When you have a pet, you want only what’s best for them – and this includes choosing the right kind of food for their overall health. But with all the choices that are available, it can be even more difficult for anyone to select the dog food that fits their dog’s taste, temperament, health needs, and (seemingly insatiable) appetite.
The thing about dog food is that not all dog food fits the bill – there really is no one type of dog food that would be suitable for all dogs. Each dog has its own wants and needs, and what is important is for you to determine exactly what it is that your dog requires so you can make a good choice.
Where to begin
You can begin by looking for dog food or hundfoder that is made only with the best and highest quality ingredients – the freshest whole meat, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Don’t forget a good dose of healthy fat as well, as your dog needs this as much as you do.
Make a list and check it twice
Once you have noted down the kinds of dog food that can provide you with high quality ingredients, the next step is to make an assessment of the general health of your dog. Make a list of whatever health issues your dog may have, and make another list of your dog’s assets when it comes to their health. If there are any conditions that your dog is being or has been treated for, then this should be included in the ‘health issues’ list. Along with this, think of other conditions that your dog may be prone to, such as teeth that may be prone to dental issues, eyes that may be too sensitive, ears that may be prone to infections, a thinning or smelly coat, too much gas, diarrhoea, incontinence, or constipation; flea or worm infestations, excessive (or not enough) energy, and even its attitude (if it is prone to aggressive or anti-social behaviour, for instance).
When making a list of your dog’s assets with regards to its health, you should think about all the aspects that make your dog healthy, such as teeth that are clean; bright, clear eyes; a good coat, a good appetite, and even a good and non-aggressive attitude.
The list of your dog’s health pros and cons should already help you decide what type of food may be better for your dog in the long run. If, for example, your dog has more health issues than non-issues, then you may need to be more careful about the food you choose. What you can do in this regard is have your dog examined and assess the dog food you have in mind for nutritional quality, levels of fat and protein, calorie levels, and more.
In addition, you should also note if your dog has any allergies or is allergic to any specific food, as some dog food may cause allergies or may not be properly tolerated by a particular breed of dog.
Your best bet
Your best option is to do a method of trial and error – try out different types of hundfoder or dog food for a week or two and observe your dog for any signs of negative appetite, attitude, and what-not. If your dog is taking well to the dog food, you will easily see it.
What is essential is that you also choose the kind of dog food that is comprised of good, healthy, and high quality ingredients. If you know exactly what your dog is eating, this will help you make the best decision as well.