How to Compare Dog Foods by Brands

When choosing the best dog food for your pet, many factors come into play. How do you know which brand to choose? Many people aren't really aware of what they are feeding their pets--they see meats, fruits and vegetables on the packaging, along with the picture of a happy pup and they think this food will make their pet happy too. Often, people will feed whatever their vet recommends to all of his patients or even sells in his office. But not every dog does best on the same food. With a little bit of research, you can find the best food for your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Several varieties of dog food
Show More

Instructions

  1. Comparing Foods

    • 1

      Ingredients: We have become much more aware of what we are putting into our own bodies, with more of a focus on healthy eating. And yet often we don't bother to read exactly what we're feeding our pets. The best place to start comparing brands of dog food is right on the side of the bag--the ingredient list. The first ingredient listed should be a meat product, but a specific meat, such as chicken or beef, should be named. Make sure that it is a high-quality meat, and not the leftovers. Dogs are carnivores and meat should make up most of their diet. However, in kibble, sometimes grain is needed to keep the bits together. In this case look for whole grains. Many dogs actually have grain allergies and should be fed grain-free alternatives. This information can also be found by reading the ingredient list. Whole fruits and vegetables are also good for dogs, especially when used in kibble as a replacement for grains.

    • 2

      Research Online: At dogfoodanalysis.com you can read reviews of over 1,500 dry dog foods. It ranks them into six categories, with six stars being the best rating. They give the reasoning behind each of their ratings and include valuable information. Most nutritionists with a background in animals suggest using a food rated four-star or higher.

      Dog food manufacturer's websites are also a great place to start some research. Look at the caloric content of the food and feeding guidelines. A better food will require a smaller amount to be fed to the dog, since he will be getting more nutrients.

    • 3

      Comparing Costs: Some people may argue that better dog foods are too expensive compared to grocery store brands. But this is not always true. Instead of comparing cost per pound, try comparing cost per serving, since your dog will require less of better foods to get the same amount of nutrients. Also, feeding a better food leads to better overall health for your dog, resulting in fewer trips to the vet, saving you money over the lifetime of your pet.

    • 4

      Do Your Own Trial: Once you have chosen a few good-quality dog foods, write or email the company asking for samples. Many manufacturers have sample programs or can refer you to local pet food stores for a trial, so that you can see if your dog likes the food. Be sure to test a food out for a long enough time--anywhere from a month to four months--to give ample time for the benefits to become apparent. Look for changes in your dog's coat, the size of her fecal leavings, the clarity of her eyes and other signs of a well-fed dog. Remember to research the serving size that your dog will require, as it will vary from brand to brand. If you are feeding the proper amounts, your dog should be fit and lean, with shiny fur, clear eyes and smaller poos.