Choosing the Right Food for Your Pup

You just got a new pup and you are standing in the aisles of your local pet store.  You are bombarded with options, brands, colorful packaging, and a store employee pushing you on one type of food. With so many choices and options, which is the best? How do you choose the right food? With all the persuasive language such as ancient grains, longevity blend, and super foods, it is easy to be drawn in without proper knowledge. Let’s break it all down!

Establish your Dogs Needs

First, you are going to want to establish your dogs’ specific needs. Do they have allergies you know of? Do they have a medical issue? What age are they? What is their activity level? What is their breed? Deciphering the basics will give you a better understanding of what exactly to look for in the perfect food for your pup!

Read Ingredient Labels

Look at the ingredients! You want to see some whole foods as ingredients, not just fillers and by products, and what you see as the first couple ingredients is the prominent make-up of the food. Remember dogs are omnivores naturally. They need basic grains and meats unless your dog has a specific allergy, which can be determined with the help of a veterinarian.

Do your Research

Do your research! If you don’t know what something is, try and look it up to get more information or reach out to your vet with questions. It’s better to learn what something is rather than blindly feeding it to your pup. Utilize dog food ranking websites such as Dog Food Experts and other sites, but also use caution because these can vary based on opinions of consumers. You can always reach out to specific food manufacturers as well and they should be able to answer questions on processing and ingredients too.

Assess Your Pups Response to Specific Foods

A healthy dog will have tell-tale signs that the food is working for them. Shiny coats, regular bowel movements, and good energy levels are just a few! Your dog’s health is in direct response to the foods they are eating. If you are concerned about your pup’s health, definitely speak with your vet and let them you know if you think their food may be a cause and seek their recommendations on how to proceed. 

Remember there is no gold standard when it comes to pet food. Just like humans, there are specific needs you must identify to help your pet flourish! A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog means a happy owner. Do your research and ask all the questions! It may take some trial and error, but we promise you will find the perfect food with these basic steps.