Things To Consider Before Buying Dog Food: Follow This Guide

Getting a furry friend into your life is one of the best things you can do. While your pet is going to fill your heart with love, it’s important that you pay attention towards giving them proper nutrition. Whether you have a puppy or a senior dog, picking the right feed that suits the breed, age, and activity level is essential. With a plethora of dog food options available in the market, pinpointing the right one can be overwhelming. So, to ensure your dog’s longevity, read on to know the important things you must consider before bringing just any feed for your pet.

Different Nutritional Needs

Depending on your dog’s breed, size, age, and activity level, their nutritional needs vary to a large extent. For example, puppies need more nutrients to grow, while senior dogs require a low-calorie diet to prevent weight gain. So, before picking up a can of dog food, check the labels to see if it is suitable for a pup, adult, or senior.

Also Read: Packaged VS Homemade Meals: How To Give Your Dog A Balance Meal

Check The List Of Ingredients

Just like you would read the ingredients list with the calories on your packaged food, it’s important to go through the labels of the dog food. You should avoid generic terms like meat meal and focus on a high-protein source like chicken or fish. If there is a mention of ingredients like BHA or BHT, that’s the sign to drop the container and move to the one without any artificial ingredients.

Allergies And Sensitivities

There are many cases of dogs having certain allergies and food intolerances. While this can’t be detected early on, you should always consult a veterinarian for the diet of a puppy. Thus, whenever you try a new brand or introduce a new ingredient, look closely for any signs of itchiness, upset stomach, or infection. Note it down before you go shopping for the next batch of pet food.

FSSAI Certification

FSSAI, aka Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is responsible for setting standards for edible food products. The food being certified by FSSAI as safe is a non-negotiable requirement, and you need to check before feeding your pet. Since the certified foods are tested through a series of trials, they are more reliable and safe for your furry friend.

Type Of Dog Food

Ranging from dry, wet, frozen, and more, dog foods now come in a lot of varieties. While dry food is one of the go-to choices because it is budget-friendly, it is also not the ideal option if your pet is a picky eater. Similarly, even though wet dog food is on the expensive side, it can keep your dog hydrated for a long time. As for freeze-dried food, they have the most nutrition, but adding it to your monthly groceries might make your budget tighter.