| Vitamins and minerals are essential to a | | | | that are unhealthy, so be on the watch for |
| healthy diet, not only for humans, but for | | | | those as you read the list of ingredients. |
| our dogs too. Are you feeding your dog | | | | |
| quality food? How does a pet owner decide | | | | Your dogs age may determine which food you |
| which food on the market is best for their | | | | choose too. Puppies obviously have a |
| beloved dog? In addition to vitamins and | | | | different set of needs than middle-aged or |
| minerals, dogs require the proper intake of | | | | mature dogs. Puppies are growing, so they |
| fats, proteins, carbohydrates and water in | | | | require a higher level of calcium, |
| their daily diets. Just as human beings | | | | phosphorus, and Vitamin D with protein that |
| benefit from eating healthy foods, dogs will | | | | is easily digested. As an adult dog, a few |
| be healthier and more active if they are | | | | vegetables now and then (no more than 10% of |
| eating a quality dog food containing | | | | their diet), would be beneficial since they |
| everything they need. | | | | contain fiber and vitamins and dogs typically |
| | | | love them. A senior dog will have more of a |
| Luckily, there are several top-notch | | | | restricted diet, but still needs protein that |
| commercial dog foods on the market today from | | | | absorbs easily, a good level of carbohydrate |
| which to choose. Look for a quality food that | | | | for energy and possibly a small amount of |
| is nutritionally complete; meaning that it | | | | glucosamine to help with joint function. Get |
| will provide a balanced diet for your dog. If | | | | a quality dog food that meets them where they |
| you are unsure of which dog food is high | | | | are nutritionally and theyll be healthier for |
| quality, your veterinarian is sure to have a | | | | it |
| few recommendations. The least expensive dog | | | | |
| food, while still being healthy, is dry food | | | | . |
| or kibble, which is nutritionally balanced | | | | |
| and it will help to keep your dogs gums and | | | | The healthier your dog is, the less money |
| teeth in good shape. Many pet owners | | | | youll give your veterinarian each year. If |
| supplement their dogs dry food with a canned, | | | | your pet gets the vitamins, minerals and |
| wet food, but if the dry kibble is of good | | | | other content he needs from a good dog food, |
| quality, it should be sufficient. | | | | the only time youll need to see the |
| | | | veterinarian is for yearly check ups and |
| There isnt any proof as of yet that organic | | | | necessary shots. |
| dog food is any better than the high quality | | | | |
| commercial brands, but if cost isnt a concern | | | | Overall, do your research and get |
| and you feel better about it, that is another | | | | recommendations from other pet owners and |
| avenue. | | | | your veterinarian, and choosing a high |
| | | | quality dog food wont seem like such a |
| As you look for a dog food for your pet, make | | | | difficult task. By giving your dog the food |
| sure to read the labels on the bags and | | | | that is best for him, you are helping him to |
| understand what it is your pet requires in | | | | live longer and be healthier all the way |
| his diet. Some dog foods use preservatives | | | | around. |