Finding the Food which is suitable for your Dog is very important because it has a direct impact on their well-being and health. However, selecting the best food is a challenge nowadays as there are many options available today both in stores and online.
This is a simple write-up on a few tips that Pet Parents need to bear in mind while choosing food for their Dogs.
Dog Food Is Basically Classified in 3 Types:
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Dry Food
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Wet Food
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Home-Made Recipe
Points to be factored while choosing the ideal Dog Food for your Dog
Your Dog’s Age:
Dogs have different food requirements based on their age, like during Puppy stage they would need more food as it is the growing stage.
Dogs in the senior stage of life would require lesser amount of food as they would start experiencing metabolic and body composition changes.
Your Dog’s Activity levels:
Your Dog’s activity levels help you to determine how much your Dog needs to be fed. The more active your Dog is the more calories it burns and hence it will be needed to be fed more.
As Dogs gain age the requirement of food would come down, as it would be less active compared to its younger age.
Your Dog’s Breed:
Your Dog breed is also a factor for identifying how much it can be fed. While Big Dog breeds are to be fed more, the medium/small sized breed’s food requirement would be less.
How to select the ideal Dog Food?
Here are a few tips to select the best food for your Dog.
Like Human Food, Dog Food and Treats come with a label. The Label provides information like:
- Product Name
- Product Weight
- Details of the Manufacturer
- Ingredients
- Guaranteed Analysis
- Feeding Guidelines
- Nutritional Information
- Breed for whom it is intended
In addition, the product label also lists the weight of ingredients, while selecting the product ensure that “Fresh Meat” appears at the top of the ingredient list.
Look for Nutritional Information
All Dogs need to have a balanced diet, which means the diet should contain an ideal balance of the below nutrients.
Proteins: Proteins are the basic building blocks for Cells, Tissues and organs. The main sources of Proteins Are Chicken, Fish, Eggs, Mutton and Lamb.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are important for Dog’s intestinal health. Fibre which is a carbohydrate type helps in digestion.
Healthy Fats: Healthy Fats provides Dogs with more energy than Proteins and Carbohydrates.
Vitamins: Vitamins helps keep your Dog’s Coat shiny and healthy.
Minerals: Minerals helps to keep your Dog’s teeth and bone healthy and assists your Dog’s metabolic functions.
Look for Food Ingredients to be avoided
Keep a check on the following low-quality ingredients while selecting Dog Food.
Animal By-products: Some food contains animal by-products such as Feet, Feather and beaks. These can be avoided as they carry very less nutritional value.
Generic Meat: If the Food contains Generic Meat like Meat Meal/Bone Meal, avoid it as these are low-quality ingredients.
Artificial Additives: Avoid Food that contains Artificial Additives as they only make the Food visually appealing and are of no nutritional value.
Care while feeding Human Food
Dogs have a habit of staring at you when you eat, while it is safe to feed Dogs human food here is a list of Human Which Dogs can have and not have.
Human Food Dogs can have
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Sweet Potatoes
- Coconut
- Mango
- Blackberry
- Pineapple
- Blueberry
- Carrots
- Rice
- Bananas
- Strawberry
Human Food Dogs can’t have
- Chocolates
- Grapes & Raisins
- Lemon & Lime
- Alcohol
- Coffee & Tea
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Onion
- Raw Yeast Dough
- Nutmeg
Consult your Vet
Last but not the least have a consultation with your Vet while you fix a diet for your Puppy. Also, if you plan to give your Dog a change in diet, please consult your Vet. Transitional Stage of your Dog is the most challenging as your Dog may suffer from diarrhoea and Stomach upset, hence consulting your Vet is of utmost importance.
Top Selling Pet Brands in India
The top selling Dog Food/Treats in India is listed herewith.
- Pedigree
- Chappi
- Purepet
- Royal Canine
- Farmina
- Drools
- ACANA
- Orijen
- Nootie
- Purina
To conclude, while choosing online Dog Food take into consideration pricing of the product, ingredients, reviews and suitability for your Dog.
Shop at Furvilla Pet Store, your one-stop destination for premium pet supplies. Explore our wide range of products, including the best online store for dog food, to ensure your furry friend’s health and happiness. Your pet’s well-being is our priority!