Nowadays, there are more and more dog food brands, and it is easy to accidentally pick dog food that is not good for dogs, so how to distinguish between good and bad dog food should be a skill that every shovel officer must master! Today, I will teach you a few tricks!
First, look at the ingredient list: raw materials are king, transparency is the key
First of all, let's start with the ingredient list of dog food. The ingredient list is the first threshold for judging the quality of dog food, which directly reflects the composition of the raw materials of the dog food.
Good dog food will usually list meat or meat by-products as the main protein source at the top of the ingredient list. For example, chicken, beef, lamb, etc., these are high-quality animal proteins, which are essential for the growth and health of dogs. If the top few of the ingredient list are grains (e.g., corn, wheat) or plant-based proteins (e.g., soybeans), then caution is required, as these ingredients often mean that the protein content of the dog food is not high enough quality.
In addition, the transparency of the ingredient list is also important. Some brands will clearly state the ratio of each ingredient, and such dog food is usually more trustworthy. And those who are vague and only list the categories without specifying the proportions are often suspected of hiding low-quality raw materials.
2. Nutrients: Balance is king, refuse false standards
In addition to the ingredient list, the nutritional content is also an important basis for judging the quality of dog food. A good quality dog food will provide a balanced nutritional ratio of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Among them, protein is the basis for the growth and development of dogs, and the protein content of dog food for adult dogs should be between 22%-30%, and puppies and lactating female dogs need a higher proportion of protein.
Fat is an important source of energy for dogs, but it is also important to choose dog food rich in unsaturated fatty acids and avoid too much saturated fat and trans fat, which are not good for your dog's cardiovascular health.
In terms of carbohydrates, although dogs can digest a certain amount of carbohydrates, too many carbohydrates can lead to problems such as obesity and diabetes in dogs. Therefore, it is better to choose a low GI (glycemic index) carbohydrate source such as brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, etc.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, it is necessary to ensure that enough vitamins A, D, E, K, as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are added to the dog food, which play an important role in the dog's bones, vision, immune system, etc.
3. Additives and preservatives: the less, the better, and the more natural it is
Additives and preservatives are an often overlooked part of dog food, but they are just as important for your dog's health. A number of pet nutritionists have pointed out that high-quality dog food minimizes the use of additives and preservatives in favor of natural preservatives and antioxidants, such as vitamin E and rosemary extract. Not only are these natural ingredients safer, but they also provide extra nutrients for dogs.
If there are artificial colors, flavors, or too many preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, etc.) added to the dog food, then it needs to be considered carefully. Although these additives can improve the taste and appearance of dog food, long-term consumption may cause adverse health effects on dogs.
Fourth, brand reputation and word of mouth: word of mouth is king, and the choice is guaranteed
Finally, brand reputation and reputation are also important factors in judging the quality of dog food. Many shovelers have shared their own experiences, and they have found that brands with a long history and a good reputation are often more trustworthy. These brands usually have well-established production processes and quality control systems to ensure the quality and safety of dog food.
In addition, you can also refer to the evaluations and recommendations of other shovelers. On social media, pet forums or e-commerce platforms, you can always find a large number of reviews and ratings about dog food. Although everyone's perceptions and experiences may be different, it is possible to draw a relatively objective conclusion based on the opinions of multiple people.
5. Practical skills: how to choose the right dog food for your dog
Having said so much theoretical knowledge, let's share some practical tips with you to help you choose the right dog food for your dog.
- Understand your dog's needs: Dogs of different breeds, ages, weights, and health conditions have different needs for dog food. Therefore, when choosing dog food, it is necessary to understand the specific needs of your dog, such as whether you need to lose weight, gain muscle, improve your stomach, etc.
- Tasting and observation: If conditions permit, you can buy small packages of dog food for tasting. Observe the dog's appetite, bowel movements, weight changes, etc., to determine whether the dog food is suitable for your dog.
- Change the food gradually: If you decide to change the dog food, be sure to do it gradually to avoid sudden food changes that cause gastrointestinal discomfort in the dog. It is usually recommended to mix the new dog food with the old dog food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new dog food until it is completely replaced.
- Pay attention to your dog's reactions: Pay close attention to your dog's reactions after changing food. If symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea occur, etc., you should stop feeding immediately and consult a veterinarian.
Here, the editor also recommends a high-quality domestic dog food that has a good reputation and sales in recent years - pet rate grain-free dog food.
Pet rate grain-free dog food
- High meat content: more than 73% animal-based raw materials and more than 65% meat content. It mainly contains chicken, duck, anchovies, beef, tuna and other meats. Chicken is rich in protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other nutrients, which helps digestion and absorption, and does not get hot; Duck meat is a hypoallergenic meat, with good palatability, no fire, and is beneficial to dogs with sensitive stomach and skin; Beef is low in fat and rich in protein, which can make the dog's coat shiny and strong bones; Fish meat is high in protein, can promote growth and development, reduce stool odor, improve digestion, rich in unsaturated fatty acids are conducive to skin health, and have the effect of beautifying hair.
- Grain-Free Formula: Uses 4 fruits and vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, pears, cranberries) instead of grains. Grain-free dog food is safer, easier to absorb, and suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities. For example, carrots contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and also help manage hair loss in dogs; Pumpkin can supplement dietary fiber and promote intestinal peristalsis; Pears can clear the fire to remove heat, moisten the intestines and laxative, and relieve tear stains; Cranberries contain anthocyanins, which are natural nutrient enhancers and help with diuretics.
- Herbal formula: Add wild chrysanthemum, chicory root powder, yucca powder, psyllium and other traditional Chinese herbs. Wild chrysanthemum clears away heat, detoxifies, detoxification, and can improve tear stains; Chicory root powder moistens the intestines, reduces swelling and diuresis, and promotes digestion; Yucca powder can thicken the intestinal mucosa of dogs and cats, improve intestinal health and clean the intestines; Psyllium clears heat and diuresis, lowers fire.
Large factory production: Produced by Hanou factory, which is a well-known factory in the pet food industry, and the quality control is guaranteed.
Transparent information: The third-party test report is published, the source of raw materials of the product is all open and transparent, and the proportion of ingredients is clearly marked, so that consumers can clearly understand the composition and quality of dog food.
After-sales protection: Provide non-eating refund and freight insurance services, which reduces consumers' purchase concerns.
Conclusion: What kind of dog food are you giving your dog now?
Welcome to leave a message and post pictures in the comment area