HOW TO CHOOSE DOG FOOD

What should a dog owner look for in dog food?

You need to choose which type is best for your lifestyle and that of your dog first. Arjan outlined the three types of dog food: dry, wet, and raw. Dry food is convenient― easy to prepare, less messy, and easily stored―often the cheapest, and doesn’t spoil easily. The wet type is often processed and contains more moisture, protein, and fat. “Given its form, dogs will require more of it,” Arjan notes; thus it may be more expensive. He cautions, “If your dog does not finish wet food off immediately, it can and will spoil easily. Bacterial contamination is the main cause of spoilage for canned wet dog food. Once opened, it is best to let the dog finish it all. If unfinished, you can transfer it to a sealed plastic container and store it in the freezer but it cannot be kept for a long time. Approximately 1 to 2 months’ storage is optimal.”

The most expensive, Arjan says, “…is the ‘natural’ or raw diet,” often fed by those “…who believe it is better to feed your dog fresh meat in order to replicate the food that they eat in the wild.” It’s derived from food prepared and fit for human consumption such as market grade beef, pork, lamb, and goat meat. Next, it is important for dog owners to know what your dogs need, says Katy. “The factors to consider are the age, breed, body condition, and activity level of the dogs. Dog owners should check the crude protein content of dog food. For example, Yum Yum Dog Food Adult, which has 21% crude protein, is specially formulated for dogs 12 months and older in age and for large breed dogs, while Yum Yum Dog Food Hi Protein with 27% crude protein is suited for small breeds, high-energy dogs, and even puppies,” she explains.