Your dog is the best sidekick he can be, so you want to be the best dog-parent to him that you can be. This means knowing what to feed your dog to help keep him healthy — after all, we are what we eat. Get the answers to your biggest questions with these simple dog feeding tips that will help you be a super-parent to your canine companion.
How Do I Read the Dog Food Ingredients Label?
There are so many ingredients listed on your dog’s food that it can be hard to tell what it’s actually made of. Fortunately, the ingredients are listed by weight, so whatever is listed first is what the food is mainly comprised of. Also, ensure the label says the food is “complete and balanced” for the life stage of your dog because this means that it will meet all the nutritional needs for your dog’s life stage as determined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
What Dog Food Ingredients Should I Look For?
Good dog-parents look for high-quality ingredients in their best friend’s food. Choose foods that list meat, poultry or fish meals among their primary ingredients, along with healthy veggies like peas or sweet potatoes.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Check the label of your dog’s food, which should list how much to feed your canine companion based on his weight. Keep in mind that your dog’s daily intake will vary depending on his breed, size, age and activity level, so you should use the label as a guideline and adjust as needed for optimum body weight. You can also consult with your vet on the appropriate portion size for your best friend if he’s super active or a real couch potato.
When Should I Feed My Dog?
Dogs love to eat first thing in the morning and around your dinnertime, so it’s best to split your best buddy’s daily portion into two. But don’t forget to account for any additional snacks in his total daily calories, and reduce his portion of food accordingly.
How Do I Choose the Right Dog Food Formula?
While any dog food should provide complete and balanced nutrition for the intended life stage, some recipes are also made to help support specific health benefits. For example, Nature’s Recipe® offers several options made specifically to help support healthy skin. You’ll also find protein-rich recipes formulated without grain, for different breed sizes, and both grain free and grain inclusive dog food recipes that help support healthy digestion. And don’t forget to purchase a recipe that’s appropriate for your dog’s life stage — whether he’s a puppy, adult, or more mature dog.
Feeding your furry friend wet or dry food is up to you and your veterinarian, but a good idea is to feed him a little of each — so Fido gets the best of both worlds. He can munch on the dry food when you aren’t around and indulge in the moist, meaty wet food when dinnertime rolls around. Just be mindful that both foods are complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage, and that he doesn’t over-consume calories.
Still need a little help starting your path to the perfect dog food? We’re here to help. Explore all of our dog food recipes to find one that suits your buddy best. Now, go forth and be the best dog-parent you can be!
