Dog Food Comparisons

Just like food for humans, each brand of pet food boasts unique features and benefits and understanding dog food comparisons can help you find the perfect product for your dog. Whether it is protein content, premium ingredients, great value, or more, every bag of dog food seems to be touting that it has got the best stuff around. So what are the most important things to look for when selecting dog food? Here are some tips to keep you on track.

First of all, take a look at the ingredients list. You want to select a product that features whole, natural ingredients at the top. Real meats like beef, chicken, and lamb are your best bet, as they provide more nutritional bang for your buck than grains. Watch out for unnecessary fillers, preservatives or artificial flavorings, as they provide little to no nutritional value to your dog. Also, don’t be fooled by ingredients like meat byproducts or meat meals (chicken meal, beef meal, etc.). Many dog food comparisons look strictly at the amount of protein in the food, but while ingredients like these may contain protein, it isn’t high quality protein that your dog’s body will actually be able to utilize.

Next, be smart when dog food comparisons use phrases like “human quality” or “table grade.” The one (and only) label that indicates certification by the FDA and USDA is “human grade.” This certification means that the product was produced in a plant where food for humans is also created, undergoing much more stringent and frequent quality inspections than a traditional dog food factory. Any other titles are just meant to confuse consumers and don’t have any official backing. Also, dog foods that boast that they contain “human grade ingredients” are not necessarily still human grade as a finished product, as their manufacturing processes or additives may not meet FDA standards.

Finally, always consider the specific needs of your dog when evaluating food choices. Dog food comparisons are made with the average dog in mind, but every canine has his or her own set of unique qualities. Talk to your vet about whether or not specialized diets are right for your dog. Both high-protein and low-protein diets are becoming more popular, and each can provide their own benefits to your pet. Also, food allergies have become more prevalent among dogs, so talking to a professional about potential allergens may be the key to clearing up some of your dog’s persisting health problems.

Being informed when making dog food comparisons can help you make the best choices when standing in the pet food aisle at your favorite supermarket or pet store. It may be a hypoallergenic chow or human grade gravy, but it’s sure to keep your dog healthy and happy.