If you are looking for the best dog foods for your pet dog, it list down to a lot of factors which you have to consider before feeding the food to your dog.

The breed, age and health of the dog are important factors. Most dog breeds need foods that are designed throughout their lifetime. However, it is still important to know the nutritional content of the dog food. Before buying any commercial brand especially the expensive ones check and read the label first. The ingredients should be a combination of Vitamins A and E, proteins, omega fats and meat content; make sure it is not the "fillers" kind of meat and watch out for food coloring because it is unhealthy to the dog.

Choose the flavor of the food. This may be a trial and error as a start because you would be trying out different brands to check which the dog likes best.

You can feed your dog vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beans and peas with some combined flavor or gravy, or combine these with a commercial brand for better taste. This food can be gradually introduced to the dog until it gets used to its diet; though be on the lookout for any adverse reaction just in case it happens.

There is a comparison between cooked food and raw food. There are dog owners who give cooked foods to the dog because they think dogs are like their human counter parts that eat cooked foods. There are others who opt for the BARF diet which means "bones and raw foods" that is all natural and devoid of additives and preservatives such as raw chicken parts like wings and necks or even some internal organs. Perhaps it would be to your advantage if you do some more research about the raw diet if you have some doubts about it, or check with the vet for some advice.

If you want to make your own dog foods, check the internet for good dog recipes. There are meat and vegetable recipes, soups, casseroles and stew. Just remember to carefully follow a menu plan complete with the calorie and nutritional needs of the dog.

There are good commercial brands of dog foods that have been accepted by the majority of pet owners and pet organizations which you can try. You can check them out in groceries and pet stores. Always compare the nutritional values of the brand with each other so you would know you are getting your money’s worth and also ensuring your dog’s health. You can also look out for the approval seals of major dog associations to be sure of the product.

It would be best to keep in mind that your dog would be a happy and healthy dog, if it is given good quality foods with the proper nutrients throughout its lifetime. It may be homemade, cooked or in cans as well as raw food, but as long as the dog is kept healthy, fit and has no illness while eating any of these kinds of foods, then you have made the right choice.

Anthony Jorgensen

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