DogFoodRatings

 

 

There are three different kinds of dog food that you can purchase--dry, semi-moist, and wet or canned.  Semi-moist food is not recommended.  It often contains a high amount of sugar, additives, colorings, and preservatives and should not be used for the main source of your dog's calories.  Although a common consensus has been reached regarding semi-moist food and treats, there is an ongoing debate as to whether dry or wet food is better for a dog.

 

First, the quality is the most important aspect.  High quality dry food is better than low quality wet, and high quality wet food is a better choice than low quality dry.  However, the way dry food is processed makes it common for low quality food to predominate. 

 

Most dry food is made with an extruder.  For dry food, a high amount of starch and a low amount of water is needed.  Because of this, you'll often seen meat meal and poultry by-product meal, along with flours and grains, listed high and often in the ingredient lists of kibble.

 

Bacteria is killed during the cooking process, but it is easy for more bacteria to be picked up during the post-baking phases.  The kibble is sprayed with fat or digests which provide no nutrition to your dog, but make it more palatable.  Dry food should be kept dry at all times.  Do not mix dry food with water, canned food, or other liquids.

 

Some dry dog food is baked at a high temperature instead of extruded.  This food is naturally more palatable than extruded food.  Because of this, it does not need to be sprayed with fats or digests.  Since it doesn't have this extra step, baked kibble is less likely to pick up bacteria.  If you are feeding your dog kibble, try to find baked instead of extruded. 

 

Dry dog food is usually filled with preservatives to keep it fresh throughout its long shelf-life.  While this is necessary, try to find a kibble that uses natural preservatives.

 

When choosing a kibble for your dog, try to find the ones with the best ingredients.  Avoid the private labels, as they have all been subjected to large recalls in the past few years.  Quality brands to check out include Innova, Eagle Pack Holistic, Royal Canin, Natural Balance, Active Life, Castor and Pollus Organix, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Merrick, Doctors Foster and Smith, California Natural, Old Mother Hubbard, Newman's Own Organics, Wellness, Pet Promise, and Solid Gold

 

Since premium dog food is more nutrient dense than standard fare, your dog will probably not need to eat as much food.  This can help even out the costs since premium dog food tends to be more expensive.  If premium dog food is too high for your budget, you shouldn't feel guilty about buying the best that you can afford.