Raw Diets. Since animals in nature don’t have access to cooking utensils, and most do not have opposable thumbs, animals are not adapted to eating cooked foods. Most vets recommend a raw diet. Not all raw foods are equal and the best option is one with a high moisture content. In fact, most vets recommend you make your own, but most of us don’t have the time or money to feed fresh raw ingredients, so frozen is the next best thing. This requires refrigeration and must be kept fresh once thawed, so for some, dehydrated raw foods are better.
Example: Vital Raw. Vital Raw is a leading brand available from Petco, a national big box chain. Their beef recipe is a blend of fresh ingredients starting off with beef and beef liver and including spinach and cranberries for digestive and urinary health. It comes in a frozen “chub” much like hamburger. Simply feed the recommended amount for your pet’s size and age. Food can be found here.
Canned Foods. Next on our list is canned foods. Vets typically recommend looking for a brand that states it is prepared with human grade ingredients, to ensure the best packing and manufacturing. They are pricey, compared with grocery store brands, but can improve your pet’s health significantly. The top ingredient should be protein and moisture should make up 70-80% of the content.
Raw Alternative
Blue Buffalo. Blue Buffalo is a widely available brand, featuring a grain free feed formula that is sold as “an alternative to a raw diet”. All of their foods meet the protein and moisture content recommendations. More information can be found here.
“The top ingredient should be protein and moisture should make up 70-80% of the content.”
On the list of recommended food for dogs, this category typically finds itself at the bottom of the list. It is by far the most convenient, especially for pet owners who must leave their pets unsupervised while they eat, and it is also handy since it will keep indefinitely, as long it is dry.
Example: Blue Buffalo. Blue Buffalo’s dry foods consistently top the list for balanced nutrition and quality ingredients. This is by far the least expensive and most convenient way to feed your pet a nutritionally balanced diet. They have several formulas, their basic, is primarily turkey protein. It is also available at various nationwide chains. Information can be found here.
Whichever option you choose, follow your vet’s recommendations for the weight and age of your dog and look for the highest protein, lowest filler content. Your dog will thank you.
Also, check out reviews.com for specific nutritional support for your pup here.
Comments
Sara / August 29, 2016
Food is everything! There are so many options it pays for owners to get educated!
admin / August 29, 2016
I’ve tried so many kinds to get just the right mix for my three pups (instead of feeding them all different things!).