There are wide varieties of dog food available in the market today. Before selecting the dog food, you need to consider whether the food will meet the dog’s nutritional needs. Before you choose the dog meal, you must know whether it suits your dog. High-quality dog food I considered to be more nutritious. This is because these are made of better ingredients that make it easier for the dog to digest. Healthy meals also help to improve your dog’s skin and coat.
You can get the dog food from pet stores. You can consult your vet on the best meal for your dog. Some factors determine the type of meal you should take. Some of these factors are the age of the age and the medical condition of the dog. A healthy dog meal will also help improve the dog’s digestion and boost the immune system. Weight management can be achieved by feeding the dog nutritious food.
The different varieties of dog food are:
1. Dry dog food
Dry dog food is one of the most common dog foods. No preparations are required when you have the dry dog food, as you must open the bag and serve the dog. It is one of the most convenient meals for the dog. The meal also helps in reducing the tartar which may be formed on the dog’s teeth. You will also be required to brush the dog’s teeth to eliminate any tartar formed on the teeth. The dog meal is easy to store since it has a longer shelf life. It would help if you held the bag in a cool, dry place, and it will last for months. It would help if you sealed the bag tightly after serving the dog. After doing the dog in the trough, any remains should be discarded after 24 hours, and the meal should be replaced. It is considered nutritious because the lower the moisture content, the higher the concentration of nutrients. Ensure the dog have clean water to take after having the meal. After taking the dry feed, they become more hydrated.
2. Semi-moist dog food
The semi-moist dog food has higher moisture content than dry dog food, referred to as semi-moist foods. Some of the commercial dog meals shaped like burgers, pork, chop, and other meaty foods are since it has higher water activity, it needs to store correctly. The microorganisms may grow and contaminate the feed. Since its shelf life is shorter, buying small quantities of this meal is advisable. It would help if you served small portions in the trough since it needs to be replaced after 3-4 hours. The feed has nutritional value for all types of dogs and has many artificial colorings and flavors. They can be served to a dog as an occasional treat since they do not provide the nutritional value the dog requires.
3. Canned dog food
Canned dog meals are easy to find in various supermarkets but are expensive. The canned meal has appealing formulas and flavors that help encourage regular and healthy eating habits. The canned can be fed together with the dry meal. The texture of the meal can help increase palatability. If the dog is fussy, try switching to the flaked, stew, or shredded formula. The meal can be served as a complete diet, but you must be cautious about the dog’s dental health. The dog may develop severe periodontal issues when there is an abrasion from chewing. It would be best to incorporate regular dental routines like tooth brushing and supplements like water or food additives. Canned has a higher moisture content of about 70-80%. The dog requires water for digestion, flush water from the digestive tract, and even for nutrient absorption. Better digestion will allow the dog to process calories better, burn fat, build muscle mass and absorb more nutrients.
4. Wet food
One of the main benefits of wet food is palatability. When the meal is opened from the package, it should be consumed within a maximum of 3-7 days and kept refrigerated. The meal is easier to chew and swallow; hence it is suitable for dogs with chewing or dental problems. The charges of wet food are high. It requires additional preservation. Extra care is required in packaging and storage. The food needs to be stored as per the instructions given by the manufacturer. If it is not stored correctly, it can spoil, leading to health complications.
5. Raw food
Raw food is another type of dog food. There are some benefits associated with natural foods. Raw food can be dehydrated, freeze-dried, or even refrigerated. An example of raw food is bones which are believed to be a great source of minerals and proteins. The meal is ideal for dogs that are already healthy with no health conditions. The raw feed is not suitable for dogs with poor immune systems. The dinner also has a high-fat content which is beneficial for dogs. If your dog is struggling with weight, then you should not feed it with raw food. If you need to provide your dog with raw food, then you need to select a company that has safe preservation techniques. This is because raw food is at risk of food contamination. When preparing a meal at home, you must adhere to hygiene. The raw meal requires constant refrigeration because high temperatures can contaminate the food.
Final words
In conclusion, there are various types of dog food. The article has given some nutritious food for the dogs. The best dog food is the one that has nutritional value for your dog. You need to consult on the best type of food that will suit your dog. This will depend on the age of the dog, your budget, and even the dog’s health condition. As a pet parent, you need to be aware of what your dog is consuming. Is it healthy, or will it cause some health complications?
Angela Spearman is a journalist at EzineMark who enjoys writing about the latest trending technology and business news.
