Dog food was once a very simple matter. Most people simply fed their pets the scraps from their tables. Today we know that feeding our dogs scraps isn’t a good idea because it can lead to health problems. The foods that humans eat aren’t always suitable for dogs.
Choosing the right dog food can be hard these days. There isn’t one single dog food that’s suitable for every dog. The proper kind of food varies depending on the size, breed, and age of your dog. And your choices have become much more difficult recently. This is because the highly publicized incidents of contaminated pet food which have led to the deaths of many pets have scared a lot of pet owners.
In some instances this has led pet owners to completely eliminate any commercial dog food in the home. While making your own dog food at home is certainly one way to control the food your dog eats, it’s not always convenient or even possible.
Chemicals and preservatives are just as bad for dogs as they are for humans. One way to eliminate preservatives from your pet’s diet is to choose a holistic pet food that is chemical and additive free. There are a number of brands that offer good nutrition without chemicals or additives. Wellness dog food is one example of pet food that has all the goodness of nature without the nasty chemicals that can cause your dog to feel ill.
Another choice you have to make is whether to give your pet dry dog food or canned pet food. For some people it’s a matter of budgeting. Dry food is often a lot cheaper and easier to store. This means fewer trips to the pet store and more money left in your wallet at the end of the day. While it may be more economical, you have to be careful about the kind of dry food that you give your dog.
Canned food has fewer preservatives and so may be the better choice. However, it can create a storage problem and is often much more expensive than dry dog food.
Another factor might be your dog’s preference. Some dogs will eat anything while others will only eat certain types of dog food. Experiment a little and be sure to transition your pet slowly into eating any new dog food that you choose to introduce. Try different flavors to see what suits your dog.
