As any good dog owner will tell you, a furry friend is part of the family. Just as you would if you were dealing with a real child, every fur parent wants to raise a pup that is happy and healthy. And as with us humans, diet is a huge part of this. So the decision of what type of food to give your pooch is not one you’ll want to take lightly. You need to look at all dog food options.
With so many different types of dog food on the market these days, making a choice isn’t at all straightforward and there are a bunch of factors you’ll need to consider.
To make life a bit easier, in this post we’ll break it down for you by looking and the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what’s best for your puppy.
Dry Food (Kibble)
Dry food, or kibble, is the most cost-effective option when it comes to feeding your dog, which is probably why it is one of the most popular choices. It also lasts a long time and requires no preparation, which makes life easier for the dog owner. But with endless varieties out there you’ll need to make sure you choose a reputable brand.
There are several different ingredients that make up dog food, but chicken dog food is among the most nutritious options you can find. Always select a brand that carefully chooses the ingredients used in these foods. This way your dog will have a delicious yet nutritious meal.
Most dry dog foods are carb-heavy, which doesn’t always fare well on the dog’s digestion and the reason that vets often recommend grain-free foods such as Earthborn Holistic that is packed with a guarantee of nutritional value.
Wet Food
Canned or wet dog food is another popular choice amongst dog owners and you’ll find a number of established products on the market. If your dog is a bit of a fussy eater, it is believed that wet food is tastier than kibble.
While it doesn’t tend to last as long as dry food, the shelf life is relatively stable and thanks to the canning process, you’ll find many wet food products are preservative-free. One downside is that this food does tend to be a little fatty which may cause havoc for some dogs’ digestion.
Raw
Eating raw food is becoming increasingly trendy within dog-loving circles. The use of fresh, unprocessed ingredients means higher levels of nutrient retention for dogs. The downsides of feeding raw include that the food doesn’t travel well or last long and it’ll take up space in your freezer.
Furthermore, it’s really not for every dog and can be difficult for older, immuno-compromised dogs to work with so it’s wise to consult your vet before going the raw food route.
Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried
This is another preservative-free, nutrient-rich option that lasts longer as a result of removing moisture. This type of food also has an excellent shelf-life and requires minimal preparation. However, there are very few options for dehydrated dog food and this limited competition means that the products available on the market tend to be particularly pricey.
Most commercial dog food companies cook their food at high temperatures, which can destroy many of the essential nutrients. Nature’s Blend is freeze-dried to help protect the nutrients your dog needs – as well as all those delicious flavors from the high-quality meats. Nature’s Blend by Dr. Marty provides optimal nutrition for your best friend.
Homemade
Finally, for dog owners with a little extra time on their hands or those who enjoy being in the kitchen, why not try your hand at a bit of DIY doggy food? With a little bit of research, you’ll find an array of recipes online.
While cooking up homemade meals for your pup may be a little time-consuming and is unlikely to be the most affordable option available, it doesn’t always need to cost the earth either. It can also be reassuring to know exactly what goes into your precious puppy’s stomach and that it has been prepared with love.
It’s important to remember that finding the perfect diet for your dog may require an element of trial and error. You may not get it right on the first instance and if your furry friend has very particular medical conditions, it is always a good idea to seek professional help by consulting your vet.
Each pup is different and their needs may also change as they grow so being flexible is key. But with a little bit of perseverance, there is no doubt you’ll get there in the end.
