The Barkin’ Basics of Dog Food
For first-time fur-parents, selecting the appropriate diet for a deserving pup is more than just eyeballing popular brands. You’ll need to consider every stage of life—from puppy to senior—along with essential nutrition and picky stomachs. In this guide, we’ll take you through every nuance of the canine culinary universe to help inform your kibble choices.
Different Types of Dog Food
With dozens of commercial dog food brands available on the pet shop market, narrowing down your selection can be an overwhelming task. “Complete and balanced” meals that meet minimum nutritional needs will don an AAFCO label. However, it’s crucial to note that not every diet is created equal. When selecting a type of food, ask yourself the following questions.
Are you prioritizing a natural and holistic diet? If so, are you willing to prepare homemade meals?
Does the cost of meals factor into your decision? Note that grain-free diets come costlier, but that economy-level kibble contains lower-quality ingredients.
How much time are you willing to spend preparing meals? If you’re working within a budget but have time to spare, a home-prepared meal may be a suitable option.
Is your pet picky or overweight? Do they have dietary restrictions?
Commercial Vs. Home-Prepared Diets
If selecting a commercial diet, consult with a veterinary nutritionist. Upon examination, they can help you come to an informed decision regarding the appropriate brand.
If selecting a home-prepared diet, work with your veterinarian to craft a customized menu that best suits your dog’s nutritional needs.
How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
How much and how often you prepare meals for your pet will depend on their age, physical condition, and activity level. Most experts recommend twice-a-day feeding for adult dogs. On the other hand, puppies will require more frequent meals at three to six times a day.
Selecting a Dog Bowl
When it comes to pets with sensitive skin, plastic makes for a potential irritant. Not to mention, low-grade bowls are at risk of harboring bacteria in microscopic nooks. Instead, use a metal or ceramic bowl for food and water.
What About Dog Treats?
Natural dog treats make for a healthy, energetic pup. Only a supplement to your dog’s overall diet, avoid dispensing more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. No matter the size of the “puppy dog eyes,” refrain from indulging your pet in rawhide bones and fatty chews.
Foods to Avoid
More often than not, dogs are hardly picky and will lick up anything they can get their snouts on. Take special care to avoid the following toxic ingredients:
Chocolate
Caffeine
Grapes and raisins
Onions
Pits and seeds
Alcoholic beverages
Nuts
Xylitol
Fatty and salty foods
Splintering bones, antlers, and hooves
Yeast dough
Moldy and rotting food
Are Human Foods Safe for Dogs?
While sharing an ice cream cone with your beloved pal might make for a spectacular Kodak moment, not every human food is safe for canine consumption. However, unseasoned lean meats and specific fruits and vegetables can make the bland taste of kibble all the more palatable. Consider the following human ingredients to incorporate into your dog’s diet:
Chicken and turkey
Beef
Carrots
Green beans
Sweet potatoes
Apples (without the seeds)
Bananas
Peanut butter
Plain Greek yogurt
Conclusion
From fresh, uncooked options to natural kibble, narrowing your options can make for a daunting task. If you’re feeling stumped, turn to your veterinarian for advice. Refrain from introducing too many choices—give your pup some time to adjust.
At Wags to Wiskers, we understand the headache of juggling dozens of recommendations from experienced pet parents. To cut to the chase, we carry a selection that contains only the best ingredients, suitable for any life stage, breed size, recipe type, and attributes. Shop with us today at Chelsea, MI, for a delectable meal your dog will look forward to every time.