Just like how you like to keep yourself happy and healthy by putting the right things into your body, you want the same for your dog. If you are a new dog owner and don’t know where to start with your puppy’s nutrition or if you are a seasoned dog owner who just wants the best for your pup, read below for some tips on how to find the perfect diet and nutrition regimen for your dog.
Find Flavors Your Dog Likes
Just like humans, some dogs can be very picky about what they eat. If you notice that your dog only picks at their food and doesn’t really enjoy what they are eating, it may be time to choose a new flavor of dog food. The most common dog food flavors are meat flavors like chicken, beef, and turkey but some dogs prefer more exciting flavors like salmon or even bison.
A lot of companies have adopted the trend of creating fun and innovative dog food flavors, so there is no shortage of options. The best thing you can do is ask for samples of foods at your local pet store and try them out with your dog until you find something that they enjoy.
Research Different Dog Food Companies
There are a lot of different dog food companies out there and it seems like there are new ones every day. From companies that provide traditional dry kibble to ones that prepare fresh, gourmet meals there are so many choices when it comes to finding the right food for your four-legged friend.
Some dog food companies specialize in different breeds of dogs, so if you have a breed that has certain needs, it is good to check out those companies that have specially formulated foods for that breed. If you want advice about your dog’s specific needs, check out websites like A Grateful Dog where you can find tips and tricks about taking care of your dog. The best thing about having a specific breed of dog is that there is a whole community out in the world that has the same dog and they have been through all of the possible scenarios, so they can help guide you to find the best dog food brand for your dog.
Pay Attention to How Different Foods Impact Your Dog
Although it’s not the most glamorous chore, the best way to know if a type of dog food is affecting your dog is to check their bowel movements from time to time. Certain dog food contains ingredients that may not align well with your dog’s digestive system and that can lead them to have loose stools and decreased appetite.
If you have a puppy, start with any brand’s puppy formula and see how they take to it. If you notice that the puppy really does not like what they are eating, switch to a different brand until you find the perfect match. If you have an aging dog and the food that they have been eating is no longer suiting them, try a specific formula for senior dogs to see if that improves their digestive help.
Experiment with Supplements
If you want your dog to have a long and healthy life, the best thing you can do is start them on a regimen of supplements that will help increase their lifespan and keep them moving well into their senior years. Supplements have become really popular over the past several years and they have proven to help countless dogs with many issues.
Some of the most popular supplements are for joints because dogs are such active creatures. These kinds of supplements are beneficial in breeds like labradors and other retrievers who are known to have hip and joint problems in later life. Smaller dog breeds like dachshunds also benefit from added joint supplements because they typically live longer lives than bigger dogs and have back issues due to their long and skinny frame.
Our dogs are a part of the family and we want to provide them with the best care possible and that starts with their diet and nutrition. Make sure to keep these tips on hand when you are looking for your dog’s next meal.
