| Vitamins and minerals are essential to a healthy diet, | | | | preservatives that are unhealthy, so be on the watch |
| not only for humans, but for our dogs too. Are you | | | | for those as you read the list of ingredients. |
| feeding your dog quality food? How does a pet owner | | | | Your dogs age may determine which food you |
| decide which food on the market is best for their | | | | choose too. Puppies obviously have a different set of |
| beloved dog? In addition to vitamins and minerals, dogs | | | | needs than middle-aged or mature dogs. Puppies are |
| require the proper intake of fats, proteins, | | | | growing, so they require a higher level of calcium, |
| carbohydrates and water in their daily diets. Just as | | | | phosphorus, and Vitamin D with protein that is easily |
| human beings benefit from eating healthy foods, dogs | | | | digested. As an adult dog, a few vegetables now and |
| will be healthier and more active if they are eating a | | | | then (no more than 10% of their diet), would be |
| quality dog food containing everything they need. | | | | beneficial since they contain fiber and vitamins and |
| Luckily, there are several top-notch commercial dog | | | | dogs typically love them. A senior dog will have more |
| foods on the market today from which to choose. | | | | of a restricted diet, but still needs protein that absorbs |
| Look for a quality food that is nutritionally complete; | | | | easily, a good level of carbohydrate for energy and |
| meaning that it will provide a balanced diet for your | | | | possibly a small amount of glucosamine to help with |
| dog. If you are unsure of which dog food is high quality, | | | | joint function. Get a quality dog food that meets them |
| your veterinarian is sure to have a few | | | | where they are nutritionally and theyll be healthier for it |
| recommendations. The least expensive dog food, while | | | | . |
| still being healthy, is dry food or kibble, which is | | | | The healthier your dog is, the less money youll give |
| nutritionally balanced and it will help to keep your dogs | | | | your veterinarian each year. If your pet gets the |
| gums and teeth in good shape. Many pet owners | | | | vitamins, minerals and other content he needs from a |
| supplement their dogs dry food with a canned, wet | | | | good dog food, the only time youll need to see the |
| food, but if the dry kibble is of good quality, it should be | | | | veterinarian is for yearly check ups and necessary |
| sufficient. | | | | shots. |
| There isnt any proof as of yet that organic dog food | | | | Overall, do your research and get recommendations |
| is any better than the high quality commercial brands, | | | | from other pet owners and your veterinarian, and |
| but if cost isnt a concern and you feel better about it, | | | | choosing a high quality dog food wont seem like such |
| that is another avenue. | | | | a difficult task. By giving your dog the food that is best |
| As you look for a dog food for your pet, make sure to | | | | for him, you are helping him to live longer and be |
| read the labels on the bags and understand what it is | | | | healthier all the way around. |
| your pet requires in his diet. Some dog foods use | | | | |