How to Choose Quality Dog Food

dog food treats

When searching for quality dog food brands it is vital that you read the label and have the knowledge to understand and interpret the information you find. When reading the label, look for the first fat or oil that is listed. All items placed above the first fat source are considered to be the main ingredients along with the first fat source. The other items shown on the label are typically added to the dog food for flavor, as preservatives, to aid in the processing of the food or for health benefits such as minerals or vitamins.

It is important that you check the ingredients for their nutritional value. It can be difficult to research the food substances due to the manufacurers choice of food sources. It is difficult to know what quality grade of food items they are placing in the foods as well as the quantity of the ingredients.

Surf Manufacturer's Websites

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) does not allow dog food manufacturers to place information on the labels regarding the quality of the food substances. It is important to read the information that is available on the websites of the various pet food companies and carefully read the information they provide about the quality of the ingredients they use in their products.

Protein

Since protein is the most important item in your pets diet, it would be imperative that you serve your dog only quality sources of protein. Quality dog foods usually have a meat meal listed as the first ingredient on the label or a meat with the second ingredient being a meat meal substance. Meat by-products are not high quality protein sources. If the label mentions a specific type of meat meal, such as chicken meal this type of protein source is not inferior to whole meats. Stay away from products that does not indicate the animal in which the meat source was derived from.

Regarding fats look for chicken fat, herring oil canola oil, sunflower oil, flax oil and other fat sources with specific names. See if the quality fats such as Omega three and Omega six are on the label. Try to avoid foods that contain ingredients like poultry fat, animal fat, and other non specific sources of fat.

Look for fresh vegetables or whole grains which may also be labeled as ground or meal. Avoid products that are filled with too much grain fragments and flour. Also the performance dog food are typically preserved with natural substances such as vitamins. When looking for quality food products that will keep your dog healthy make sure you examine the label and read information provided at the websites of the dog food manufacturers.