everyday food. It is produced for healthy pets. Designed to form the daily diet of puppies and adult dogs.
- Medicinal food. Prescribed by a veterinarian to restore the functionality of vital organs of the pet. Has different compositions. For example, for liver, kidney treatment, cartilage, teeth restoration.
- Specialized food. Produced individually for different breeds of dogs. Intended for prevention. For example, for eliminating obesity, intestinal obstruction, diarrhea.
Cheap or expensive food – what is better for a dog
Any store clerk will claim that Premium class food is much healthier for pets. And that’s understandable. They want to sell a more expensive product. But such questions are better directed to veterinarians or experienced dog breeders. They can give a completely different answer. There are many budget segment products on the market that compete in quality with more expensive options. The key is not the price of dog food, but its content:
- Always read the ingredients. Prefer products with natural meat rather than soy substitutes. Because chemicals are present even in Premium class foods. Yes, meat cannot be cheap. Plus, fats and flavor enhancers. They should not be listed. Therefore, you may need glasses or a magnifying glass to carefully examine what the manufacturer wrote in small print.
- A colorful label is not a reason to choose the food. Another mistake buyers make is choosing candies based on the attractiveness of the wrapper. It’s better to ignore the appearance of the packaging. Make sure the expiration dates are normal and the packaging is undamaged. That’s all. After that, only the content matters.
To avoid legal issues with dog food manufacturers, we will not specify brands. But we assure you that there are many low-quality foods in the expensive segment. Companies have built a reputation over decades and now sell outright “nothing” that will not benefit the pet. And in the budget segment, there are many newcomers trying to attract buyers. They add natural products to the feed and sell it with minimal profit. Always read the description. If it’s missing or blurred in small print, look for another food.
Categories of imported dog food – what do they mean
It’s enough to watch advertising to understand what it’s about. If your dog is passive, energize it for the whole day with a special diet. Dog food is divided into categories based on lifestyle:
- Produced for dogs leading a moderate lifestyle. Most often, such food is designed for all healthy pets.
- Intended for healthy dogs that are active during walks. Suitable for walking dogs.
- Designed for elderly dogs that lead a sedentary lifestyle. Suitable for pets that have gained a little weight. The food is considered dietary.
- Targeted at very active dogs. Specifically, for fighters, sports, hunting. Contains vital amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote quick recovery of joints and muscles.
- Similar to Active food, with one addition. Contains plant-based (or chemical, as the manufacturer prefers) products that increase the endurance of pets.
