HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOG FOOD FOR YOUR PUP

All About Dog Food is the best place to go!

The team at All About Dog Food has compiled a massive database of dog food brands and products and assigned ratings based on their ingredients and processing methods.

They present an excellent resource for determing how nutritious a particular brand is and provide recommendations for dogs based on their size, age, and weight.

What's more, they include the daily price of each food into their database so you can find the option which represents the best value for money for you and your dog!

• Quality of Ingredients: Look for high-quality, easily digestible protein sources, such as chicken, lamb, fish, or beef, as the main ingredient. Avoid filler ingredients, such as corn, wheat, and soy, which can trigger food sensitivities and allergies.
• Nutritional Balance: Choose a food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles for dogs, and ensure it contains sufficient levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals for your dog's life stage and individual needs.
• Processing Methods: Consider how the food is processed. Foods that use gentle cooking methods, such as baking or steaming, tend to retain more of the food's nutrients.
• Preservatives: Look for natural preservatives, such as vitamin E or citric acid, rather than artificial preservatives, such as BHA or BHT.
• Brand Reputation: Research the brand's history, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures. Consider reaching out to the company for additional information.
• Price: Good quality dog food can be expensive, but cheaper options may contain lower quality ingredients. It's important to strike a balance between affordability and quality.
• Feedback: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other dog owners, veterinarians, and pet supply stores.

Remember to always consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional needs of your dog and to determine the best type of food for their individual needs.

Nutrition requirements by dog's age

Senior dogs require leaner dog food with more fibre

Senior dogs have different nutritional requirements compared to younger dogs, as they tend to be less active and have a slower metabolism.

A senior dog diet should contain high-quality protein, moderate fats, and limited carbohydrates to support muscle maintenance and overall health.

It should also have increased levels of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, to support joint health and maintain strong bones.

Additionally, fibre content should be adjusted to help maintain digestive health. As older dogs tend to drink less water, it's important to choose a diet that is moist and palatable to encourage hydration.

Reduced calorie options may also be necessary for overweight senior dogs to maintain a healthy weight.

It's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your senior dog and to make any necessary adjustments as they age.

Puppies require dog food that's relatively higher in fat

Puppies have unique nutritional requirements as they are growing and developing rapidly.

While you should still look to provide a diet of high, quality protein as you would with any dog, puppies also need an increased amount of fat, vitamins, and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, for strong bones and overall health.

Carbohydrates can be obtained from sources such as brown rice or sweet potatoes.

Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can also help support a growing puppy's metabolism.

It's important to select a high-quality puppy food that is formulated specifically for puppies.

Is my dog overweight?

There are several ways to tell if a dog is overweight:

• Visible Body Condition: You should be able to feel their ribs with a light covering of fat, but not see them. A noticeable waist and an " hourglass" figure is also a sign of a healthy weight.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): A veterinarian can calculate your dog's BMI to determine if they are overweight.
• Profile View: Observing your dog from above should show a distinct waist, rather than a straight line from ribs to hips.
• Mobility: Overweight dogs may struggle with jumping, running, and climbing stairs, as well as suffer from joint problems and breathing difficulties.
• Fat deposits: Check for fat deposits around the dog's neck, chest, and base of the tail, which are common areas for dogs to carry extra weight.

It's important to monitor your dog's weight and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect they are overweight.

An excess of weight can lead to health problems such as joint problems, respiratory issues, and decreased lifespan.

Choosing dog food: wet or dry?

The choice between wet and dry dog food depends on several factors, including:

• Hydration: Wet food contains higher moisture content and can help dogs stay hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water. Dry food, on the other hand, can be a good option for dogs who prefer to drink water separately.
• Nutritional Balance: Both wet and dry can provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs, but the specific nutrients and ratios can vary between brands and types. It's important to carefully review the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis to ensure the food meets your dog's nutritional needs.
• Convenience: Dry kibble is more convenient as it has a longer shelf life, is easier to store, and can be left out for your dog to self-feed throughout the day. Wet food, on the other hand, needs to be refrigerated and should be served promptly to avoid spoilage.
• Palatability: Some dogs may prefer the taste and texture of wet food, while others may prefer dry food. If your dog is picky, trying different types and brands of both wet and dry food may help you find what they like best.
• Dental Health: Dry food can help maintain good dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. Wet food, however, may not have the same effect and may even contribute to tooth decay.

Ultimately, the choice between wet and dry food depends on your individual dog's needs, preferences, and lifestyle. 

You may choose to feed a combination of both or rotate between different types and brands.

What about raw dog food?

Raw dog food refers to a type of diet that consists of raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. There are several types of raw dog food diets, including:

• BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): This diet consists of raw meat, bones, and organs, along with fruits and vegetables. The goal of this diet is to mimic the natural diet of wild dogs through raw feeding, which would have included raw meat, bones, and organs from their prey.
• Pre-made Raw Diets: These diets consist of raw meat, bones, and organs, and are pre-packaged and sold frozen (freeze dried raw food). These diets are convenient and easy to serve, but can be more expensive than making raw food at home.
• Homemade Raw Diets: This type of diet involves making raw food at home using ingredients such as raw meat, bones, and organs, along with fruits and vegetables. This option allows for more control over the ingredients and can be more cost-effective, but requires a significant time commitment.
• Whole Prey Diets: This diet consists of entire animals, such as rabbits or chickens, that are fed to dogs raw. This type of diet is the closest to what wild dogs would eat, but can be difficult to source and may not meet all of a dog's nutritional needs.

Raw food diets are controversial and are not recommended by all veterinarians.

It's important to consider the potential risks, such as the risk of bacterial contamination, and to consult with a veterinarian before switching to a raw food diet.

If you do choose to feed your dog a raw food diet, it's important to ensure that it is balanced and nutritionally complete, and to follow food safety guidelines.

If your dog has an upset stomach, it's important to withhold food for a period of time to give their digestive system a chance to rest.

The length of this fasting period will depend on the severity of the upset and your dog's individual needs, but a general guideline is to withhold food for 12-24 hours.

After this time, you can start to introduce food in small amounts.

The best food to feed a dog with an upset stomach is bland and easily digestible.

A common recommendation is boiled white rice mixed with boiled, lean chicken breast.

You can gradually increase the amount of food as your dog's digestion begins to recover.

What to do with picky eaters?

If your dog is a picky eater, there are several strategies that can help encourage them to eat:

• Rotate Diets: Offer your dog a variety of different brands and flavours of dog food, to keep their meals interesting and to prevent boredom.
• Add Toppers: Mix in small amounts of wet food, such as canned dog food or broth, with their dry food to add flavour and aroma.
• Incorporate Treats: Use small, soft treats to coax your dog to eat, or crumble them over their food to make it more appealing.
• Change Serving Methods: Try serving their food in a puzzle toy or feeder, which can make mealtime more interactive and enjoyable.
• Try Home-Cooked Meals: Consider making your dog's food at home, using fresh ingredients, such as cooked chicken or fish, rice, and vegetables.
• Consult with a Veterinarian: If your dog continues to be picky and is losing weight, it's important to consult with a veterinarian. They can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue causing the picky eating behaviour.

It's important to remember that dogs have different tastes and preferences, and it may take some time to find a food that your dog enjoys.

However, it's important to avoid giving in to your dog's picky eating habits, as this can lead to unhealthy weight gain or malnutrition.

Offer your dog a variety of healthy, balanced options, and be patient and consistent in your approach.

Dogs can technically survive on a vegetarian diet, but it is not recommended for a number of reasons.

Dogs are omnivores and have evolved over time to consume both animal and plant-based sources of nutrients.

They require certain nutrients, such as taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin B12, that are typically only found in animal-based foods.

The best food to feed a dog with an upset stomach is bland and easily digestible.

A well-balanced vegetarian diet for dogs must be carefully formulated to meet all of their nutritional needs, and it can be challenging to achieve this balance without the inclusion of animal-based ingredients.

Deficiencies in essential nutrients can lead to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, blindness, and reproductive problems.