How To Choose The Right Dog Food
In this day and age, a dog isn’t simply ‘man’s best friend’ anymore. Dogs have practically evolved into family, and along with this comes the evolution of the pet industry. Toys, toiletries and accessories for our canine companions abound, and countless dog food brands—each one extolling their own nutritional virtues—are ripe for the picking. But too many options can often be detrimental, and the hapless human cannot always tell what’s best for the four-legged member of the family.
So how does one go about choosing the right dog food for one’s beloved dog?
The same way one goes about choosing the best kind of food for one’s own consumption.
Check the label. If it reads like a catalog of chemicals more than anything, leave it. You know it’s of low quality when carcinogenic preservatives like BHT/BHA (butylated hydroxytoluene/butylated hydroxyanisole) and ethoxyquin are present. Not to mention a host of artificial flavoring to improve the taste. If the food is any good, it won’t need artificial flavors in the first place. A good rule to remember is, if you can’t pronounce it, don’t buy it.
What constitutes a healthy brand of dog food? The main ingredient is listed first on the label, followed by the other ingredients in descending order of content. Since dogs need protein above all other nutrients, look for brands that list chicken, turkey or lamb at the top of the ingredients list. Eggs and fish like salmon are good sources of protein, too.
Next to protein, dogs need carbohydrates. The second ingredient in the list should be an excellent source of carbohydrates, such as easily digestible grains. Rice is healthy, and whole grain brown rice is even healthier. Potatoes are also a good option. Corn, on the other hand, has a bad reputation, especially since it’s used as the main ingredient in lower-priced dog food. It has been vilified as an allergen that must be avoided at all costs. The truth is, some dogs can tolerate it, others can’t. You’ll have to find out for yourself to which food components your dog may have an adverse reaction.
Be extra careful, though. Most manufacturers’ claims can be intentionally misleading. For instance, the term “meat by-products” may seem relatively harmless, but upon closer inspection you’ll find that these by-products could be anything from beaks and claws to blood and feathers to heaven knows what else. Anything that hasn’t been extracted for human consumption falls under this term. What’s more, “meat” is too general and may very well include roadkill, the diseased carcasses of wild zoo animals and even other dogs! If manufacturers must be vague, then they must be including something in their formula that shouldn’t be there. The food label must be clear and specific: chicken, rice, vitamin E (a natural preservative).
With the pet food recalls of a few years back still fresh in people’s minds, it pays to be informed about the kind of food you’re feeding your dog. Do your own research and further reading regarding canine nutrition. Choosing the right dog food is an investment worthy of time, energy and a whole lot of patience. But if your dog’s healthy and happy, you will be, too.
