4 Qualities That You Need to Look For in Dog Food

The best food for your dog will vary depending on the dog’s age, health, breed, size, and activity level. Quality food should include many qualities, so if you don’t know what to look for in dog food, we have put together a handy list of 4 important qualities you should look for.

1 Protein Source 

Every bag of quality dog food will have a listing of the main source of protein in the food. For example, if the first ingredient listed is meat or poultry, then that particular food will be a good choice. Chicken meals and lamb meals are considered highly nutritious by many dog owners as a source of protein for dogs. Beware of cheaper options such as cornmeal or cornflour. These sources of carbs contain virtually no nutritional value and can make your beloved pet fat overtime at the very least. Getting quality dog food is very important and should be done cautiously. The brand you choose should have a list of ingredients clearly listed on the package because if you are not careful, you could be feeding your dog something that is unhealthy.

2 Carbohydrates 

Many people feed their pets dry food because it’s more convenient to keep around the house instead of canned food that needs refrigeration after opening. If you decide to use dry kibble, try to select one that has carbohydrates from whole grains such as whole rice or oatmeal rather than those made up primarily of simple sugars like corn syrup. These highly processed carbs can cause a dog to gain weight over time. Look for whole-grain sources of carbohydrates such as oatmeal, brown rice, or sweet potatoes. This will ensure that you are feeding your dog healthy carbs for their diet.

3 Fat Content 

Dogs need fat in their diet, but it’s important to make sure that you are choosing food with the proper balance of fats. The first three ingredients on the list should not be any type of fat or oil. A quality dog food will have healthy fatty acids from sources such as omega-3 and omega-6. If your dog is overweight, select a low-calorie option for weight control. Also, avoid fats and oils that are difficult to digest such as soybean or corn oil. It’s best to stick with animal-based fat such as chicken fat or fish oil.

4 Calcium And vitamin E 

Dogs who are growing, pregnant or nursing will need more calcium than adult dogs. If you have an active dog who plays hard on a daily basis, they also require extra calcium to build and repair muscle tissue. Look for foods that contain between 1-1.5% calcium if your pup is not in one of the above categories. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that works as an antioxidant keeping cells strong and healthy while protecting them from damage caused by free radicals. The RDA of vitamin E for dogs is 10 IU per kg of body weight per day, so it’s important to look for quality food with this amount included in their diet plan.

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As you can see, it is significant to consider all of these qualities in a dog’s diet. If you do not choose quality food for your dog, your pet could become obese or develop health problems due to the lack of certain nutrients. A good rule of thumb is to look at how much protein, fat, and fiber are included in each serving and your dog will be happy and healthy in no time!