Go ahead and visit the pet food aisle at the local grocery store and you’ll immediately feel overwhelmed by the choices. The prices vary widely, too and many pet owners are tempted to just go for the more affordable options. You’ve also probably been made aware of the ongoing number of pet food recalls, and the ongoing questions about just what is put into our dog’s food.
If you are like millions of others, this has led you to wonder how you can begin to choose better food for your beloved dog(s), and we have some very helpful tips.
Tips for Selecting an Optimal Pet Food
Note that many of the tips we provide here can also be helpful in selecting a pet food for a cat, too.
- Go with a natural pet product provider – If you want to take the shortest route to a premium food for your dog or cat, skip the grocery store options and go to a provider of natural pet products. They often take the time to cut out the brands that use the potentially harmful fillers and by-products.
- Know what the label should say – While a lot of pet food makers get away with calling their formulas natural or even balanced, you should know that dogs (and cats) don’t benefit much from carbohydrate fillers like corn or other grains. They can safely eat them for a bit of protein, but no food should ever contain mostly grains. Instead, you want the first five ingredients to be meat-based. Ideally, they should be high-quality meats and then named meat meals, such as lamb meal. Only after those first five ingredients, and only then after the meals, should come things like grains.
- Understand single ingredient labels – If you want the very best pet food for a dog, consider single or limited ingredients. Those that are 95% of a single ingredient (such as 95% real beef) are a wonderful way to ensure your dog is getting an optimal diet.
You can also consider offering your puppy a mixture of wet and dry foods during each day, supplementing with high-quality treats or snacks.
If you are eager to buy your dog the very best pet food, and you are not quite sure where to begin, head to the Gainesville area and speak with the dedicated pet experts at Earth Pets.
They offer natural foods with premium ingredients and can help you choose the ideal food for your dog…or cat!
