The Most Highly Recommended Dog Foods

Dogs have long been man's best friend. To keep your best friend happy and healthy, you have to treat it well. Often, people just buy whatever type of dog food is on sale at their local grocery store. Although many of these brands provide the necessary sustenance to keep the dog alive, dog food is not as strictly regulated as human food, so quality can vary greatly among brands. The best dog foods are slightly more expensive and can often only be found in pet stores.

  1. Commercial Dog Foods

    • Many champion breeders insist on feeding their dogs only the finest homemade gourmet meals, but this is not always necessary. If you have the time, it is an option, but commercial dog food can be all right too. When searching for the best food for your dog, make sure that it is from a reputable company, but not necessarily a large one. Brands that advertise "organic" or "natural" ingredients are generally a good choice.

    Specific Brands

    • Some good brands to look for that are highly recommended are those such as Instinct and Innova, both of which boast high-quality ingredients and different styles of food depending on your dog's age, health, activity level and breed. These foods receive the highest ratings based on customer reviews, and are often found easily online or in pet-specific stores. Such foods are more expensive than your average kibble for good reason: They are the best around, as far as store-bought brands are concerned.

    Homemade Foods

    • Making your own homemade dog food is another option. Adjusting your dog to the new style of food can take time, but will pay off in the long run. Unfortunately, too many owners make the mistake of feeding their dogs table scraps and calling that homemade, but for the serious owner, there are some much more healthy ways to feed your dog, if you have time. Homemade dog food is recommended highly, as it allows for individualization to your dog's needs and tastes.

    Homemade Food Ingredients

    • The most highly recommended ingredients for homemade dog food vary slightly from critic to critic, and as always, the best advice will come from experience and from your vet. Some basic high-quality starters include lean meat, such as chicken or turkey for protein, mixed vegetables without garlic or onions, and rice, a staple in any good dog food. Mixing these with water in the proper quantities can produce a high-quality dog food, but other recipes are available and can be tailored to your dog specifically.