| you think about it, what does your dog need from | | | | pets. |
| its food in order to be healthy? | | | | Typically, healthy dog food contains quality protein, |
| Today our pets have a wide variety to meet their | | | | good quality carbohydrates and fiber, natural fats and |
| tastes and needs and we have our choice of what | | | | preservatives. The protein does not come from dead |
| kind of food we can choose to feed them. Despite | | | | or diseased animals and you will never see the word |
| the variety, pet foods usually fall into three major | | | | by-product on the label. By-products (feet, bones |
| categories. These categories are: Grocery store | | | | intestines, etc) are inferior protein sources that are |
| foods, these types of dog and pet foods are usually | | | | sometimes used and can be very hard for your dog |
| found in grocery stores and mass marketed retailers | | | | to digest. Less digestion means less nutritious and |
| and can contain lower quality, less expensive | | | | therefore not as healthy. Quality protein helps build |
| ingredients. The second category is “premium | | | | and maintain muscle strength. |
| dog foods,” which can also be found in | | | | If you see corn, soy or wheat used as protein |
| grocery’s stores but are also found in pet | | | | sources instead of meat, you now know your pet |
| stores and through your local veterinarian’s | | | | isn’t getting healthy dog food. Good quality |
| office. | | | | carbohydrates give your pet the energy to be active. |
| These types of foods are usually made from some | | | | Good fiber sources help promote a healthy digestive |
| higher quality ingredients and are usually made | | | | system and colon. Quality fats from animal sources |
| evident by the expense of the food. Some of these | | | | contain omega fatty acids that benefit the skin and |
| pet foods though can contain lower quality | | | | coat. |
| ingredients that you aren’t aware of. The | | | | Believe it or not dog food manufacturers that label |
| third and final category is healthy dog foods which | | | | their bags "premium food" use these ingredients as |
| are a relatively new addition and make use of the | | | | well as chemical preservatives and artificial colors that |
| latest research into the best foods and blends for | | | | can be harmful to pets. |
| your pet. | | | | Benefits beyond healthy nutrition |
| So what is best for our pet and how do we choose | | | | When your pet is eating right, it feels better, giving |
| the proper dog food? | | | | you a happy and more playful companion, fewer trips |
| Quality, healthy ingredients make quality, healthy dog | | | | to the vet, and less wasted food. Ultimately, giving |
| food. Nutrition is important no matter whether | | | | your pet better food might seem expensive initially, |
| you’re a person or a pet. Pets, just like | | | | but keeping your pet healthy saves you money, time |
| humans, need good nutrition not just to survive but | | | | and expense in the long run. Healthy, premium dog |
| to truly be healthy. They need good quality protein, | | | | food can possibly extend the life of your pet giving |
| carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats. This is | | | | you more quality years together. |
| where premium, healthy dog food can benefit your | | | | |