How to Compare Good Dog Foods

Good nutrition is an important component of your dog's overall health. Dogs, like people, are individuals, so no one food is the right choice for all dogs. Pet owners must do their own research and read labels to find the best food for their canine companions.

  1. History

    • The sales of dry dog food didn't skyrocket until the 1940s when the tin used in the cans was redirected for the war effort. With the availability of canned food significantly diminished, dry food captured 85 percent of the market. Today, dry dog food still outsells canned food.

    Considerations

    • The ingredients in dog food are listed by weight. Dogs are carnivores, so it is important that meat is a primary ingredient. Meat and eggs contain highly digestible amino acids which are beneficial to your dog. A dog's body is not designed to process food with cheap fillers, such as corn. The meat in a dog food should be identified by specific species, such as chicken, beef or turkey. Avoid dog foods that use generic terms such as "poultry" or "animal" when it comes to their ingredient descriptions.

    Warning

    • Ingredients that are believed to be carcinogenic to humans are often allowed in pet food. You should avoid dog food with BHT, BHA, Ethoxyquin or Propyl Gallate. It's also important to seek out foods with little or no artificial additives, such as artificial colorings or flavorings.

    Benefits

    • A dog with a proper diet will often have more energy and a shinier coat. An easily-digestible dog food also means that your pet will produce less waste.