**Article Table of Contents**
Preface
What is dog food? Why is dog food the most widely used pet food?
Is it good to feed dogs dog food for every meal?
What are AAFCO and WDJ? Are they reliable?
How can we tell if a particular dog food is suitable for our dogs?
What’s the difference between Meat (whole meat) and MeatMeal (meat powder)? What are by-products?
Recommended dog food selection rules by the keeper.
Conclusion
**Preface**
As dog owners, we often search for ‘dog food selection recommendation’. The keeper was also confused about what kind of dog food and diet strategy is best for dogs. After years of experience, the keeper wants to share some suggestions on choosing dog food.
**What is dog food? Why is dog food the most widely used pet food?**
Many dog owners may wonder what their furry friends should eat – fresh food, raw food, dog food, or canned food? Dog food is actually a processed product, not a whole food. It is the most commonly used diet for dogs because it is convenient in terms of storage, acquisition, and feeding. However, as a processed food, it may lack certain nutrients, which is why many dog foods add various nutrients.
**Is it good to feed dogs dog food for every meal?**
If the ingredients of dog food are good, giving 80-90% of daily food as dog food is fine. But dog food should be changed regularly to avoid the accumulation of the same elements in the body. The keeper suggests choosing high-quality dog food and mixing in raw food or giving treats occasionally. If you have enough time, you can prepare fresh or raw food for your dog, but be careful to ensure a balanced diet and avoid putting a burden on your dog’s kidneys.
**What are AAFCO and WDJ? Are they reliable?**
When it comes to dog food, AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) and WDJ (Whole Dog Journal) are two organizations that dog owners should know. AAFCO is a non-governmental organization that aims to ensure the safety of animals and humans, assist in setting standards and ensuring the safety of pet food consumption, and provide a transparent competitive environment for the pet food market.
However, it has some limitations as its members are from pet food manufacturers and suppliers. WDJ is a media magazine that does not accept any commercial advertising and recommends high-quality pet food based on certain criteria, such as high-quality animal protein, no unrecognized oils or proteins, whole grains and vegetables, no by-products, organic ingredients, and no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.
**How can we tell if a particular dog food is suitable for our dogs?**
Here are some tips to help dog owners determine if a particular dog food is suitable for their furry friends. Observe the dog’s immediate reaction after eating the food. If there are symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased eye or nose discharge, abnormal hyperactivity, or listlessness, stop feeding the food and observe the cause. Check the dog’s external condition, especially the skin and fur. Changes in fur quality, such as excessive shedding or color changes, may be due to a change in food. Fur is a good indicator of a dog’s internal nutritional status. Also, a dog’s preference for food does not determine if it is suitable. Choose dog food with sufficient nutrition and made from whole ingredients, not by-products.
**What’s the difference between Meat (whole meat) and MeatMeal (meat powder)? What are by-products?**
The amount of meat in dog food is an important consideration for many dog owners. However, the meat in dog food may not be whole meat. It could be meat powder or by-products. By-products are processed products made from animal slaughterhouse waste, such as bones and offal. Although they are regulated and cannot contain hair, horns, or excrement, their quality is lower than whole meat.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, choosing the right dog food requires careful consideration of various factors. Dog owners should be aware of the ingredients and quality of dog food and choose products that are suitable for their furry friends.
Chicken and chicken meal are common examples of by-products in dog food. It’s not that by-product meals are bad, but it’s crucial for pet parents to understand the secrets behind the ingredient list to know exactly what their pets are consuming. Non-meat-based ingredients can lead to poorer palatability, prompting the use of chemical additives to enhance flavor. Therefore, when selecting dog food, it’s important to consider your dog’s health status, age, and physical condition, as well as understanding the implications of each ingredient.
The dog food selection process should not be buying; instead, focus on the quality of the ingredients. Each dog’s breed, age, lifestyle, exercise habits, living environment, and physique are different. Many pet parents ask how to choose the right dog food. The answer lies in observing your dog’s feces, fur, and skin reactions after consumption. Here are six key points to consider when selecting dog food:
1. Check the manufacturing date – freshness is always better.
2. Look for certifications on the product packaging to ensure manufacturing standards are met.
3. If your dog has specific conditions, choose food accordingly, such as calcium-enriched food for skeletal issues or low-allergy protein sources with added probiotics for sensitive stomachs.
4. Opt for high-quality meat ingredients, understanding the difference between whole meat and meat meal.
5. Pay attention to the source of animal protein and fats.
6. Choose foods with simpler ingredients to reduce the risk of allergies.
Ingredients in pet food are usually listed from highest to lowest. Understanding these principles can help pet parents navigate the vast array of dog food options without feeling overwhelmed.
In conclusion, selecting dog food is fundamentally about understanding pet nutrition. While it’s not difficult to grasp the basics, delving deeper requires more effort. This article addresses common questions about dog food selection, aiming to help pet parents make informed decisions. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all dog food; it takes time to find the best fit for your pet. Dog food should be changed with age to prevent nutrient accumulation and imbalances. When changing dog food, mix it with the old food gradually and monitor your dog’s excrement to assess suitability.
For more insights on dog age calculation, signs of aging, and essential pet health knowledge, check out the latest articles. If you have questions about dog food or other pet concerns, feel free to reach out for a one-on-one discussion. Thank you for watching, and if you find this article helpful, please share it with others who might need this information.
