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.

Instructions

• 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.