Dog Food Nation – The Hard Truths About Dog Food

Author: Chris Taylor

We are becoming a fast dog food nation. Most people like to pick up their dog food at the nearest supermarket or local grocer each week because it’s so easy and convenient. Some dog food manufacturers that are carried at the supermarket or grocer feel they can get away with cutting corners on your dog’s good health. Don’t buy into that or you will have a very unhealthy pet.

You need to take care of your dog with proper dog nutrition and feeding. Your dog’s behavior, happiness, health, longevity and overall well-being are inextricably intertwined with what you feed him. When you feed your dog the best you can they are more apt to be healthy and happy. When you feed your dog inferior food he will become sick. He will stop being playful and will become lethargic.

Here’s 4 hard truths you need to know before you buy that next bag of dog food for your buddy:

Dog Food Truth #1: It’s In The Labels

When selecting a dog food reach for a good food that is both nutritious and balanced. You will find out if the food is what you need by reading the label. When reading the label, be sure to do your homework. Keep in mind that most dog foods list their first ingredient as whole meal. Good as this sounds, this tells you that the meat has a high percentage of water and less nutritious.

You will also notice labels that contain chicken and chicken meal. Opt for the chicken meal as this means it has been baked to remove bacteria and toxins. Again, the ingredient chicken is 60% water, which means you are not buying good nutrition here.

Dog Food Truth #2: ‘Bargain’ Dog Food Is Not Worth It

When you spend a little more on your dog food you are getting a superior product and isn’t your dog worth it? Knowing you are buying the best to feed your dog for his best health is its own reward. Your dog will look great and be happy. This is what every dog owner wants.

Dog food ingredients are important to pay attention to. Most important to remember is to check your labels! Look for protein listed first so that you are certain to get the optimal nutrition for your dog. Avoid labels that contain multiple by-products on the list as this is inferior nutrition and not the food you want to be feeding your beloved dog.

Dog Food Tip #3: Chicken Little Or More?

Chicken is a great ingredient to feed your dog but don’t be misled. Commercial manufacturers will list chicken as both chicken and chicken meal. What are the differences of the two? The chicken meal is best because it is baked to remove the bacteria and toxins. The ingredient chicken contains some 60% water so you are not getting your monies worth or a meat that is most nutritious.

Next to continue is moisture level in dog foods. The moist dog foods are best because they contain more protein and less water when converted to dry matter.

Dog Food Truth #4: Premium Dog Food With Taurine

Premium dog or veterinarian recommended foods are the best foods for your dog. They do cost more because they are of high value and so pay off in the end both for your dog and for your pocketbook. Premium dog foods do not contain harmful fillers and inferior ingredients. They are both sound and nutritious. There are no colors or preservatives so your dog will be fed nature’s finest.

Taurine is an excellent ingredient in some dog foods. It is an amino acid and works to benefit the dog’s heart, kidneys and blood. It works to carry essential ingredients to and from cells. You should read labels carefully to see if Taurine is included in your dog’s food. Not all dog foods will. When so many dog food manufacturers are just in business for the buck, keep this in mind when you select your choice of dog food.

Last but not least, choose dog foods according to your dog’s size, daily activity level and health conditions. When you are doing this you are doing the best you can to take proper care of your dog. Avoid the cheaper brand dog foods as these are inferior choices for your dog’s best interest and help. Also, discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinarian and get Fido started on a healthier, nutritionally balanced diet based on your dog’s individual needs.

Your dog is an individual and so his needs won’t be exactly the same as your neighbor’s dog. Take all of these factors into consideration and you will be proud to be a dog owner.

© Chris Taylor, http://www.HappyDogSecrets.com – All Rights Reserved
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