Which Food Is Best For My Dog?

There's nothing more exciting than welcoming a new dog into your home. With that excitement, however, comes responsibility: whether it's a pedigree puppy or an adult mongrel from a rescue centre, you'll want to do your best for your new pet. Providing a well-balanced diet is the key to making sure a dog enjoys a healthy, happy - and long - life. But the vast array of dog foods can be daunting. Which of the many products on offer will be right for your dog?

Balancing act

We've got good news for dog-owners who are keen to offer their pets a balanced diet. There's no need to resort to costly, complicated home-made meals. "Feed your dog a balanced dog food," says Caroline Reay, Chief Veterinary Surgeon at The Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Merton. "Don't feed human food or give titbits, as this doesn't contain the correct balance of nutrients and can make your dog fat."

Behind the brands

The makers of commercially produced pet foods are eager to promote their products as good for your dog. Yet how can you be sure they really do contain the correct nutritional elements? "Owners need to do some research," says PetClub UK Director Chris Jones. "Many manufacturers claim to have the best pet foods but don't be fooled by brand names. Some of the biggest are some of the worst. Check the nutritional content on the backs of packets, and use our articles to help you choose the right foods. Don't shop for pet food in large supermarkets. Instead, search the internet and specialist pet stores for smaller pet food companies with a clear nutritional ethos."

The right stuff

After thousands of years as man's best friend, dogs are no longer exclusively carnivores. They can digest and extract nutrition from non-meat sources. Like humans, they need a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate in order to thrive. They also need vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. When choosing a food, look for a product that offers a balance of these elements. Beware of dog foods that don't display a detailed ingredients list, including the proportions involved. If manufacturers aren't proud of what's in their products, why should you be expected to buy them?

Tucking in

Don't forget that dog food has to be appetising as well as nutritious. Dog foods come in a variety of flavours. If you're happy with the nutritional content of the brand you've chosen, experiment with different flavours until you find one that your dog enjoys. In some cases, different flavours will have different nutritional content. It may be possible to offer a balanced diet by varying flavours - an option that will also keep your dog interested in its food.

Special cases

At certain times in their lives, dogs require more specialised diets. Puppies, pregnant bitches and older dogs all have different dietary needs. Seek advice from your vet or check out our specialist articles on these subjects.

Wet, wet, wet

Dog foods fall into two broad categories: wet and dry. Wet foods come in traditional cans, foil trays or plastic pouches. Some products are "complete": you don't need to add anything else to provide a balanced diet. Others are designed to be combined with mixer biscuits or meal. Read the instructions carefully to determine which type of food you're using. Bear in mind that there can be a big difference in quality between brands. Some manufacturers use cheap animal by-products and preservatives in their dog foods. Avoid these products and aim for quality instead.

Dry as a bone

Properly manufactured, complete dry foods can offer a convenient way to meet all your dog's nutritional needs. Do be aware, however, that dry foods contain more carbohydrates than wet products. If they're used on their own, your dog can end up storing this extra carbohydrate as fat. As with any pet food, owners should provide fresh drinking water with dry foods. "Because there's so much less water in dry foods, there's a danger of dehydration if dogs don't drink plenty of water with their meals. If your dog doesn't have a strong thirst drive it's best not to feed it too much dry food," Chris Jones advises.

A little of what you fancy

Obesity poses a genuine danger to the long-term health of your dog. "Most overweight pets will have a health problem which has been caused by or exacerbated by their weight," Caroline Reay warns. It's also tempting to offer your dog treats. "Dogs are always interested in food, and they have long memories!" says Caroline Reay. "Even if you only give titbits occasionally, your dog will remember, and it's likely to encourage begging. Treats are best reserved as rewards to give when training." Most dogs are overweight as a result of the types of food that they eat and the unnecessary amount of treats they receive, not because they eat too much at mealtimes. If you choose the right food and refrain from giving too many treats, you'll be doing your dog a huge favour.

Copyright © PetClub UK Ltd. 2006

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