| Dog food ratings can be a very important deciding | | | | gluten are often used as protein sources; however, |
| factor when choosing a brand of food for your dog. | | | | they are generally inferior and difficult to digest. |
| Remember, other than treats, your dog eats the | | | | Some dogs can also be allergic to these grains. |
| same food every day so the brand of food you | | | | 4. When looking at dog food ratings, make sure the |
| feed him or her AND the quality of it, definitely | | | | food you are considering is free of by products. |
| matters to their overall health and wellness. Here are | | | | After the best cuts of meat are used for human |
| 5 things to consider when rating a dog food. | | | | consumption, the rest, such as bones, intestines, |
| 1. Is there quality protein in the food? Many | | | | heads, feet,ligaments and other body parts, are what |
| companies will use bright colors, cute pictures of dogs | | | | are known as by-products. And these are not very |
| and the perfect sales language to entice you to buy | | | | appetizing! By-products are generally inferior sources |
| their brand of food. But what's most important is the | | | | of protein and can be very hard to digest, which |
| quality of the food in the bag. Make sure that in the | | | | means less nutrition and more clean up ( the larger |
| first 5 ingredients there is a quality protein like chicken | | | | the stools the less nutrients your dog is absorbing) |
| meal or fish. | | | | So stay away from by products |
| 2. Are there any chemical preservatives or artificial | | | | 5. Lastly, are there any fresh fruits and vegetables in |
| colors in the dog food? Stay away from the chemical | | | | the dog food? Fruits and vegetables provide natural |
| preservatives BHA, BHT and ethoxoquin. Artificial | | | | plant sources of phytonutrients, antioxidants, |
| colors have been linked to health problems. | | | | vitamins, and minerals that help support an active |
| 3. Is there an excessive amount of grains in the dog | | | | immune system. |
| food? Grains like soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat | | | | |