Those of us who are dog owners were quite alarmed recently by the need for a mass recall of pet food. When something like this occurs, the best advice is probably to contact your vet. Another good idea is to begin a search on the Internet to see what the contents of various products are, to what extent these products are tested, and any other information that helps you choose a brand that is best for your pet.
Many people are shocked to see some of the ingredients in the dog food they already feed their pets. The pet food industry is basically self-regulated and their only requirement is to adhere to the Labeling Act. This means that the food must show the name and address of the company that produces it, whether the product is for dogs or cats, the weight of the food, and the guaranteed analysis.
The enthusiasm shown by your dog towards its meal does not necessarily mean the meal is a healthy one. Ingredients such as wheat, sugar, soy and gluten as well as poultry by-products can actually be harmful to you pet and you’ll want to eliminate foods containing these ingredients from your pet’s diet to the greatest degree possible.
Look for a product that is field tested by the company which produces it. This is likely to be a superior product in terms of being beneficial to you pet’s health. Bear in mind that the tests may be limited to the company’s premier product so if you are considering a lesser grade product compare labels.
When
you are looking at a dog food label, some of the ingredients to look for are: Turkey meal, Fish meal, Human Grade Ingredients Chicken meal, Lamb meal, Rice, Potatoes, Vegetables, and Sunflower oil. Vitamins and fatty acids are also good ingredients to have in dog food. Some of these include Vitamin E and Omega 3 and 6. These fatty acids ensure a healthy skin and coat for your dog.
A Dog Food Analysis-Reviews of kibble also allows consumers to see reviews from actual dog owners. These owners rate their experience with a dog food. Many times, these analysis sites have their own experts who will aid in the comments left by consumers. Use their knowledge to help in your decision making about the best choice of food for your dog.
Organic foods have been with us for some time and are steadily gaining in popularity. Now organic pet foods have begun to make an appearance on the shelves. The next time you are in the pet food aisle of your supermarket, look for the words \"Natural\" on the box or bag. Then read the label to check if the product is indeed organic or of a superior grade.
After the pet food recall, I began making my dog her food from scratch. The dog food recipe I use includes ingredients like strained beef, beef broth, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, unflavored gelatin, cornmeal, and flour. If this is the route you choose, make sure that you know that it is not cheap to make your own dog food and it takes a lot of time. But to me, my best friend is worth it!
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