Which dog foods
are best for pet health?
With so many
dog foods to choose from, how do you know you are making the right pet
health choices? Here are some guidelines to look for in dog foods.
Remember, nutrition is the one biggest pet health factor you can
directly affect.
First, you
should learn how to read labels on dog foods. The first ingredients
should be meat, not grain. Be careful, because the food companies
sometimes separate the grains to make them appear later on the
ingredient listing. Ideally for pet health, food should be mostly meat
with a little vegetables and then some grains.
How dog foods
are preserved is very important. Many chemical preservatives are
detrimental to pet health. Look for foods preserved with Vitamin E.
This may be listed as tocopherols, which is usually a mix of vitamins E
and C. Completely avoid any food that has BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin in
the ingredient list.
Making the
right choices in dog foods can improve pet health saving you money on
vet bills and promoting longer life.
Salt content in
dog foods is often a problem for pet health. Salt makes the food more
palatable for dogs and the guidelines allow a very large amount. This
can cause certain canine ailments, worsen heart conditions, and increase
the chances of dehydration. Take the time to call the 800 number on the
bag or can to ask the percentage of salt content if it's not listed.
Some foods contain up to 3.8% which is more than the ocean!
Don't just
check labels on dog foods - treats can be high in fat, salt, and
preservatives as well! Feeding diet to promote pet health is great, but
it's just as important in the "cookies" you give. The same rules apply
- always check ingredients.
If you've had
any allergic reactions to dog foods, nutritional pet health is
especially important. About 30% of allergies in pets are food-based.
First, try no grains. Find a completely meat (and veggie) diet. If
there are still symptoms, try a different meat source. You can even get
rabbit or venison food.
Click here to learn more about
healthy dog foods.
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