What Type of Food Works Best for a Dog?

There are many types of dog foods, and choosing the right one can be crucial to maintaining your dog's health and happiness. Each dog has a different preference, but all dogs need a few core elements in its diet, such as protein, omega acids, vitamins and other nutrients. Finding the best food for you dog entails assessing the nutritional needs of your dog then finding a tasty treat that satisfies your canine friend.

  1. Types of Dog Food

    • There are five main types of dog food: dry, canned, semi-moist, home-cooked and raw. Dry dog food is the cheapest type of food and comes in large containers that are easily stored without refrigeration. These foods are good for dogs' teeth and digestive tracts. Canned foods are good for older dogs and are easier to chew, although these can be a bit more expensive. Semi-moist food combines dry and wet food, and it is good for dogs who are transitioning from dry food to wet food. Home-cooked food depends on the recipe. Many dog owners feel that cooking the dog food is the best way to be aware of the ingredients that go into the food. Raw food refers to raw meat, which is a great source of protein.

    Ingredients

    • The aims of dog food vary, and many dog food companies advertise that their ingredients cater to certain needs that dogs may have. Ingredients may be especially equipped to handle allergies, arthritis, breeding needs, tooth problems, diabetes, pregnant animals or senior animals. Because these needs are different, the ingredients also vary, but the typical ingredients for dog food include duck, venison, salmon, fruits and berries, grains, vegetables and supplementary oils.

    Dry and Wet Food

    • Most dog owners, in the course of their dog's aging process, must come to a point at which they choose to switch over to wet food. Puppies and young dogs prefer dry food, and the active chewing process is good for their dental hygiene. When dogs start experiencing difficulties chewing or a loss of appetite, switching to soft food may be a good option. You can mix dry food and wet food during this process, until you eventually completely switch over to wet food. It is important to remember that you don't need to switch to wet food because your dog is old. If an old dog can handle dry food, then there's no need to change the diet.

    Table Scraps

    • Many people may feed dogs the scraps and remains of human meals. Dogs seem to enjoy many foods, and this can be a cost effective way of reducing your own waste. This rarely provides a balanced diet for dogs, and it is not a sustainable method for feeding them. In addition, dogs will willingly consume a lot of foods that are hazardous to their system, including chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and fruit seeds.