Besides cats, dogs are one of the animals that many people care for. For dog owners, of course you have to take care of your pet to keep it healthy and well cared for. One of the things you have to pay attention to is dog food. Foods with important nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals play a big role in the growth and intelligence of a dog's brain. You can get all these nutrients from the best dog food brands that are usually sold in pet shops.
Well, this time we will summarize some recommendations for good dog food brands for your beloved dog. But beforehand, consider the following tips for choosing the best dog food. Tips for Choosing the Best Dog Food Brand
In order for your beloved dog to maintain its health, of course, you have to choose the best dog food. So here are some ways to choose dog food that you should pay attention to before buying it.
1. Don't be tempted by advertisements
Even though there are lots of advertisements scattered whether it's on television, magazines or others, you don't just believe it. It's a good idea to do research first for the health of your beloved dog. Dog food that is labeled premium, natural and luxury food is great for dogs but make sure the food is certified by the BPOM or a pet food manufacturer.
2. Decide between canned food or dry food
Dog food has two types, namely canned food and dry food. Surely you are confused about which type to give, when it comes to prices, of course canned food is more expensive than dry food. But most dogs will be fine with any type of food. However, there are also some dogs who are sensitive to one of these types of food. Dogs may experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea which indicates that the digestive system is not processing food properly.
3. Make sure the food label has an AAFCO statement
Before buying it, make sure the dog food has a statement by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or the Association of American Pet Food Control Officers. With this label on the dog food packaging, the food can provide a basis for assurance to consumers that the food meets the basic nutritional needs for the type of animal that is written on the packaging.
4. Check the label for the ingredients
Also check the content labels on these foods before buying them. Dogs are basically omnivores and can eat meat, whole grains and vegetables. But you have to look for foods that basically contain meat at the first such as chicken, beef or lamb. If the ingredients contain the word chicken, it means that the meat used mainly comes from muscle tissue. But it can also include the diaphragm or liver of the chicken.
5. Compare the ingredients from one brand to another
The list of ingredients on a dog food package is usually ordered by the weight of the ingredients in the food formula. Ingredients that contain water such as meat will usually be listed first or at the top. In order to compare dry and canned food to really getting the percentage of protein found in dog food you have to consider the amount of moisture in the food. To calculate the dry matter base from the amount of protein you feed in a can of dog food, you have to calculate the water in it. Like if the food contains 12% protein and the can is 75% water, divide 12% by 25% to get 48% protein. You use 25% as the denominator to represent the dry matter that remains after removing 75% of the water from the food. This method will certainly help you to compare dog food even though the food is made from different formulations.
6. Check the label for proximate analysis
Check the label for proximate analysis, which will tell you the amount of protein, fat and fiber in the food. The recommended amount to give to dogs is usually calculated based on the pet's body weight. This label can be found on the side of the package.
7. Select the most recent dog food packaging
After you decide on the type of food you will give to your furry friend. Don't forget to check the packaging bag for intact or any holes. In addition, you also have to check the expiration date because usually the pet shop will place the longest food in the top pile or the front row to support the stock turnover.
8. Store dog food properly
Finally, you should keep dry dog food in its original packaging in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. As for canned food, store it closed in the refrigerator. Unopened canned food should be stored in a dry, cool place.