What Is The Best Dog Food To Feed Your Pet
Dogs have lived with us for over 15, 000 years, but it was only in the mid-1800’s that the first food specifically designed for dogs was invented. Even then, it wasn’t until after the Second World War that the dog food industry started its ascent towards the multi-billion dollar colossus that it is today.
So how did dogs survive before then? Well, for most of their years as human companions they had to make their own way, begging, hunting, or stealing what they could. A common belief was that this made them better hunters and guard dogs.
As dogs became more popular as pets, they would have been fed more regular meals by their human guardians. These meals though would still have been table scraps, perhaps supplemented by some dry or tinned dog food.
As people became have interested in canine health, care and nutrition there has been a plethora of magazines, TV programs and websites providing information on these subjects.
We've seen the introduction of specialized, size specific, breed specific and age specific canine diets, as well as things like the BARF diet. Small wonder the average pet owner is confused about what to feed his dog.
So, what is the best food to feed a dog?
Depends who's advice you're following. Some will tell you to feed raw meat and vegetables, others will insist that a premium dog food brand contains all the nutrients your dog needs, and then there are those who slave for hours over a hot stove to prepare wholesome meals for their beloved dogs.
The important thing is balance. Dogs are omnivores, and they need to be fed a diet that reflects that. Most raw food proponents accept that, premium kibble brands strive for it, and if you’re cooking for your dog you need to take it into account.
Strive for a three way split between meat, veggies and fiber. But if you’re going to err in any direction, feed a higher percentage of meat.
Cooking for your dog and shopping for fresh foods are time consuming. But even if, like most of us, you are "time poor", you can still feed your dog a balanced, healthy diet. Simply speak to your vet about the best premium or super premium dog food brand for your dog.
There are many variants available, so be sure to choose the right one from puppy, senior, lite, large breed etc. Some even cater to the nutritional needs of specific breeds.
Two definite no-nos are feeding your dog table scraps, and feeding him a cheap brand of kibble.
Most of the brands you find on the supermarket shelves fall into this category. They often have grain as their primary component and are therefore lacking in the nutrients needed in a healthy canine diet. There is also evidence to suggest that some of the colorings and preservatives used may be behind a whole catalog of ailments and diseases.
Table scraps are another no-no. They are generally high in fat, and may contain other substances, like onions and garlic, which are not good for dogs. Feeding your dog from the table can also lead to behavior problems, like begging.
Find out more about best dog food, dog training, dog health and other helpful dog information at www.dogsanddogtraining.com.
