Ask the Expert
Basic Dog Nutrition – Which Food is Best for My Dog?
By Jeannie Wendel, Owner of Dioji
We are often asked which food is best for dogs; the answer is simple – there is no single ‘best’ food that is optimal for all. Just like humans, each dog is an individual. A food that one dog thrives on may stir up allergies or other adverse reactions for another. So how do we know what the best choice is for our furry pals? It is a process of trial and error.
So where do I start? Step 1 is to start with a high quality food. Here are some basic canine nutrition guidelines to help you decide:
First and Foremost - Read the labels!
Quality of ingredients – As with humans, dogs need a balanced, quality diet for optimal health. The guidelines for quality are mainly common sense:
- Human-grade cuts of meat are best (vs. by-products)
- Avoid “Animal Fat” or “Meat Meal” that does not identify the animal source. (Would you put unidentified mixed meat in your bowl?)
- Fresh vegetables and whole grains
- Stick to all natural - avoid artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives
Quantity of ingredients – When it comes to quantity of ingredients, the more is NOT the merrier. The more ingredients a commercial food contains (aside from added vitamins and minerals), the less it contains of each ingredient. Ingredients are listed by weight, so ideally you will see one or two meat proteins within the first few ingredients. It is important to note that whole meat (beef, chicken, lamb etc.) contains a lot of water weight, so you would want to see a few meats or meat-meals listed at the top to ensure a high level of protein.
If the food you are feeding your dog agrees with their system, you should see the following:
- A glossy coat
- Itch-free skin
- Bright, clear eyes
- Clear ears
- Happy, alert demeanor
If you note any adverse reactions, discontinue the food and try another with varied ingredients. As always, it is best to consult your veterinarian for any health matters concerning your family pets.
Happy food hunting! |
It’s March and there are a lot of great things happening inside and outside here at Dioji. The weather has been warming up and the pool has witnessed a lot of splashing and sunbathing. We’ve even been working with the puppies to teach them how to swim as good as me.
Kirby Wendel
Merrick Campfire Trout Feast
I truly appreciate the excellent puppy training we just completed at Dioji. The trainer was knowledgeable, caring and understanding of both the puppy students and adult trainers. It is hard to gather, in limited sessions, the many skills necessary to continue to work at home with your pup; but, because of the common sense approach and clear instructions we received, I left each session with the attitude “We can do this!” and we did.