| Taking a few minutes to make some wise dog food | | | | you need to keep in mind that you're basically paying |
| comparisons could make a big difference to your | | | | for 70 percent water. That's OK if you have trouble |
| pooch and your pocketbook. There are three main | | | | getting your dog to drink enough water. |
| types on the market: dry, canned and semi-moist. | | | | But if his main diet consists of canned food, he'll have |
| Let's take a peek at what you're getting with each | | | | a greater tendency to develop plaque buildup on his |
| one. | | | | teeth, as well as gum disease. That's because he's |
| Dry Dog Food--aka Kibble | | | | missing out on the great scraping action that dry dog |
| Kibble is another term for any dry dog food that | | | | food would provide. |
| comes in a bag, including meal, chunks, bits or cubes. | | | | Adding a bit of canned dog food to kibble can help a |
| There are many brands, styles and flavors available. | | | | finicky eater chow down. And putting a lump of |
| Top quality dog food brands are nutritionally balanced | | | | canned food on a plate would make a fun, tasty |
| to meet the needs of your dog at every stage of | | | | "birthday cake" for your special friend. But in general, |
| his life. Ask your vet for his recommendation of the | | | | he'd be better off with a regular diet of crunchy |
| best dry dog food for your pooch. | | | | kibble. |
| Dog food comparisons point out several advantages | | | | What is Semi-Moist Dog Food? |
| of feeding kibble: | | | | This category includes fake beef cubes, fake |
| * The scraping, cleaning action against your dog's | | | | burgers, and whatever else the marketing people |
| teeth help decrease plaque and tartar buildup. | | | | dream up. These tasty morsels are loaded with sugar |
| * Crunching on hard kibble provides exercise for your | | | | and chemical additives. While they're handy in a pinch |
| dog's chewing muscles. | | | | when you're traveling, or for an occasional tasty |
| * It's the cheapest, best balanced, easiest to store | | | | treat, they don't provide your pooch with the |
| type of ready-made food you can buy for your | | | | nutritional benefits of good quality kibble. |
| pooch. | | | | Make Dog Food Comparisons Wisely |
| If you go this route, make sure you provide plenty | | | | While researching your options, consider your dog's |
| of fresh drinking water at all times. Keep the kibble in | | | | nutritional needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Bring |
| a clean, dry place. Storing it in a metal or plastic | | | | your vet into the discussion to help you decide |
| container with a cover will help keep it fresh longer. | | | | what's best for your furry friend. Fido will thank you |
| What About Canned Dog Food? | | | | with a lifetime of good health and loving |
| While canned food isn't necessarily "bad" for dogs, | | | | companionship. |