How To Choose a Good Diet For a Dog

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There are so many dog foods available for our canine companions, it can boggle the mind. This may make it difficult to know how to choose a good diet for a dog. Fortunately, researchers have done their work and we now know what will make up a healthy kibble for our best furry friends. Read on…

Give 'Em Protein

It is theorized that our domesticated dogs may have descended from an ancient breed of wolf (way back when) so for this reason we should be feeding them closer to what they would've eaten in the wild. This means good quality proteins.

Read the side of your dog food bag to see if protein is the number one ingredient. This should be listed as an identified protein such as chicken, beef, fish etc. If your label reads just "meat protein" put it back on the shelf. These words are "catch words" that are used to hide the real source of the protein and could include anything from roadkill, kitchen grease to dead zoo animals.

Meat meal is also an ingredient many dog food manufacturers use to boost the protein profile of their kibble. This is simply a protein source that has been dehydrated and concentrated. But once again, make sure it is an identified meat, not just "meat meal."

Whole Grains

Although our dogs ancient roots may be grounded in the wolf, that doesn't mean they don't need a certain amount of whole grains (many animals that were preyed upon by wolves ate vegetation and therefore it would be in their systems.).

Whole grains are defined as still having the bran, the germ and the endosperm left intact. Healthy whole grains for dogs include wild and brown rice and oats.

Healthy grains provide our dogs with energy in the form of carbohydrates and fiber for regularity. They also offer additional antioxidants that cannot be gathered from fruit and vegetables. Plus, whole grain sources can also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Fruits, Veggies & Vitamins

The next ingredients should be fruits, veggies and added vitamins. These all work together to boost your dog's immune system and to give it overall health. Some healthy fruits and vegetables to look for in your dog food ingredient list are blueberries, cranberries, apples, carrots, spinach, kelp, peas and sweet potatoes.

The addition of vitamins (such as B-complex, calcium and magnesium) all work together to build strong bones, organs, brain and cells.

Choosing Right

Choosing the right dog food may take some time and researching of the brand's labels, but in the end, your dog will be healthier and happy for it.