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Canine nutrition is one of the topmost important parts of taking care of a dog. Most of the nutrition dogs get will come from their food. Picking the best pet food that meets their nutritional requirements is very important.
As a devoted dog owner, you must be aware of what makes good dog food and what are the best brands. You also must be aware of the life stage that your dog is in as its nutrition requirements can change.
For a detailed look into dog nutrition and dietary requirements read Working Dog Nutrition: Nourishment For Optimal Performance And Health by veterinarian Dr. Mohsin Iqbal.
How to Choose Premium Dog Food
So how do you choose good quality dog food? Whether you’re buying online or in-store here are the factors you need to consider when buying wet or dry food for your pooch.
High-quality protein
Protein is the #1 essential ingredient that needs to be a part of a dog’s diet. When picking your dog’s food, you want to pick something with a high-quality protein made from real meat like chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, etc., preferably listed in the first five ingredients. The essential amino acids your dog gets from eating protein are important to promote overall health, maintain lean muscle mass, and repair body tissues.
Complete and balanced
Providing your fur baby with complete and balanced nutrition is important for their dietary needs. An incomplete meal can be of little to no satisfaction for your dog. So if you’re on the hunt for quality dog food, pick one labeled ‘complete and balanced’ to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met.
A complete dog food diet should consist of animal protein, vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, Omega fatty acids for skin health, fiber to promote digestive health, and antioxidants for immune health.
Free from fillers or artificial preservatives
You can tell a dog food is high-quality if they don’t contain unnecessary ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, animal by-product, meat meals, artificial preservatives, flavoring, or coloring. These are the typical filler ingredients that some dog food brands put in their products, but provide little to no nutritional value.
Ingredients to Avoid When Picking Dog Foods
Now that you know what makes dog food premium and what are the things to look for when buying one; the next responsible thing is to know what ingredients to avoid when picking dog foods.
Here are the following ingredients that are bad for dogs:
- Preservatives BHA BHT and Ethoxyquin
- Corn Syrup and Artificial Food Coloring
- Meat Meal
- Rendered Fat
- Melamine
- Nitrates/Nitrites
- Chocolate
- Avocados
- Dairy
- Sugar
- Caffeine
Dog owners should be on the lookout for these ingredients because accidental consumption of these can potentially lead to sickness or, worse, death.
Our Top 4 Recommended Store-Bought Premium Dog Food
CARNA4 Hand-Crafted Dog Food
Proudly made with real care and real food, CARNA4 Hand-Crafted Dog Food is the best dry dog food that provides all the essential nutrients your furry friend needs. It’s suitable for dogs for all life stages, puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
This dog food is made with high-quality ingredients grown in Canada and USA with the first four natural ingredients being Fresh Chicken, Chicken Liver, Eggs, and Sprouted Seeds. Keep your dog nutritionally balanced with this quality dog food containing probiotics, enzymes, and Omega-3 fatty acids promoting excellent coat and digestive health.
Pros:
- Contains real meat
- Easy to serve
- High levels of nutrients and Omega 3s
- No meat meals or rendered fats
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons:
- Not always available, so you may need to hunt it down
ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe, 25lb, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Want a grain-free and high-protein dog food for your pooch? This ORIJEN High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains 85% quality animal ingredients that satisfy your dog’s natural and biological needs for animal nutrition.
It’s packed with whole animal ingredients like chicken, turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, providing high protein to help build their muscles and repair overall body tissues. ORIJEN’s original grain-free dog food is also a healthy source of vitamins and minerals essential for your dog’s everyday lifestyle.
Pros:
- Made with premium animal ingredients
- Biologically-appropriate nutrition
- Free from grains and meat meals
- Suitable for all life stages
Cons:
- Has a strong fishy smell
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food
Specially crafted to suit the needs of dogs of all life stages, Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food offers natural dog food with a complete and balanced diet. The first ingredient is a blend of pork, beef, and lamb, combining high-quality protein to sustain your dog’s overall health.
This grain-free dog food also takes care of your fur baby’s skin and coat with Omega fatty acids and strengthens the immune system with antioxidants. The added glucosamine and chondroitin keep your dog’s bones and joints strong and healthy. Plus, the added benefits of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from real vegetables promote healthy digestion!
Pros:
- Made with high-quality protein
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Promotes skin and coat health
- Developed by veterinarians and nutrition experts
- Offers balanced nutrition
Cons:
- Kibble size may be too small for some dogs
I And Love And You Cluckin' Good Stew Canned Wet Food
Give your dog a taste of this healthy and delicious canned dog food supplied with nutrients and protein-rich foods . I And Love And You Cluckin’ Good Stew Canned Wet Food is grain and filler-free, saving your furry friend from unhealthy preservatives or by-products.
It contains real meat as the first ingredient with various choices, including Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Lamb, and Venison. Protect your dog’s skin and coat with the help of Omega fatty acids from flaxseed, sunflower, and fish oils. You can serve it as a full meal or a topper for your dog’s favorite dry kibble.
Pros:
- Real meat is the #1 ingredient
- Contains nutrient-rich pumpkin, cranberries, and spinach
- No corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Packed with omega-rich oils
- Complete and balanced dog food
Cons:
- Not recommended for food-sensitive dogs
- Not for picky eaters
Final Thoughts
Quality and premium dog food is not hard to come by in stores if you know the right ingredients to look for. Make sure to read the label well and avoid all the bad ingredients listed above. The way to a dog’s happy life is through a healthy meal filled with all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to thrive.
Carylle Gonzales
Growing up, I have always been fond of dogs. For me, nothing can replace the sheer joy of having a loyal furry companion around and being able to experience the unchanging love, affection, and compassion dogs have for the people around them.
Now, writing about dogs is my favorite part of the day as I learn more about what makes each dog unique and special. Hopefully, these articles can teach you to celebrate all the good things that come with being a good dog owner for you and your beloved dog.
