Dog Food

Quality dog food is an essential part of your pet's health maintenance. The health of your dog is very important and hinges on good nourishment and plenty of exercise. The pet owner who feeds their dogs a good balanced diet consisting of special dog food will save a lot of money and have a happy healthy pet.

Before the development of dog food, most dogs were fed table scraps, meats, grain, or specially-prepared food. The first food made specifically for dogs appeared in the mid-1800's. An American living in London created the first dog treat. He was inspired by the sight of dogs eating scraps of discarded biscuits around a ship yard. It didn't take long for him to mix up a dog food consisting of wheat meals, vegetables and meat. By 1890 another company took over and production of dog food had begun in the United States.

The amount of dog food recommended for your dog will vary depending on the brand you use and the dog's size. Always supply plenty of fresh water. Remember that feeding amounts may vary according to breed, activity level, temperament, and climate. Feeding your dog twice a day ensures proper digestion. Puppies and pregnant/lactating females have special nutritional needs and should receive dog food with special additives.

The quality of dog food varies greatly. A conscientious owner should use common sense and research to find the better products. A good start would be to select a dog food with a meaty protein source and no by-products; it shouldn't contain corn or wheat. Avoid products listing grain as the first ingredient, and avoid products that use meat by-products like bones, feet, and intestines, chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT and difficult-to-digest grains like corn, wheat, gluten and soy. These grains are sometimes listed as a protein source in place of meat. If you have to feed a kibble, choose one of the holistic brands that use human-grade ingredients.

Many health problems, like allergies that cause itchy skin, are simply caused by a poor diet and improper allocations of the wrong kinds of food. It is recommended that you switch brands, and start making note of the ingredients until you notice an improvement. Many holistic dog food brands offer hypoallergenic formulas with recommended ingredients such as duck, venison, and rabbit that are easily digested.

The dog food you choose to feed your pet should meet the nutritional needs, and it will make a difference in both you and your pet's happiness, determining how often you visit a vet. Purchase only high-quality dog food types suitable for your dogs.