Choosing The Best Dog Food For Your Pet

Dogs have been our closest companions for over 15 000 years. However, it was not until 150 years ago that someone had the idea to produce a food specifically for dogs. And this early venture into commercializing dog food was hardly a runaway success. It was only after WWII that people really bought into the idea of buying food specifically for their dogs.

So what were dogs fed for the thousands of years before then? The truth is they were pretty much left to scrounge or hunt for their own meals. Occasionally, they may have been thrown a bone from the master’s table or given a treat by a kindly soul.

As dogs became more popular as pets, they would have been fed more regular meals by their human guardians. These meals though would still have been table scraps, perhaps supplemented by some dry or tinned dog food.

With the advent of the information age, there has been an explosion of television programs, websites and magazines about dogs. People have become more informed about dog nutrition, and more concerned about dog health.

There have been volumes written on canine nutrition, as well as the introduction of premium and super premium dog food brands. Add to that things like the raw dog food diet and it's easy to see why the average person can become quite confused about the best food for their dog.

So, what is the best food to feed a dog?

Well, depending on who you listen to, it could be anything from raw meat and vegetables, cooked homemade meals, or a premium, vet-approved brand of kibble.

The important thing is balance. Dogs are omnivores, and they need to be fed a diet that reflects that. Most raw food proponents accept that, premium kibble brands strive for it, and if you’re cooking for your dog you need to take it into account.

Strive for a three way split between meat, veggies and fiber. But if you’re going to err in any direction, feed a higher percentage of meat.

While good canine nutrition is important you obviously have to balance this with your time availability. If time is an issue then the safest route is to opt for a high grade, premium or super premium dog food.

There are many variants available, so be sure to choose the right one from puppy, senior, lite, large breed etc. Some even cater to the nutritional needs of specific breeds.

What you should definitely avoid is the cheap commercial dog food brands, while feeding table scraps is another no-no.

Most of the brands you find on the supermarket shelves fall into this category. They often have grain as their primary component and are therefore lacking in the nutrients needed in a healthy canine diet. There is also evidence to suggest that some of the colorings and preservatives used may be behind a whole catalog of ailments and diseases.

Table scraps are also not ideal for dogs. Generally these will be high in fat and contain things like onions and garlic, which are harmful. If you feed your dog from the table you're also likely to end up with a persistent beggar on your hands.

To learn more about best dog food, dog care, dog training and other interesting dog advice drop by at dogsanddogtraining.com