How To Choose The Best Food For Your Dog 2023 | Buying Guide

As a dog owner, choosing the best food for your four-legged companion is crucial for their overall health and well-being. The right food provides the essential nutrients your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight, promote strong bones and muscles, and support their immune system.

With so many dog food options available on the market, selecting the best one can be overwhelming. Factors such as your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and dietary needs can all play a role in determining the right food for them. In this guide, we will provide helpful tips and guidelines to help you choose the best food for your dog.

What is a Good Dog Food?

A good dog food should provide complete and balanced nutrition for your dog’s specific life stage, breed, and activity level. Here are some key factors that make a dog food “good”:

High-quality protein sources: Dogs are omnivores, but they require a diet that is primarily based on animal protein. Look for dog food that lists whole meat or meat meal as the first ingredient.
Balanced nutrition: A good dog food should provide balanced levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
No artificial additives: Avoid dog food that contains artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can be harmful to your dog’s health.
No fillers: Fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy, are inexpensive sources of carbohydrates but provide little nutritional value and can be difficult for dogs to digest.
Limited ingredient list: For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, a limited ingredient diet may be necessary. Look for dog food that lists a limited number of ingredients to help identify potential allergens.
Transparent sourcing: Look for dog food brands that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes. This can help ensure that the food is of high quality and safe for your dog to eat.

Remember, the best dog food for your furry friend depends on their individual needs, so it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog.

Dog Food Myths

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding dog food. Here are some common ones:

Grain-free dog food is better: There is no evidence that grain-free dog food is better for dogs. In fact, some grain-free dog foods have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease in dogs.
Dogs should only eat raw food: While some dog owners believe that a raw food diet is the most natural and healthy for dogs, there are risks associated with feeding raw food, such as the potential for bacterial contamination and the risk of nutritional imbalances.
Dogs need to eat a lot of meat: While dogs do require a diet that is rich in protein, they are not obligate carnivores and can thrive on a balanced diet that includes plant-based protein sources.
Homemade dog food is always better: While homemade dog food can be a healthy option, it can be difficult to ensure that the diet is nutritionally balanced and meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
Expensive dog food is always better: The price of dog food does not always reflect its quality. It’s important to look at the ingredients and nutritional profile of the food, rather than just the price tag.
All dogs have the same nutritional needs: Different dogs have different nutritional needs based on their breed, age, weight, activity level, and health status. It’s important to choose a dog food that is tailored to your dog’s individual needs.

It’s important to do your research and consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.

Things To Consider When Buying Dog Food

When buying dog food, there are several things to consider to ensure that you are choosing the best diet for your furry friend:

Your dog’s age, breed, and activity level: Different dogs have different nutritional needs based on their age, breed, and activity level. For example, a puppy has different nutritional needs than a senior dog, and a large breed dog has different needs than a small breed dog.
The ingredients list: Look for dog food that lists whole meat or meat meal as the first ingredient. Avoid dog food that contains fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
The nutritional profile: A good dog food should provide balanced levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Any food allergies or sensitivities: If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, you may need to choose a limited ingredient diet or a prescription diet that is formulated to address your dog’s specific needs.
Brand reputation and transparency: Look for dog food brands that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes, and have a good reputation for producing high-quality dog food.
Price: While the price of dog food does not always reflect its quality, it’s important to choose a dog food that fits within your budget.
Your veterinarian’s recommendations: Your veterinarian can provide valuable insight into your dog’s nutritional needs and can recommend a diet that is tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
Type of food: There are several types of dog food to choose from, including dry kibble, wet/canned, and semi-moist. Dry kibble is the most common type and is often more affordable, but some dogs prefer wet or semi-moist food. Consider your dog’s preferences and any dental issues they may have when choosing the type of food.
Feeding instructions: Make sure to follow the feeding instructions on the dog food packaging to ensure that you are giving your dog the correct amount of food. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, while underfeeding can lead to malnutrition.
Recall history: Check the brand’s recall history to ensure that the dog food you are considering has not been recalled in the past. Recalls can be a sign of quality control issues and can be potentially dangerous for your dog’s health. The FDA website provides a list of pet food recalls that you can check before making a purchase.

By considering these factors, you can choose a high-quality dog food that provides your furry friend with the nutrition they need to thrive.

Best Dog Foods To Buy

Here are some of the best dog foods on Amazon, based on customer reviews and ratings:

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a popular dog food brand that is known for its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. Here are some details about this dog food:

Ingredients: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula contains real meat as the first ingredient, followed by whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It does not contain any poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Variety: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula comes in various flavors, including chicken and brown rice, lamb and brown rice, and fish and brown rice.

Nutrition: This dog food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all sizes and breeds. It contains essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health, as well as antioxidants to support the immune system.

Packaging: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula comes in both dry kibble and wet/canned varieties, making it a versatile option for pet parents.

Customer reviews: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is well-reviewed on Amazon, with many customers praising the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact it has had on their dogs’ health and energy levels.

Price on Amazon: $42

2. Purina Pro Plan SAVOR

Purina Pro Plan SAVOR is a popular dog food brand that is known for its high-quality protein sources and balanced nutrition. Here are some details about this dog food:

Ingredients: Purina Pro Plan SAVOR contains real meat and fish as the first ingredients, followed by rice, corn, and other whole grains. It does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Variety: Purina Pro Plan SAVOR comes in various flavors, including chicken and rice, lamb and rice, and salmon and rice.

Packaging: Purina Pro Plan SAVOR comes in both dry kibble and wet/canned varieties, making it a versatile option for pet parents.

Customer reviews: Purina Pro Plan SAVOR is well-reviewed on Amazon, with many customers praising the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact it has had on their dogs’ health and energy levels.

Price on Amazon: $66

3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult

Hill’s Science Diet Adult is a popular dog food brand that is known for its balanced nutrition and high-quality ingredients. Here are some details about this dog food:

Ingredients: Hill’s Science Diet Adult contains real chicken as the first ingredient, followed by whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Variety: Hill’s Science Diet Adult comes in various flavors, including chicken, lamb, and beef.

Nutrition: This dog food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all sizes and breeds. It contains essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health, as well as antioxidants to support the immune system.

Packaging: Hill’s Science Diet Adult comes in both dry kibble and wet/canned varieties, making it a versatile option for pet parents.

Customer reviews: Hill’s Science Diet Adult is well-reviewed on Amazon, with many customers praising the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact it has had on their dogs’ health and energy levels.

Price on Amazon: $75

4. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free is a popular dog food brand that is known for its high-quality protein sources and grain-free formula. Here are some details about this dog food:

Ingredients: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free contains real roasted bison and roasted venison as the first ingredients, followed by fruits, vegetables, and other high-quality protein sources. It is free from grains, corn, wheat, and artificial flavors and preservatives.

Variety: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free comes in various flavors, including bison, venison, and lamb.

Packaging: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free comes in dry kibble and wet/canned varieties, making it a versatile option for pet parents.

Customer reviews: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free is well-reviewed on Amazon, with many customers praising the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact it has had on their dogs’ health and energy levels.

Price on Amazon: $59

5. Wellness Complete Health Natural

Wellness Complete Health Natural is a popular dog food brand that is known for its balanced nutrition and high-quality ingredients. Here are some details about this dog food:

Ingredients: Wellness Complete Health Natural contains real meat, such as chicken, lamb, or salmon, as the first ingredient, followed by wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits. It does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Variety: Wellness Complete Health Natural comes in various flavors, including chicken, lamb, and fish.

Packaging: Wellness Complete Health Natural comes in both dry kibble and wet/canned varieties, making it a versatile option for pet parents.

Customer reviews: Wellness Complete Health Natural is well-reviewed on Amazon, with many customers praising the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact it has had on their dogs’ health and energy levels.

Price on Amazon: $42

It’s important to note that every dog has different nutritional needs, so what works for one dog may not work for another. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your furry friend.

How Much You Should Feed Your Dog?

he amount of food you should feed your dog depends on several factors, including their age, weight, breed, activity level, and overall health. In general, it’s recommended to feed adult dogs 1-2 meals per day and puppies 3-4 meals per day. You should also consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your specific dog.

To get a general idea of how much to feed your dog, you can check the recommended feeding guidelines on the food packaging or use a feeding calculator provided by the manufacturer. You can also use the 10% rule, which suggests feeding your dog 10% of their body weight per day. For example, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, you would feed them 5 pounds of food per day. However, this is just a general guideline and may not be suitable for all dogs.

It’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their food intake accordingly. If your dog is gaining weight, you may need to reduce their food intake, while if they’re losing weight, you may need to increase it. Additionally, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water and avoid feeding your dog table scraps or human food, which can be harmful to their health.