Best Dry Dog Food To Buy
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Adult maintenance foods generally contain lower levels of protein, fat, and certain vitamins and minerals than foods that are formulated to meet the growth and reproduction needs of puppies and their parents. So what is the best dry dog food for adult maintenance When looking among the products that are formulated specifically for adult maintenance, we want to see meat and meat meals in the top two or more ingredients; moderate (neither minimal nor very high) levels of fat and protein; and legumes (such as peas, chickpeas, and lentils) used in minor roles (below the 5th or 6th position on the ingredients list). If beneficial supplements such as probiotics or glycosaminoglycans (i.e., glucosamine, chondroitin) are present, we like to see them listed on the guaranteed analysis, indicating they are present in verifiable quantities that can be compared to other products.
Pregnant or nursing mothers and growing puppies need more fat than most adult dogs, so few people are searching for low-fat foods for puppies. Low-fat foods become more important for inactive and sedentary dogs, dogs who are overweight, and dogs who either have pancreatitis or are of a breed that is genetically predisposed to pancreatitis. When looking for a lower-fat food for one of these dogs, as before, all of our previous food selection criteria apply, but we start our search by sorting the foods on the WDJ Searchable Dry Dog Food Database by fat content, and looking at the products with lower (but not necessarily the very lowest) fat content.
What we said in the lower-fat foods section regarding the minimum numbers in the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles and the as-fed numbers used on pet food labels applies to the protein levels, too. The Dog Food Nutrient Profiles list minimum protein levels, on a dry matter basis, as 18% for adult dog maintenance and 22.5% for growth. Assuming a 10% moisture content, the minimum as-fed protein values are 20% for adult dog maintenance, and 24% for growth.
Grain-free foods can be a literal life-saver for dogs who are allergic to or intolerant of grains. However, the number of dogs who are genuinely among that population is much smaller than the number of grain-free foods on the market would indicate.
Pet food makers have used a number of ingredients to formulate complete and balanced dog foods that do not contain grains. Potatoes and sweet potatoes were highly popular in the first grain-free products, but soon every type of legume grown on the planet found its way into these products: peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans. Tapioca (also known as cassava or cassava root) is the latest carb to find its way into these products.
In 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) turned the dog world upside down with a preliminary advisory that warned of a possible link between grain-free foods and the incidence of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Despite much study, that link has not been proven, though there are tens of thousands of dog owners and veterinarians who still suspect a link.
Switch your dog to a new dry food gradually, mixing in increasing amounts of the new food over time. Start by feeding 75% of the old food and 25% of the new food for the first few days, then increase to a 50-50 ratio for the next two or three days. Then, proceed to feeding 75% of the new food for a few days, graduating to 100% after about a week or so. This gradual transition will be easier on your dog's digestive system and help ensure he doesn't refuse the new dry food formula.
Dry dog food usually lasts for up to 18 months unopened, but check the product expiration date to be sure. Once opened, dry dog food lasts for roughly 6 weeks if stored properly sealed in a cool, dry place.
Some of the best ingredients to look for in dry dog food include real meats, whole fruits and vegetables and healthy whole grains, if you want to feed a grain-inclusive formula. Look for whole food ingredients that have been minimally processed, and try to avoid formulas that contain lots of fillers, meat meals and artificial ingredients. Your vet may be able to recommend some good dry dog formulas or brands. You can also use the product filters on our site to find just the right dry dog food for your pup.
About: Instinct Raw Boost is a protein-dense kibble that contains minimally processed, freeze-dried raw meat. A good source of omega fatty acids and antioxidants, it helps your pooch look great while feeling his best.
Allergic reactions such as itching, recurrent ear infections, and wheezing should be reported to your vet. Dogs with food allergies benefit from a limited ingredient diet, though some require a hypoallergenic dog food diet entirely, including those with hydrolyzed proteins.
Most people feed their dogs dry kibble or canned wet food. These processed foods might not be appealing to us, but they contain all of the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. Quality commercial dog foods are highly regulated and have undergone rigorous testing by veterinary specialists. So what exactly is in these dog foods
The best dog food for your canine companion should meet his nutritional needs. While most commercial dog food brands are specially formulated with at least the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs, it is important to remember that not every dog has exactly the same nutritional needs.
There are plenty of dog food myths and misinformation about dog nutrition on the Internet. You can sort through it by following one simple rule: check your sources. Many well-meaning individuals make claims about dog nutrition without backing them up with scientific evidence. As you do research, always check to see if the information is supported by a credible source, like a veterinarian, canine nutritionist, or scientific study. It never hurts to be skeptical, either. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
One way to decipher a good dog food from a bad dog food is to read the label. This is easier said than done, as labels can be hard to read, both due to the small print and just plain awkwardness of handling big bags of dog food in the store! But labels can also be misleading, as the Merck Veterinary Manual explains. Dog food labels are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tell you eight key pieces of information, and individual states may also have their own labeling requirements:
While the ingredient list might not tell you the quality of the ingredients, it does tell you what is in the food. This is especially important for dogs with special dietary needs or allergies and is also useful for owners who wish to feed their dogs specific sources of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
Choosing the best senior dog food may come down to what your dog finds palatable. Many older dogs prefer wet food while others may need their food warmed up to enhance the aromas. Ultimately, your vet can help choose the best dog food for an older pet.
Allergies, sensitive stomachs, and dietary restrictions affect dogs, as well as people. Feeding dogs with special dietary needs can be tricky. Your best course of action is to consult your veterinarian for advice about the dog food that best helps with their condition.
The best dog food for your dog is ultimately up to you to decide. As an owner, you are the one who sees your dog on a regular basis. If your dog produces firm, healthy stool, is active and fit, and has a healthy appetite, then your dog food is probably working just fine.
Dogs come in many shapes and sizes and have various dietary needs. This can make it overwhelming to select the ideal food for your dog. Fortunately, there are lots of excellent dog foods. After talking to veterinarians and animal nutritionists, we chose some of the best food across different categories and price points, including dry dog food, canned wet food, fresh food, and options for different age groups and sizes.
We evaluated our picks against a list of expert-informed criteria, including nutritional adequacy, calorie content, and ingredients. Our experts didn't recommend specific brands or products in order to maintain impartiality. We also relied on standards from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). All the foods in this guide meet AAFCO standards, meaning they have the right amounts of fat, protein, and fiber for a dog's life stage.
Our advice for how to shop for dog food applies to the \"average dog.\" They're either sedentary or moderately active, going on walks and trips to the park, but not a working or performance dog. The average dog is a healthy weight or slightly overweight and generally doesn't have health concerns. If you're thinking about switching your dog's food to help address their weight, a health problem, or any other concern, consult your veterinarian first.
Dry food is a popular because it's convenient, practical, and affordable economical. You're not paying for the water that's in higher moisture wet foods, says Dr. Megan Shepherd, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and owner of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition.
Calorie and nutrient content in kibble-type foods varies. Look for a moderate amount of protein (AAFCO minimum is 18% for adults). You may think more protein is better since dogs evolved as carnivores, but that's not necessarily true, says Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Pet dogs are omnivorous and don't need super high levels of protein. Swanson says that protein quality and digestibility are most important.
The ideal dry food has a combination of ingredients that meets the AAFCO's nutrient requirements for a complete and balanced food. These ingredients include whole meats and fish, meat meals, rice and beans for protein, and fiber from grains, vegetables, and fruit. Swanson says fat concentrations under 20% are best. However