Finding the Right Dog Food

1. Age and Life Stage:
Many foods label themselves as ‘Puppy’, ‘Adult’ or ‘Senior’ Foods. However, if you find a food that is high enough in quality then it should be suitable for all life stages. The only difference is that you would adjust your feeding quantities accordingly depending on their age and lifestyle.

2. Type of Food:
The most common types of food are Dry (biscuits/kibble), Wet and Raw. You may have heard of other types of food such as ‘Cold Pressed’ and ‘Extruded’ but these fall under the category of Dry foods, with the main differences being the manner and temperature at which they are created.

Wet: There are some great premium options for all of these types of foods, however for most cases we recommend avoiding wet food. This is because a lot of money is wasted on high moisture content as opposed to nutritional value. Raw and dry foods also promote better teeth cleaning and oral hygiene, since more crunching is involved.

Raw: It is of our opinion that Raw feeding is the healthiest and most natural way to feed a dog – providing it is done CORRECTLY. Feeding raw properly involves a lot of research and sourcing ingredients yourself, as buying frozen packs of ready-made raw meals may still contain added ingredients which would not be part of a dogs’ natural diet.

Dry: If you prefer the ease and lower cost of dry food, then you should look for a grain free ‘80/20’ complete food, meaning it contains a minimum of 80% animal ingredient. These foods are as close to a dogs’ natural and ancestral diet as possible in a dry kibble form.

3. Read the Ingredients:
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Look for a high-quality source of animal protein as the first ingredient, such as Fish, Beef, Lamb etc. Avoid foods with excessive fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. Common fillers are grains such as Cereals and Maize, which dogs are unable to fully digest. Also keep an eye out for inferior Protein sources that are sometimes added, such as Pea Protein.

4. Environmentally and Ethically Friendly:
The source of the ingredients in food is very important. Ideally you want your chosen food to be manufactured in the country you reside in, with the ingredients also being sourced from that country or surrounding countries/waters. The more local the sourcing/manufacturing is, the lower the impact/carbon footprint is on the environment. There is also a big difference in the quality of the ingredients and how well cared for they are from one region of the globe to another. The manufacturer should have full traceability of the ingredients used in each batch.

5. Special Dietary Needs:
Some dogs may have allergies, sensitivities, or specific dietary requirements. If your dog has special needs, choose a food that addresses those concerns. If you are unsure what allergens solicit a reaction from your dog, then you should try to avoid common allergens all together. These include: Grain (wheat, cereals gluten etc), Soy, Dairy, Beef, Chicken and Poultry in general.

6. Check for Recalls:
Periodically check for recalls associated with the brand of dog food you’re considering. This information is usually available on the manufacturer’s website.

7. Monitor Your Dogs’ Response:
Once you’ve chosen a new dog food, monitor your dogs’ response. Look for signs of improved coat condition, healthy weight maintenance, good energy levels, and firm stools. If you notice any negative changes, consult the manufacturer of your food.