With a number of new premium options springing up on the market, many pet owners have begun a search for the best dog foods. It can be hard to separate facts from empty promises, however, and finding the perfect kibble or chow may be harder than it first seems. The first step in this hunt is getting informed about a number of new features and claims that dog food manufacturers are offering and making yourself aware about which titles are truly beneficial.
Many brands promising to offer the best dog foods around have concocted a slew of words and phrases to all signify premium products. You may have seen bold stickers on products proclaiming “table grade” or “human ready” but it is essential to know that the only such claim that carries any weight is “human grade.” This title is backed by both the Food and Drug Administration and the USDA. Human grade food has undergone much more testing and evaluation than standard dog food. All the other labels (as impressive as they may sound) have no legitimate backing and should be seen as little more than advertising lingo.
Another recent trend that seems to be filling up the shelves of grocery and pet stores everywhere is organic food. Just like organic options for humans, these products do not contain any artificial colorings, flavoring, preservatives, hormones, or any of the other unnecessary ingredients that often find their way into pet foods. When it comes to keeping you pooch’s diet as natural as possible, organic products are some of the best dog foods around. Keep in mind, however, that while leaving out artificial fillers will certainly do your dog no harm, there is no proof that organic dog food is healthier or provides added benefits. With the hefty price tag they often carry, you may want to think twice before picking up a bag of the latest organic dog chow.
The last reminder when looking for the best dog foods is simple: use the same standards and caution that you would when picking out food for yourself. Take easy steps to ensure that the brands and products you choose are healthy and well-suited for your dog. Can you find an expiration date on the bag? Yes, dog food does go bad but it might not be getting rotated and removed like other products at the grocery store. Can you pronounce everything on the ingredient list? Even some premium products are chock-full of preservatives and fillers that provide no nutritional benefit to your dog.
Most importantly, be smart and don’t get caught up in the hype of advertising. Before you can know the best dog foods, get to know your dog, your budget, and both of your preferences. With a little work, you’ll have no trouble picking the perfect product for your pooch.
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