How to Choose Dog Food

Choose the right dog food for your pet and the rewards will be a shiny coat, bright eyes, and tail-wagging enthusiasm when you come home.

TIP: Purchase dog food from a grocer, pet supply store, veterinarian, or online.
Step 1: Consider feeding your dog a raw food diet including organic raw meats and vegetables if you want to mimic what canines eat in the wild.
Step 2: Cater to your dog's taste and select food they prefer. Remember to monitor your dog's nutritional needs and adjust their diet to life changes to keep them healthy and happy.
FACT: In 2009, the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study found that about 45 percent of American dogs are overweight.
Step 3: Examine your choices, including grocery store foods made with less expensive ingredients, premium foods made with higher quality ingredients, and healthier foods made with the most nutritious ingredients.
Step 4: Learn to appraise commercial dog food ingredients by reading package labels. Keep in mind the better foods list meat, fish, and eggs first.
TIP: Feed active dogs up to 20 percent more food than a dog with average activity levels. Feed less active dogs 10 percent less.
Step 5: Consider external factors when you choose a food, such as exposure to extreme temperatures, which may impact a dog's nutritional needs.
Step 6: Know your budget and evaluate how much you can afford to pay for dog food.
TIP: Expect to pay more for the healthier dog foods.
Step 7: Evaluate your dog's current nutritional needs by taking into account its age, body weight, activity level, and health to choose the most appropriate food.