| Choosing high quality dog food is vital in ensuring the | | | | requirements. |
| health and well being of our pets. However, reading | | | | Step 7 - Do Not Make These Numbers Your Only |
| the labels in small print can prove to be a challenge. | | | | Basis For Comparison |
| Here, you will find steps on what you should look out | | | | Let's go back to our protein percentage. It may be |
| for when choosing dog food. | | | | at 28%, but consider the source. A lot of these |
| Step 1 - Don't Let Yourself Be Drawn In By | | | | manufacturers use chicken feet and beaks, which are |
| Marketing And Advertising Schemes | | | | not nutritious at all. |
| True, these labels are regulated, but only to a certain | | | | Step 8 - Carefully Read The Ingredients Used |
| point. These manufacturers will do everything in their | | | | Protein is an essential need of your pets. However, |
| power to entice you to buy their product. | | | | even though an ingredient is rich in protein, it may not |
| Step 2 - First Look For The "Guaranteed Analysis" | | | | be the right type of protein for your dog. |
| By reading the information provided on the | | | | Remember, your dog needs specific types of amino |
| "Guaranteed Analysis", you get to see if the product | | | | acids produced by specific types of protein. Not all |
| meets the nutritional requirements of your dog. This | | | | are the same. |
| requirement varies depending on your dog's breed | | | | Step 9 - Remember That Dog Food Manufacturers |
| and daily activities. | | | | Have Been Known To Manipulate The Information On |
| Step 3 - Look For Moisture Levels On The | | | | Their Labels |
| "Guaranteed Analysis" | | | | Some manufacturers will list down the components |
| Moisture levels range from as low as 6% to as high | | | | of an ingredient individually to make it hard for you to |
| as 80%. Obviously, canned food contains more | | | | notice a hazardous ingredient. This tactic is only one |
| moisture compared to dry food. | | | | of the tactics used by manufacturers. |
| Step 4 - Calculate The Dry Matter Percentage | | | | Step 10 - Some Preservatives Are Actually Good For |
| For example, if the moisture levels are at 10%, then | | | | Your Dog |
| the dry matter is at 90%. Just subtract the moisture | | | | When it comes to dog food, avoid preservatives |
| levels from 100%, and you get the dry matter | | | | such as BHT, BHA, sugar, artificial coloring, and other |
| percentage. | | | | animal byproducts. The preservatives you should look |
| Step 5 - Find Out The Fat, Fiber, And Protein | | | | for are internal organs and liver. These are a good |
| Percentages | | | | source of amino acids for your dogs. Furthermore, |
| Let's say the protein level on a label is at 26%. Divide | | | | they prevent the degradation and spoilage of the |
| this by the 90% dry matter and you get 28%. Do | | | | essential nutrients. |
| the same with the fat and fiber percentages. | | | | Use these 10 steps as a guide and begin reading your |
| Step 6 - Compare Your Findings With Other Dog | | | | dog food labels. You will be amazed at what some |
| Food Products | | | | commercial dog food giants put in their food and call |
| Do the same kind of calculations with other products, | | | | in organic or nutritious. Become an educated |
| and compare each one. Look for the most ideal | | | | consumer and your dog will reap the rewards. |