How to Compare Healthy Dog Foods

Choosing the right food is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Finding a healthy dog food can be a simple as reading and understanding the ingredients.

  1. Protein

    • Protein is one of the most important components of a dog's diet. Proteins help build the immune system and facilitate growth. About 18 percent of an adult dog's diet should be high-quality protein. Chicken or lamb is better than meat byproducts or bone meal.

    Carbohydrates

    • Most commercial dog foods contain 30 percent to 70 percent carbohydrates. Too many carbohydrates can cause bloating or excessive gas. Although some carbohydrates are good for a dog's diet, they are usually used as fillers so choose a dog food with as few carbohydrates as possible.

    Fats

    • Fat is a very important component of a dog's diet. Some common forms of fats used in dog food are lard, tallow, poultry fat, cottonseed oil and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Most foods contain more fat than is required--adult dogs need a minimum of 5 percent and a maximum of 15 percent fat in their diets.