7 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

As with people, canines vary greatly. Dogs come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, with some being more energetic than others.

Choosing dog food is, therefore, an extremely individual act. The greatest dog food should be able to provide all the nutrients your dog requires when training. Aside from that, the best food is still the food your dog actually eats. 

Ensuring that your dog receives the proper amount of a nutritious diet is crucial for maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. 

To make informed decisions about your dog's diet, it is important to understand their nutritional needs and how they have evolved biologically.

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

1. Nutritional Needs

Dogs have specific nutritional needs that must be met in order to maintain their overall health and well-being. These needs include the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. 

Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, and should come from high-quality sources such as meat, fish, and eggs. 

Carbohydrates provide energy and support healthy digestion, and can be found in grains and vegetables. These can help your pooch run around and play in their favourite spaces such as the garden and the beaches! 

Fats provide essential fatty acids and help to keep a dog's coat and skin healthy. Vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining overall health and preventing disease.

Giving your dog a meal that is devoid of any essential nutrients is neglectful. A mixture of store-bought and home-cooked meals will accomplish a balanced diet.

Consider your dog's age, size, and activity level when deciding what kind of food he needs to thrive. In terms of nutrition, a developing puppy has different requirements than an older dog, and a large breed dog has different requirements than a small breed dog. 

A trip to the vet and talking to owners of the same breed can give you valuable insight on your dog's individual requirements.

2. Kibble, wet, and raw dog foods

Kibble

Kibble is a popular choice for dog food because it is convenient, easy to store, and has a long shelf life. It is also easy to measure out the appropriate portion size for your dog. 

Often formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, kibble is enriched with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. 

However, some kibble may contain fillers or preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. They can be more expensive than other types of food.

Wet Food

Wet food is another popular option for dog food. It’s more palatable than kibble and can be a good option for dogs who are picky eaters. 

Dogs with dental problems or who are prone to dehydration may benefit from wet food because it is often higher in protein and moisture than kibble. However, wet food typically costs more and spoils more quickly than kibble. 

It's best stored in the fridge, and heated for mealtime, which might be an added hassle for some pet owners.

Raw Foods

Raw food is a newer type of dog food that is becoming more popular. It is made from raw, natural ingredients such as meat, fruits, and vegetables. This type of food is believed to be closer to a dog's natural diet and can provide a higher level of nutrients. 

In contrast to kibble or canned food, raw food requires more work to prepare and store. Food-borne infections are another potential risk if it is not properly prepared or handled.

3. Ingredient Quality

The quality of ingredients in dog food is crucial for maintaining a dog's overall health and well-being. High-quality ingredients such as lean protein sources, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables provide the essential nutrients that dogs need to maintain a healthy diet. 

These ingredients also help to support your dog's immune system, promote healthy digestion, and support strong bones and muscles for training.

On the other hand, low-quality ingredients such as fillers and by-products can be detrimental to a dog's health. These ingredients are often used as a cheap way to bulk up dog food, but they do not provide the same nutritional value as high-quality ingredients. 

They can also cause allergic reactions, digestive issues and other health problems. In some cases, low-quality dog food may even be harmful to a dog's health, leading to serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

Be mindful of the ingredients in your dog's food and make sure that they are high-quality and nutritionally balanced.

Understanding and interpreting ingredient labels

Dog food ingredient labels often list its constituents in descending order, with the first ingredient being the one used in the greatest quantity.

The two most common ingredient labels you see in dog food are meat by-products and meat meals.

• Meat meals: Meat meal is a type of animal feed made by grinding and drying animal parts, such as bones and organ meats, to create a protein-rich powder. It is commonly used in pet food and as a protein source in livestock feed.
• Meat by-products: Meat by-products are defined as "parts other than meat that are obtained from slaughtered mammals that are not rendered." The lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, blood, bone, low-temperature-defatted fatty tissue, and a content-free stomach or intestine are all examples. No hair, horns, teeth, or hooves are included.

How to Recognize Lower Quality Meat Meals

Poor quality meat protein components include the following: 

• Meat meal
• Animal meal
• Chicken by-product meal
• Meat and bone meal

These are all signs of a lesser grade dog food when they are included in a recipe. Meat from various animals is typically referred to by its common name, such as beef, venison, lamb, chicken, etc.

They may also be labelled as "grain-free" or "organic" to indicate that it does not contain any grains or is made with organic ingredients, respectively.

Regulations for pet food labels

In Australia, pet food labels must comply with the Australian Code for the Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food, which is administered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). 

The code specifies that pet food labels must include information such as the product name, the species of animal for which the food is intended, a list of ingredients, the name and address of the manufacturer or importer, and the net weight or volume of the product. 

Any nutritional claims made on the label must be supported by scientific evidence and that any added vitamins, minerals, or other substances must be included in the ingredient list. 

Pet food labels must also not contain any false or misleading information, and must be legible and prominently displayed on the packaging.

4. Brand Reputation

Different Australian dog food brands

Bill Wiadrowski, the former nutritionist of Meals for Mutts, is the brains behind the Australian dog food brand Lifewise.

Depending on your dog's size, age, and dietary requirements, this brand of dry dog food has a selection of tasty options.

Grain-free and regular kibble are available from Lifewise, however there are no wet or cold food choices.

It’s a great option to simplify feeding for large-breed puppies, and the extra small kibble makes it easy for small-breed pups to learn to appreciate kibble. 

The composition is as good as the rest of the line as well as the higher calcium and phosphorus percentages in these recipes and there are no known recalls of Lifewise at the current time.

Petzyo

Petzyo is an Australian enterprise that provides doorstep delivery of both dry kibble and raw food.

Each of their creations only uses one type of protein, and their kangaroo flavours are made using ethically sourced kangaroo.

This brand is also more affordably priced than the majority of big Australian dog food brands. 

A review from Gentle Dog Trainers mentions that it's a fantastic option for most dogs and their owners due to its reasonable price, high-quality ingredients, and wide selection of tasty flavours. To that end, it's worth giving it a shot. 

If you want to support a local business while giving your dog the best nutrition available, this is your best bet without being linked to any product recalls.

Healthy Everyday Pets

Healthy Everyday Pets dog food has 36% protein, which is even more astounding than the 30% and 20% found in competing brands. The focus of Healthy Everyday Pets is on the fact that dogs are carnivores. Your dog, like most others, will benefit greatly from a diet rich in meat.

The Athlete formula of Healthy Everyday Pets dog food (but the others are nice as well) is exceptional. According to Pet Food Reviews, it ranks among the top dry dog foods available in Australia due to its high protein and fat content and relatively low carbohydrate content, and hasn’t been subjected to product recalls. 

Meals for Mutts

The brand of dog food known as Meals for Mutts has earned a solid reputation as a healthy, all-natural choice for your pet. Protein options include lamb, chicken, beef, and fish, all of which are complemented by ingredients supplied from Australia and New Zealand. 

Meals for Mutts appears to be a well-balanced dog food, with the sole drawback being that it is made primarily of vegetables.

Positive impacts for canine health and happiness, including better skin and coat, more energy, and less allergy problems, have won widespread praise from pet owners and no brand recalls. 

Eureka

Since Eureka is an air-dried raw dog food, it's a pretty easy method to give your dog "raw" without having to deal with gross organs and finding the correct proportion.

If you've considered feeding raw but been put off by the many variables involved (calcium to phosphorus ratios, percentage computations, etc.), or you simply don't have the time or energy to slice up organs, Eureka is a fantastic option.

Food reviews from various dog owners agree that the premium ingredients used in Eureka's dog chow make it an outstanding choice. The dog food is made in Australia using components from the area, and he absolutely adores it. If you are seeking high-quality, balanced dry dog food, go no further than this product.

5. Cost

Wet food options are typically more expensive than dry food options. Additionally, the size of the dog and their specific dietary needs (such as age, breed, and health conditions) will also affect your dog food budget. 

The cost of dog food in Australia can range from around $20 for a 2kg bag of dry food to over $100 for a 12kg bag of premium wet food. 

Find a balance between cost and quality to ensure that your dog is getting the best nutrition possible.

Balancing cost with the quality of ingredients and nutritional needs

While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper, lower quality options, it is important to remember that the long-term health and well-being of your dog is at stake. You could be trading savings on dog food to more expensive hospital and medication bills. 

Investing in high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients and ensuring that the food meets your dog's specific nutritional needs will ultimately save you money in the long run by reducing the risk of health issues and the need for veterinary care. 

Researching and comparing different brands and options can help you find the best value for your money without sacrificing the health and well-being of your dog.

6. Special Considerations

Special dietary needs or food allergies

Dog food in Australia is available in a variety of options to cater to special dietary needs and food allergies. This includes grain-free, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic options for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

There are also specific diets for dogs with specific health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer. These diets often include specific ingredients and are formulated to provide the necessary nutrients while avoiding ingredients that may be harmful to the dog's condition.

Consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have any special dietary needs or food allergies.

7. Community feedback

Reviews from your fellow dog owners are important when it comes to dog foods for several reasons. First, it allows pet owners to share their experiences with different brands and types of dog food. 

This information can be invaluable when trying to find the best food for your own pup. You know to steer clear of brands that have a bad rep with dog owners, and you avoid the waste of money in experimenting with the many dog food brands out there. 

Second, community feedback also allows pet food manufacturers and retailers to identify trends and issues with their products. 

This can help them to improve the quality and safety of their products, as well as address any concerns that pet owners may have. It also allows them to get a sense of what their customers are looking for in dog foods and cater to those needs. 

Community feedback plays a crucial role in ensuring that pet owners have access to high-quality, safe, and effective dog foods that meet the needs of their pets.

Conclusion

When choosing the right food for your dog, consider their age, size, and activity level as well as any specific dietary needs or health conditions they may have. 

You should also check the label to make sure the food is made with high-quality protein as the major ingredient and to steer clear of any unnecessary additives or preservatives. 

It's also smart to confirm with your vet to be sure the food you're giving your dog is healthy for its particular needs.

Your four legged companion counts on you for their healthy dietary habits!