Just as you pay special care and attention what you put into your own body, you need to be doing the same for your dog. Of course, there is no single food that is best for every type of dog. It very much depends on a number of different factors including their age, breed, health condition, and how their general digestive system works. Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error until you find what is right for them. Here are just a few tips that can help you out when it comes to choosing dog food.
Consider Stage of Life
First of all, you need to consider what stage of life that your dog is currently at. Puppies eating adult food will not get the increased amounts of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals that they need to grow big and strong. On the flip side, an adult dog eating puppy food is likely to become overweight very quickly. Older dogs may need to switch to a senior food brand that is more easily digested.
Select Food Type
The most common types of dog food include dry, semi-moist and canned. Which one you go for on a regular basis depends very much on your dog, though dry food tends to be recommended most often. The internet is a valuable tool that will give you more information, but you should also consult with your vet if you are having any issues deciding.
Look at the Ingredients
High-quality ingredients obviously make up healthy food, so it is worth taking the time to check out what goes into your dog’s food. This type of information is readily available online for brands like Betsy Farms. There are certain legal specifications when it comes to the percentages of the basic food groups that dog food contains, but some may have lower energy values and lower-grade proteins. Look out for meat, fish and egg content as these are all things which have a high biological value.
Take Your Time When Switching Foods
Once you have finished doing all your comparisons, the time has come to present the food to your dog. If you are offering them something completely different, you need to allow plenty of time for your pooch to make the transition from their old brand to the new one. A sudden change in food can lead to problems with your dog’s digestion. You should be aiming to introduce the new food into their diet slowly – ideally, over the course of 7-10 days. Start with a small amount mixed with their old food, and you can gradually start to increase the ratios over time. If you encounter any problems along the way, don’t try to force the issue. Speak with your vet to see if you can identify what the problem is.
Once your dog is happy with their new food, take a closer look at them once they have been eating it for about a month. Bright eyes, a shiny coat, a healthy body condition, and good energy levels are all signs that you have got it right.