Reading the nutritional adequacy statement on the label of the product’s packaging is a quick and reliable way to make sure you’ll be providing the best nutritional diet for your pet. You can use this statement as a guide to dry dog food and dog food supplies because it is informative and accurate, and all pet foods have some variation of this statement. It is there to tell you what the nutritional value of the product is, as well as the intended life stage of the dog.
Before you select a brand or type, it’s important to consider your animal’s age. Dogs in different life stages have different nutritional needs in order to be healthy. You can read which age group a kind of food is intended for on the label of the bag or can.
What kind of shape is your pet in? Does he or she get exercise every day, and if so, how much? These are important factors in deciding what would be a healthy diet for the animal. Consider whether your dog is overweight, underweight, or just about right; from there, figure out a plan that would accommodate weight loss, weight buildup, or maintenance.
Just like humans, dogs can have a health history that affects what they should and should not eat. Allergies should be accounted for, and you should pay attention to any foods he or she has trouble digesting. If you are unsure about anything or have concerns about more serious problems like diabetes or cancer, a veterinarian can answer all your questions for you.
In addition to making a healthy choice, an owner must also consider their dog’s personal preference. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they will like what they like because of their own personal taste, not necessarily because of the nutritional value. It’s a good idea to try several different brands to find your dog’s preference. Since today’s selection is massive, it isn’t too hard to provide variety without sacrificing nutrition.
If you want to make sure that a new diet is agreeing with your pet and keeping him or her healthy, you can check on your pet after a month of being on the new food. Things to look for are healthy energy levels and healthy-looking skin and fur. It’s also a good idea to check the dog’s droppings to see that they are consistent and free of blood and mucous.
It’s easy enough to find a good nutritional preparation for your animal simply by shopping at your local grocery store. Premium brands will offer the most high-grade ingredients. However, if you want to get away from the artificial chemicals and flavors, you will have to pay a little extra at a veterinary clinic or directly from the manufacturer.
Canned and dry dog foods each have their own appeal, and it’s hard to say if one is ‘better’ than the other. Dry is what’s preferred by most owners because of how easy it is to store and prepare, and its tendency to stay fresh. It will also help to clean your dog’s teeth, and has an excellent ratio of nutrition per pound. Moist or canned food is said to be more palatable, but most dogs seem to enjoy dry just as well.
