The best thing to remember when picking a food is that every dog is different. What makes one dog’s coat glossy and bright, another dog may well be allergic to…and you might find out that you’re already giving your dog his ideal food.
Firstly, consider any health problems your dog has, such as bad breath, ear or eye problems, gas, recurring diarrhoea or constipation and any behaviour problems, which his food could be influencing. Look at these against areas of good health, such as fresh breath, healthy teeth, bright eyes and clean ears, healthy elimination and good behaviour. If your dog is has more ‘good health’ points than problems, his food may already be the best one for him. If your dog does have any of the health problems listed above, it’s always advisable to speak to your vet.
It is important, however, to be able to read and understand what is in the dog food, so you know what you’re feeding your dog.
When choosing dog food, being able to read and understand the ingredient label is one of the hardest things. All dog foods have different ratios of protein, fat and carbohydrates. One must also beware of preservatives- just like human food, some preservatives are better than others. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are said to be much better preservatives for your dog’s health.
The best person to judge whether your dog is eating the right food is you, the owner. At different times during your dog’s lifetime you may need to re-assess. If your dog becomes ill or just old, they will need less calories as they will probably be less active. In a similar fashion, if they suddenly, for example, develop skin allergies, their diet may need reviewing. Some conditions, such as metabolic disorders, can sometimes be improved or eased using dietary management…but it’s worth speaking to your vet about this if you’re concerned.
The key things to remember are; to buy your dog the best you can afford within your budget; choose a food that is readily available in the place where you live (or can be delivered easily!) and to keep assessing the needs of your dog on a regular basis depending on their health.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, it’s always worth consulting your vet.
Good luck!