Best Dog Food

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Everyone would like to feed their dog the best dog food. With so many dog food products on the market and conflicting information on diet, nutrition, and dog health, it is easy to get overwhelmed and confused. The best thing for people, dogs, cats, and all other animals to eat is real food. Many people are under the assumption that dogs are supposed to eat “dog food” meaning kibble or canned food, but “dog food” is an invention of man, created for convenience. Real food can consist of a cooked or raw diet, and experts disagree on which is truly healthiest. In reality, most people lack the time, knowledge, or confidence to prepare meals for their dogs but still want to give their dogs the best possible food.

Best Dog Food

Prepackaged Real Food For Dogs

For those who can afford the very best dog food, there are real food diets sold for dogs. Real food for dogs can be purchased in prepackaged meals, combined to provide nutritional balance, or in separate dishes so that diets can be customized to provide optimum nutrition for individual dogs with individual needs. Real food is usually raw and comes frozen or freeze dried. Prepackaged meals can be as good as or better than home-prepared food, because they are formulated to meet canine nutritional needs, and they are usually made from all natural or organic ingredients. While this is the best dog food option, the price can be daunting. Good nutrition is the foundation for good health, and in the long run, feeding the best food will mean lower veterinary bills. However, for many people prepackaged real food for dogs is truly unaffordable. In that case. it is best to prepare meals at home or go with good kibble or canned food

Kibble and Canned Food

Good quality kibble and canned food is available. Even those who feed their dogs only real food should keep some on hand for emergencies and travel. The best dog food is made with real, whole, recognizable ingredients. Avoid foods that include by-products and meal. Specific meats should be the main ingredient, not meat listed as “meat”. There are a variety of good meats including beef, chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, bison, pheasant, salmon, and venison. The best dog food also includes a variety of vegetables and sometimes fruits. Grains, if present at all, should be low on the list of ingredients. Other nutritional supplements and probiotics are often added to dog food. A reputable dog food company will provide an explanation for each supplement and how it benefits dogs. Probiotics aid in digestion. Preservatives are the most important thing to watch out for. Any preservatives should be natural, such as (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Some kibble will not have any preservatives, and the best kibble is packaged in a vacuum sealed foil bag.

Best Dog Food Sources

The best dog food is not found at the grocery store. Natural food stores, veterinary offices, and feed stores often carry excellent dog food. However, dog owners should always do some research before purchasing any brand of dog food. The mere fact that it comes from a veterinarian office or natural food store does not mean it is a high quality food, and feed stores often carry some of the lowest quality dog food available right along side of the best. A good dog food manufacturer will be forthcoming with information about their food and always welcomes inquires from customers.

Nature’s Variety offers frozen and freeze dried raw food, canned food, and kibble. Their raw and canned foods consist of 95% meat and 5% sprouts, fruits, vegetables, and salmon oil. All forms come in a variety of meat choices including beef, duck, venison, and more.

Steve’s Real Food offers raw diets, both frozen and freeze dried. The food is in the form of nuggets and comes in chicken, turkey, or beef blends.

Wysong carries a large selection of healthy products for people and animals. Customers are invited to visit their plant. Their dog food is available in single meats and blended diets formulated for age and lifestyle. Wysong dog food is available in kibble and canned food. They even carry vegan kibble.

Solid Gold Northwest has been in business since 1974 and claims to be the first natural dog food company in the United States. They offer frozen raw diets, canned food, and a large variety of kibble. In addition to wholesome meats and non-allergenic grains, their kibble includes ingredients such as garlic for good heart health and parasite reduction, blueberries for the eyes, bladder, and kidneys, and yucca for bones and joints.

Dr. Harveys.com Maker of all natural products for dogs, cats and birds. Founded by Dr. Harvey Cohen, pioneer in the feeding of all natural,preservative free, non commercial foods for companion animals. This company uses only human consumption ingredients. The website is filled with information that is helpful for those of us who want to protect our companions and feed only the best food, treats and supplements.


 


Comments

Hi Sarah,

I hear you about the cost, but it takes almost double the amount of raw protein to produce the percentages you see on the labels, hence the cost. However, you really can cook homemade foods for your dog. Check out the book The Natural Pet Food Cookbook by Wendy Nan Rees. I have a copy myself, and it tells you everything you need to know to serve your dog nutritious homemade meals, plus it has recipes for both dogs and cats. I believe it's available at Amazon.com.

Thanks for sharing!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I love these articles you all put on here. I just dont understand why the food has to be so expensive! I am looking for a good and healty dog food that my puppy will enjoy and cant seem to find one that is affordable. How much money can it really take to make natural dog food!!!!!

-- Contributed by: Sarah

I just came upon this article written by Sandra Duke and was so happy to see Dr.Harvey's included in your list of Best Dog Food Sources. As a member of the Dr. Harvey's team it is always nice to see our company recognized. We continue to strive to make the very best all-natural products for dogs, cats and birds and to help educate guardians about the benefits of a natural diet for companion animals. This mission has taken us to many places and has given us the opportunity to improve the lives of many animals and their guardians. We feel privileged to have been able to share Dr.Harvey's vision of holistic nutrition for animals with so many people. We continue to strive to educate people about the best ways to keep their companions healthy. Your article has helped to spread the word. Thank you.


-- Contributed by: Wendy
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