When it comes to finding the best food for your pup, it's important to consider the advice of a vet or pet nutritionist. Dry dog food is the most affordable and accessible option, as it does not require refrigeration and contains around 90% dry matter and 10% water. This makes it easy to store and prepare. Dry food for dogs is made by combining and cooking ingredients such as meat and cereals, which converts starches into an easily digestible form while destroying toxins and sterilizing ingredients.
There are many different varieties of dry dog food on the market, so it's important to find one that meets your pup's dietary needs. In general, the best option is a higher quality dry dog food that contains the right ingredients for your pup's life stage and breed. Speak to your vet or veterinary nutritionist about the healthiest option for your pet, as they will provide you with a list of veterinary-recommended dog food brands that best suit your pup's needs. If you're on a budget, Pedigree offers a wide variety of nutritionally verified formulas for dogs of different sizes and ages.
It's also important to consider what ingredients are in the food, as well as whether or not it contains the nutrients your pup needs to be healthy. Grain-free dog foods have been linked to serious and fatal heart disease in dogs in the US, so if you're looking for one, you can choose from the limited-ingredient dog food brands available that offer high-quality food options. If you're interested in whole foods for dogs that are suitable for humans but don't have time to prepare a balanced diet for them, The Honest Kitchen offers balanced, freeze-dried food to make it easy to “make your puppy's dinner” in no time. The Farmer's Dog has also published results of ongoing long-term food trials showing that the nutritional value of its food exceeds the recommendations of the AAFCO.
Dog food is made with organic, free-range chicken and human-quality ingredients that are great for your pup's health. For more information on dog food labels, what to avoid and what to look for, this Tufts blog is an excellent resource. Purina Pro Plan Savor range has many flavors suitable for many life stages and sizes of dogs, while The American Journey Active Life Formula Senior dry dog food has everything your elderly companion needs (and nothing they don't need). Large-breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs than those of small breed dogs and puppies.
