Pet parents are constantly looking for the best toys or treats for their furry friends, but it’s equally important to serve them nutritious meals. Picking the right food requires time, effort, and understanding, but it can make all the difference to your pet’s health and well-being. You must consider several factors, and the numerous brands do not make choosing any easy either. If you’re a dog parent, here’s a basic 6-step guide to picking healthy dog food.

Consider your dog
Your dog’s physical characteristics, activity level, and health status are important factors to consider while picking their food. An active puppy or a large breed dog requires a higher number of calories, as do lactating mother dogs. So, pay attention to your pet’s calorie requirements and ensure sufficient intake to prevent both malnutrition and obesity-related health problems. You must also factor in any food allergies or intolerances and look for dog food that’s free of any triggers. You can choose from brands that provide food for different sizes of dogs or those that cater to specific dog breeds. Additionally, choosing age-appropriate food is just as important as considering your pup’s activity level.

Take a look at the ingredients
Read the ingredient list of the dog food you choose. It should contain complex carbohydrates to keep up your pet’s energy, fiber to aid digestion and control blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs, and antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. Proteins need not dominate the meal as dogs are not strict carnivores, but they are still necessary. Eggs are an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins. They enable the absorption of certain vitamins, keep your pet’s fur coat healthy and shiny, and help improve eye and heart health.

Read the food label and choose the right type of dog food
It is not easy to read and understand dog food labels. Nutritional adequacy statements are difficult to read, but they are key to helping you understand if a product matches your pet’s nutritional requirements. Commercial dog foods come in various categories, like holistic/natural commercial diets, veterinary prescription diets, premium dog food, economy/generic dog food, raw food/BARF diets, and whole-food cooked diets. While wet and dry foods are commonly known, there are also dehydrated options to which you can simply add warm water.

Ask, Ask, Ask
Extensively research pet food brands and dog nutrition to ensure that your pup gets the best on its plate. Another critical step is to speak with a veterinarian. A medical professional’s opinion on specific dog food brands, ingredients, and recipes can go a long way in keeping your pet healthy and reducing veterinary visits later on. Pet trainers, breeders, groomers, and even local pet store owners can help you choose good dog foods. You can also ask other pet owners about their experience with various dog food brands, but remember that asking many people can sometimes leave you with a lot of information and conflicting opinions.

Research
Look at the experience and background of the brand you’re considering. What values do they have? What quality control measures do they take? What kind of research and testing has gone into the formulation of the chosen dog food? For example, brands specializing in grain-free or diabetes-friendly foods are good choices if your dog has dietary restrictions. Also, ensure that the company you select prioritizes pet health.

Rotate
Most dog nutritionists recommend rotating your pet’s diets once every 6 months. Changing the formula once in a while ensures that your dog does not develop allergies to a specific protein, and it also keeps your dog interested with new meals. Allergies also lead to other illnesses like eczema, inflammation, and hives, so consider serving a homemade meal now and then. You can also treat your canine to some raw snacks like fresh fruits or carrots.