Duck — When it comes to evaluating the nutritional value
of commercial dog food formulas, it is always good to see a whole source of animal protein as the first ingredient.
It's important to keep in mind when making this
kind of commercial dog food comparison, that you understand how to compare apples with apples, so to speak.
The most effective way to feed athletic dogs is find that particular pet's nutritional requirements, and then feed him through a
combination of commercial dog food and homemade dog food diet supplemented with vitamins, minerals and omega - 3s.
Studies suggest that the
use of commercial dog food diets rich in omega - 3 fatty acids, as well as supplementation of omega - 3s such as with fish oil, can improve clinical signs associated with chronic arthritis pain in dogs (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).
If you'd like more information about the 4 types
of commercial dog food available and which diet may be best for your dog, make sure to read my previous column entitled 4 Different Types Dog Foods and Which One Your Dog Needs.
If your dog has skin allergies or skin conditions that make life miserable, there are a whole host of reasons to take a close look at the
content of commercial dog food and reconsider what you're feeding.
With a large
number of commercial dog food recalls in recent years, many owners are looking to alternative diets for their pets, including the BARF option.
Many dogs died and many thousands more suffered significant illness and permanent damage due to
dozens of commercial dog food manufacturers using substandard ingredients and contaminants in their pet foods.
In addition, both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may degrade when subjected to the heat or extreme pressure in the manufacturing
process of commercial dog food.
Developed by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, it is based on the concept of evolutionary diets and is about feeding dogs raw, whole, natural foods including raw vegetables, whole raw bones and supplements
instead of commercial dog foods or cooked homemade diets.
There is a lot more to properly feeding your dog than just buying a
bag of commercial dog food that is labeled «healthy,» or «holistic,» or «wholesome,» or any other gimmicky term that may sound appealing at a first glance.
With the
myriad of commercial dog foods on the market, it can be difficult figuring out between the different brands and also which ones offer the most nutrition for your Chow.
With so many options on the market these days, we don't need to tell you that it can be a tedious nightmare to sort through the
hundreds of commercial dog food options out there.
There is only one brand
of commercial dog food — which is a prescription food — that has adequate levels of Omega 3 fatty acids and the appropriate ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Raw food will make the stools more compact so I begin switching my puppies to raw dog food immediately; for the first few breakfasts I will allow them to eat
some of the commercial dog food too.)
It's amazing to see just what goes into
some of the commercial dog food brands.
However, a good brand
of commercial dog food is best in terms of ensuring a fully balanced diet and avoiding possible contamination from raw foods.