| Dry dog food has come a long way since the days | | | | wide range of dog food manufacturers. |
| when pet owners first began to realize that table | | | | Dry pet food is also more convenient to store and |
| scraps might not be the best diet to ensure that | | | | has a longer shelf life than fresh foods. It has been |
| mans best friend lived a long and healthy life. The dry | | | | scientifically tested and a reputable pet food brand is |
| dog food industry is now a multi billion dollar machine | | | | guaranteed to contain the ingredients listed on the |
| that has created literally thousands of dog food | | | | packaging. Try to steer clear of products that contain |
| brands. | | | | artificial flavorings and preservatives. |
| Nutrition is an important factor in good health and | | | | Always try to purchase brands that list meat content |
| wellbeing and it is important if you want your pet to | | | | in the top five ingredients and steer away from |
| be healthy. Specific brands now cater for specific | | | | products that contain corn meal and wheat, as these |
| breeds of pets according to their unique dietary | | | | are not natural to a dogs diet. Rather seek out a |
| requirements. A responsible pet owner will always | | | | brand that contains rice and chicken in its first five |
| ensure that their pet is receiving the best nutritional | | | | listed ingredients. Added vitamins and minerals are |
| available on the market today. | | | | always a bonus. |
| Keep in mind that a Chihuahua will have different | | | | Remember that each animal will have varying needs |
| dietary requirements than a Saint Bernard or other | | | | according to its size and amount of energy used |
| large breed. Kibble is also manufactured in different | | | | during an average days activity. A working dog will |
| sizes, smaller for small breeds and larger for large | | | | need more nutrition than a house pet and an active |
| breeds. Special foods have been developed for | | | | breed like a Dalmatian will likely need more food than |
| working dogs, like the cattle herding breeds, which | | | | a more sedentary dog breed. |
| require far more energy than your average house | | | | The best is to gauge by their overall appearance and |
| pet. | | | | weight. Many brands have feeding guides, but if your |
| Boxers can be fed a specialized dog kibble that is | | | | dog appears overweight, cut back slightly on his food |
| specifically shaped to suit their unique muzzle shape. | | | | intake until his weight reaches a more healthy range. |
| Senior dogs dietary requirements vary vastly when | | | | Alternatively, if he is looking rather underweight, |
| compared to that of a growing puppy or a breeding | | | | increase his daily intake or give him an extra feed |
| female who has just birthed a litter of puppies. | | | | during the day until he picks up to a more healthy |
| Luckily, all these unique needs have been met by a | | | | weight. |