Ever been on the hunt for the best puppy food? It's not easy choosing the right food when there are thousands of dog food brands and specialty foods filling the shelves. But not to worry. Your concern only means you're being a great pet parent. Why? Because feeding your pet high-quality, well-balanced food is one of the best things you can do for your pup. Read on to discover how to properly select a food perfect for his well-being.
One of the most critical things you can do for your dog is give him the properly balanced nutrition he needs. It should contain a balance of protein (from an animal), quality fats and micronutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. He also needs more than 50 key nutrients – vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus to name a few. Keep in mind that if his food doesn't contain all the essential nutrients he requires, he may suffer health problems.
There is no one-size-fits-all dog food, because each one of our furry friends have different nutritional needs depending on their lifestage. There's dog food for active dogs, large breed dog food and many foods specifically balanced for health issues like arthritis, skin allergies, dental care and joint health. And if you have an older dog, there are senior dog foods that usually contains fewer minerals to promote better kidney health.
Dogs' stomachs aren't used to eating the oily, fatty foods we eat. It makes them sick and their stomachs upset. So it's important to know which foods could be toxic to them. For instance, if your dog found that chocolate cake you just baked, a call to the vet would be a good idea. Same goes for instances where he eats grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine and more.
