5 Tips For Choosing Foods With Good Nutrition For Dogs

When we talk about nutrition for dogs, we might think that one size fits all, but it’s just not true. All dogs have their own specific needs and this should be taken into consideration when searching for the best food for your pet.As with human food, there are some dog foods that are good and others that are not so good. Fattening foods, salty foods, sugary foods all contribute to health issues so you are wise to check that the dog food you choose is free of these elements.Always consider that nutrition for dogs is just as important as our food choices are for us. You can help ensure your dog’s nutrition is top quality by following a few simple steps.Select good nutrition for your dogs based on your pet’s breed, age and medical issuesHere are five ways to make sure you provide your pet with nutritional dog food.1. Choose a premium quality dog food based on the nutritional dog food requirements specified by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control). Steer away from foods that list artificial preservatives and food coloring. Look for brands that list meat at the top of the list.2. Semi-moist foods generally tend to be higher in salt and sugar than other types of dog food. Sugar and foods that tend to stick to the teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. It’s best, therefore, to avoid such products.3. Canned foods, which can be one optional as good nutritional dog food, consider that this type of dog food is approximately 80% water. While canned food is more expensive because of the amount needed to meet your dog’s nutritional needs, dry food is more economical as it contains less water.4. Nutrition for dogs at specific periods of life must be chosen carefully. If your dog has allergies and underlying medical conditions such as digestive tract ailments or diabetes, for example, it’s best to have your vet recommend the best diet for your pet. Puppies require high-energy foods that aid the growing process and bone development. Adult dogs need non-fattening foods. Seniors generally are better served with nutritional dog food that is easy to digest.5. Large breeds can be fed more economically with dry food, whereas small dogs will benefit from kibble because their teeth tend to be closer together. The compacted teeth are more susceptible to trapping food and causing dental disease. Kibble will help to remove or reduce the accumulation of plaque on the dog’s teeth.Good nutrition for dogs must take into consideration the individual pet, from the breed and size of dog to the dog’s age and medical condition. Choosing a quality nutritional dog food can have a significant impact on your dog’s overall health and longevity.