Being a new dog owner can be daunting. A new pup is very much like a child, and part of the family. Naturally, as a new dog parent, you’ll want to do your best to raise a healthy puppy, and nutrition will play an important role in this.
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While there are a few tips that can help when it comes to picking the best dog food, much of your decision will also depend on your pooch’s tastes and preferences. With there being such a huge range of dog food options available on the market, the choice is by no means straightforward. To help you with your decision, this article will analyse the main benefits of each of the main types of food to help you make an informed decision.
Kibble
This type of dry food is probably the easiest and most affordable option. You’ll find it has a long shelf life and requires no preparation on the part of the dog owner. There are loads of different brands of kibble on the market, so be sure you opt for an established brand. Dogs with sensitive digestive systems won’t necessarily be able to handle the high carb content of kibble, so you’ll probably find that holistic dog food is your best option here. And, once more, Royal Canin Dog Food stands out as one of the best options out there. Make sure you take a closer look, so you don't miss the chance to feed your pup properly.
Canned Food
On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find that wet dog food is another popular alternative. It is believed to be tastier than dry food, so it might be a good choice if your pup is a fussy eater. Thanks to the canning process, this type of dog food also has a good shelf life. However, the high-fat content doesn’t always go down too well with all dogs.
Raw Food
It may be the new kid on the block, but raw food is taking the pet world by storm. Made of unprocessed ingredients raw food is rich in nutrients. However, the shelf-life of raw dog food isn’t great and it needs to be kept in your freezer, which isn’t all that convenient. If you are considering transitioning your pup onto a raw food diet it is best to consult a vet because it can cause havoc on the digestive systems of older dogs.
Homemade Dog Food
For the dog owner that wants to go the extra mile for their precious furbaby, why not have a go at a bit of DIY dog food? You can even go that step further and prepare a birthday cake for your pampered pooch if you want. Making dog food at home will require some background research, but there are lots of online resources to guide you. The option of making your dog’s meals offers you peace of mind in terms of knowing exactly what you are feeding your dog. However, you’ll need to be extra careful and make sure you are aware of the foods that dogs absolutely cannot eat when preparing your doggy meals.
Conclusion
Bear in mind that choosing the best diet for your new pup will likely require a little bit of trial and error. Some dogs have medical conditions that require that they eat only certain types of food. In such cases, it is always best to talk to your vet. Furthermore, it is important to note that a dog’s dietary requirements are also likely to change as they grow up, so keep an open mind.
