| If you are investigating which premium dog food is | | | | Next, look at your dog's health and activity levels. Is |
| the best dog food for your dog, then it's likely that | | | | there weight where it should be? Are they |
| you are aware of the importance of how the right | | | | over-eating or not eating enough? Perhaps they have |
| dog food can impact both your dog's health and | | | | arthritis, digestive problems or a skin condition, use |
| lifespan. Even if you are aware of the importance of | | | | what you know and what your vet gives you to |
| feeding your dog a good dog food, you are still | | | | evaluate your dog's health. Remember, you are the |
| faced with finding and making the right food for your | | | | one that's spends time with your dog everyday. You |
| furry friend. | | | | are more familiar with their daily needs and problems |
| To begin your decision making process in choosing a | | | | than anyone. |
| premium dog food, I want to put emphasis on the | | | | Take into account your dog's activity and exercise |
| importance of making the food choice for and with | | | | level. Do they have a big backyard that they are able |
| your dog. You can read and listen to all of the advice | | | | to exercise and play in everyday or are they basically |
| you want but when it comes down to it, you know | | | | confined to the house and an occasional walk. Are |
| your dog best and you will be the one that knows | | | | they a working dog that herds cattle regularly and |
| their special needs and health issues and of course | | | | helps out on the farm, then they are definitely going |
| what they like and what they don't like. | | | | to need a higher protein food. |
| To narrow your premium dog food choices, start by | | | | Like it or not, we all have to consider our budgets |
| determining your dog's age and what stage they are | | | | too, especially with the economy like it is. It's |
| in their life. This is important because age directly | | | | important to feed your dog a premium quality dog |
| determines the amount of protein you should include | | | | food but you also need to make it work for your |
| in your dog's diet. The general consensus is that | | | | budget. No one is saying that you have to feed your |
| puppies need higher protein levels in their food for | | | | dog the most expensive dog food there is. Instead, |
| proper growth. How high those levels need to be is | | | | learn to read labels and know what you're looking for |
| somewhat of a controversy, most dry puppy foods | | | | in a premium dog food. Then find the best food for |
| contain between 25 - 30% protein. Some | | | | your dog, not just the most expensive. |
| professionals feel that too much protein in your | | | | One last thought, you should also consider how and |
| puppy's diet can cause them to grow too fast. | | | | where you want to purchase your premium dog |
| Adult premium dog foods are usually formulated with | | | | food. Many foods are only carried in high end pet |
| about 20% protein which is meant for dog's that are | | | | stores or pet boutiques and if you live in a remote or |
| fairly inactive up to dog's that are moderately active. | | | | rural area, it can be difficult to find one of these |
| If you have a dog that is a herding or working dog | | | | stores. However, with the availability of many of |
| and is highly active, then you need to increase that | | | | these foods now available at pet stores online, you |
| protein level up to as much as 45%. If you are | | | | can get the exact food you are searching for and |
| unsure where you would place your dog in activity | | | | often with great prices and sometimes even free |
| level, then consult with your veterinarian. Remember | | | | shipping. No matter what you choose to feed your |
| too also take into consideration whether you dog is a | | | | dog, make sure you remember to love them loads |
| male or female, as a female who is lactating for her | | | | and feed them a good quality dog food for a long, |
| pups will have larger energy requirements than a | | | | quality life. |
| non-breeding male or female dog. | | | | |