Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breed dogs and puppies. — Dreamstime/TNS
Choosing your dog’s food can feel overwhelming because of the array of options available, all claiming to be the best dog food on the market.
Wading through these choices to find a dog food brand that is healthy, affordable and appealing to your pet is often frustrating.
The American Kennel Club offers tips on how to choose the dog food that is best for your pup.
It is important to remember that not every dog has the same nutritional needs. Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breed dogs and puppies.
The nutritional needs of a puppy are different from an adult, which is why it’s a good idea to feed a puppy formula or an “all life stages” food to your young dog.
The internet is full of claims about dog nutrition with scientific evidence to back them up.
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.
Labels can be hard to read and sometimes misleading.
Dog food labels are required by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tell you eight key pieces of information: product name, net weight of the product, name and address of the manufacturer, guaranteed analysis, list of ingredients, intended animal species, statement of nutritional adequacy and feeding guidelines.
Large breed dogs are more prone to musculoskeletal problems than smaller breeds. Therefore, they often require food with different balances of certain nutrients to promote musculoskeletal health, especially as puppies.
Small breeds, on the other hand, can choke on large-sized kibble and have their own nutritional requirements.
It is important to research your dog’s breed to find out if there are any additional nutritional requirements you should be aware of.
Most dog food companies carry specially formulated foods for each stage of a dog’s life, making it easier to narrow down your choices.
Senior dogs, usually age seven and older, vary in their individual nutritional needs.
Choosing the best senior dog food may come down to what your dog finds palatable.
Many older dogs prefer wet food while others need their food warmed up to enhance the aromas. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for advice on how to switch puppies to adult dog food.
> Overfeeding
Dog obesity is a growing concern in the veterinary community and has been linked to many health problems in dogs.
Many owners accidentally overfeed their dogs, which is why it’s important to take your dog in for regular checkups and to talk with your veterinarian about appropriate portions.
When following the guidelines on the back of the bag, it is important to keep in mind that activity level, time of year, nursing, illness and more factors can all impact how much a dog needs to eat. – American Kennel Club/Tribune News Service
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.
