The Truth About Dog Food

Shelves of dog food. Includes Beneful and Pedigree (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you’re a new pet owner and you’re overwhelmed by so many pet food products in the market nowadays, you’re not alone. Some commercial dog chow manufacturers may fool some people sometimes, but they cannot fool all people all the time. To sort out what’s really good for your pup’s health, read product reviews and testimonials from long-time dog owners and purchasers of dog food online.  Then again, some testimonials do not tell the whole story.  Some dog owners may enthuse that their dogs like certain brands. Before you go scouting around for that item that’s said to be favored by other people’s dogs, think for a moment. There’s the big possibility that it may be a publicity gimmick. It’s also possible that there may be additives in the pet chow that stimulates a dog’s tongue to make the pup think he or she is really hungry.

So what’s really in a pack of commercial dog food? In all probability, the contents of the you’re pouring into your pup’s bowl may be tainted by harmful ingredients. The pet food business, it must be noted, is a billion dollar industry. There will always be a handful of pet food companies that can mislead consumers about what’s really in their products. There are those who launch big marketing campaigns and come up with eye-catching, colorful product packaging, appealing to pet owners everywhere and offering special discounts, but concealing the fact that their pet food has harsh chemicals and by-products that pose health risks to your dog.

Where should the hapless consumers seeking something nutritious and unadulterated food for their canine home companions go, then? The safest bets is to head off to an all-natural pet food store where only premium quality brands of dog food may be found.  You may have to shell out more money but it may all be worth it rather than settling for cheap canine food made of unsavory raw materials that’ll harm – rather than enhance – our dog’s health. Get your veterinarian’s viewpoints as well on holistic options for your growing (or ailing) pet dog. Holistic refers to a health plan that addresses the whole pup, and ensures that the various nutrients needed by your pup’s body will be provided. All-natural doggie meals rich in powerful antioxidants in the form of a mixture of fruits and vegetables with meat and seafood, or food that’s minimally processed and contain no artificial ingredients, flavors, and coloring are excellent options.

Next time you’re buying dog chow, check what the main ingredients are on the packaging. Most list protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It’s not surprising to find many dog foods, with chicken or chicken broth, followed by grains and vegetables. Non-premium brands’ packaging indicate more grains and poultry, meat and fish byproducts. If your dog has medical conditions or is recovering from an ailment or situation like accidental poisoning, holistic nutrition is best. Pet owners with puppies, on the other hand, will have an eye out for dog food made with a palatable blend of turkey, duck, barley, brown rice, tomatoes, apples, potatoes, egg, carrots and  other vegetables.