Healthy Dog Food

Have you chosen to make some healthier eating choices for your family? Well, don't forget about the dog, because he can benefit just as much from a healthy dog food. A kibble or semi-soft food that is high in proteins, whole grains and vitamins will make the coat shinier, reduce shedding, nourish organs and reduce the amount of waste in the backyard.

  1. Identification

    • Read the back of the dog food package. Although fancy packaging and clever catch phrases may tell you the food inside is healthy, read the list of ingredients to see for yourself. The first ingredient will be a protein. Whether it's a form of beef, chicken, lamb, bison or other protein source, the first one on the list is the most plentiful. After protein sources, you should find vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

    Features

    • Healthy dog food has a high protein content and is not supplemented with fillers. Corn, wood pulp and fats are used to bulk up dog food and provide little nutritional value. Look for additives, such as fatty acids, omega acids, antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients and glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients have specific purposes, making them healthy additives in dog food.

    Effects

    • Feeding a pet healthy dog food will nourish it from the inside and outside. Vital proteins will help build strong muscles, glucosamine and chondroitin will strengthen joints and bones, fatty acids and oils will nourish the skin and coat, making it shiny and soft. Since healthy dog foods are made with usable ingredients, the dog will have smaller quantities of feces and there will be less of an odor.

    Health Benefits

    • Healthy dog foods can be purchased to target specific health concerns. Varieties to suit sensitive stomachs, allergies and sensitive skin all include additives to work with the pet's problems.

    Considerations

    • Healthy dog foods cost more than low protein foods packed with cheap fillers. But, in the long run, the additional cost of the food may create a savings at the vet's office. If your pet is fed healthy long term, it is less likely to have nutrient deficiencies and associated medical problems. Healthy dog foods are sold at specific pet retailers, veterinarians' offices and pet specialty stores.