Choosing the right dog food is more than selecting what tastes good; it’s about considering many aspects of your dog’s health, from their age to their activity level. However, while there are many high-quality dog food options, the right one might not be immediately obvious. Here are four things to know about buying dog food and ensuring it offers your pet a complete and balanced diet.
1. High-Quality Dog Food Can Get Pricey
Many pet nutritionists suggest that an organic, natural, and grain-free diet can significantly improve the health of our pets and even increase their lifespan. Buying high-grade dog food may cost you more money, and this could hurt your wallet if you have a big dog like a Great Dane or a Mastiff!
However, good dog food could significantly increase your pet’s quality of life and potentially save you some costly vet bills. In many ways, buying dog food is more than purchasing a product; it’s investing in your dog’s health and working to combat common health conditions.
Look for high-quality dog food brands that offer a “complete and balanced diet.” This means that the food has all the vitamins and nutrients your dog needs to thrive. You may also choose to supplement their mealtimes with chews, oils, and toppers.
2. Not All Dog Food Is Created Equal
Not all pet food is created equal. The inclusion of cheaper fillers as opposed to the more expensive pure protein is the reason that some brands can sell their products at such low prices. Top-quality pet food made from natural, non-GMO, and organic ingredients can easily cost up to five times the price of poor-quality food.
In addition, good pet food is made with high-quality ingredients that are carefully balanced by animal nutritionists to provide all the nutrients your pet needs. It’s also generally free of common allergens that affect dogs, like soy and corn.
However, being more expensive doesn’t mean being better. When you spend a higher price for pet food, you frequently aren’t getting superior food but rather paying for the company’s marketing, branding, and advertising efforts.
Don’t get caught up by dazzling packaging designs and cute commercials. Instead, do your research and consider your dog’s health profile when buying food that’s right for them.
3. Inflation Has Affected the Cost of Dog Food
The food business has been dealing with the long-term impacts of the pandemic ever since it began. The meat-packing sector is the primary supplier of ingredients for both dry and wet dog food. The pandemic had several consequences, one of which was a push to euthanize animals that had been in touch with human workers who were afflicted with the virus.
Before the meat packing industry developed protocols to manage illnesses, the number of animals that were put down posed a risk to the overall supply chain. Normal operations have been gradually resumed in the meat packing and agriculture industries. It will take a significant amount of time for these industries to get back to the levels they were at before the outbreak.
Long story short, dog food that was once affordable a few years ago may be pricier now. If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, you may factor in the cost of dog food and inflation when making an informed decision.
4. Many Factors Determine the Ideal Dog Food
There are a lot of different foods on the market, so it can be hard to know which one is best for your pet. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow. First, make sure that the food you choose is appropriate for your dog’s age and activity level.
Puppies, for example, need food that is higher in calories and protein due to their way faster growth rate. Second, check around with reputable breeders and dog businesses on their recommendations for top-quality food. Third, select a food that is high in protein and ingredients that are preferably certified natural and organic.
And finally, always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your furry friend enjoys all the benefits of good nutrition.
