How to Choose a Dog Food

Dogs require the proper amount of nutritional value just as humans do. When choosing food for your dog, you want to choose foods that are lower in fat and do not have a lot of unnatural preservatives, which include color, texture and unnatural flavor. When it comes to buying dog food, you want to be cautious and make sure that your dog is getting the best nutrition that it possibly can.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose food according to the dog's size. Tiny dogs are likely to have a hard time eating huge pieces of dog food. It's best to use a smaller kibble for a smaller dog so chewing and swallowing is smoother.

    • 2

      Choose brands that are labeled "premium." Premium dog foods have higher-quality protein sources, added antioxidants and vitamins and no artificial dyes, according to Petco. Premium brands can help your dog digest better and promote a healthier dog. Choose puppy food that is high in protein. Puppies need a higher amount of protein than adult dogs.

    • 3

      Select a treat that is vitamin fortified. These treats are low in fat. Stay away from dog treats that have preservatives, artificial ingredients and have a lot of salt in them.

    • 4

      Check the dog food labels. When you read dog food labels, you can determine the quality of the food you are choosing for your dog and learn the amounts of protein, fat, fiber and other nutrients in the dog food. Watch for fillers, which can be corn, wheat, rice or millet. These ingredients have no nutritional value to your dog. Fillers gives your dog the impression that he is full. The first ingredients should be a meat product such as turkey, chicken or fish. Stay away from dog brands that have "4D meat" (dead, diseased, dying or destroyed animals), "Propylene Glycol" (a preservative that has the same molecular compounds as anti-freeze), "BHA and BHT" (carcinogens) and "Ethoxyquin" (a preservative used in rubber tires).