dog food

Dog food: Our tips for choosing the right ones 🐶🦴🥣

Reading time : 6 minutes

In the world of dogs, dog food are an essential element to take into account when providing a healthy and balanced diet for our four-legged companion. This topic is especially important to me because as a dog owner I want to make sure I'm providing them with the best things for their health and well-being.

Finding the right dog food can be a real headache, especially with the multitude of choices available on the market. It is therefore important to consider the specific needs of our animal, such as its age, size, weight and breed, to choose the appropriate food wisely.

The best dog food

It is essential to choose the best dog food in order to ensure a complete and balanced diet for our faithful companions. Here are some tips to help you select quality kibble.

Analysis and priority

  • Analyze labels : Read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that the majority of raw materials used are of animal origin.
  • Prioritize protein : The primary source of energy for dogs is protein, preferably of animal origin. Choose kibble containing between 25% and 40% of protein for a balanced diet depending on your dog's age and physical activity.

Here is a table which presents some brands of dog food meeting these criteria:

BrandProtein content (%)Origin of proteins
Pro Plan26 to 30%chicken, salmon, beef
Orijen 38%poultry, fish, egg
Hills20 to 30%chicken, turkey, salmon, beef
Royal Canin25%poultry

Remember that every dog is unique and their dietary needs may vary. Here are some additional tips that will help you narrow down your choice of kibble based on your dog:

Our advices

  • Adapt the diet to the age and specific needs of the dog : Puppies, adult dogs and seniors have different needs. The same goes for those with specific health problems. So be sure to choose kibble suitable for each case.
  • Choose kibble without controversial ingredients : Avoid kibble containing animal by-products, artificial colors or preservatives.
  • Check out reviews and recommendations : Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian or other dog owners for advice on the kibble you are considering purchasing.

These tips will allow you to choose the best dog food to ensure a healthy, balanced diet adapted to your faithful companion. It is important to remain attentive to your pet's reactions and to consult a veterinarian in case of doubt or problem. Here are some brands worth considering:

  • Pro Plan
  • Orijen
  • Hills
  • Royal Canin
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Finally, always remember that good nutrition is the key to a long and healthy life for your dog.

dog food

Choose kibble according to your dog's needs

In order to select the kibble suited to my dog's needs, it is essential to take into account several factors, such as age, size, breed, and physical activity. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely:

The dog's age

A dog's nutritional needs vary depending on its age. The market offers kibbles for puppies, adult dogs And senior dogs. Do not forget that :

  • Puppies need a diet rich in protein and fat to promote healthy growth;
  • Adult dogs require the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins;
  • Senior dogs need a low-fat food to prevent the onset of disease and promote longevity.

Size and breed

The energy needs of dogs vary depending on their breed and size. The kibbles are thus adapted according to these criteria. For example, the small breeds need more caloric foods while large breeds require a more mineral-dense diet to strengthen their joints.

Physical activity

A dog's activity level also influences its dietary needs. Very active dogs like sporting dogs need a high-energy diet to support their performance, while less active or sedentary dogs require a lower calorie diet.

Food preferences and intolerances

Some dogs may have taste preferences or suffer from food intolerances. Don't worry, there are many options available in the market such as:

  • Of the vegetarian croquettes for dogs with intolerances to certain animal proteins,
  • Of the hypoallergenic kibble for dogs with allergies.
  • Of the grain-free kibble : these kibbles are generally better suited to the needs of dogs, because they contain fewer carbohydrates and more protein.
  • Of the organic kibble : they are made from ingredients from organic farming, without pesticides or GMOs.

By considering these factors, I can choose the best kibble for my dog. Do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian for recommendations specific to your pet. Here is a summary table of the different criteria to take into account:

CriteriaExamplesTypes of kibble
AgePuppiesPuppy food
Adult dogsDry food for adults
Senior dogsCroquettes for seniors
Size and breedSmall breedsDry food for small breeds
Large breedsKibbles for large breeds
Physical activitysporting dogsEnergy kibbles
Sedentary dogsLess caloric croquettes
Preferences and intolerancesVegetarian dogsVegetarian croquettes
Dogs with allergiesHypoallergenic kibble

Where to buy quality dog food

It is crucial to choose the right kibble for our four-legged friends. Diet quality has a direct impact on their health and well-being. In this section, I will give you some tips for finding quality dog food.

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First of all, it is important to learn about the ingredients in the kibble. Quality kibble generally contains:

  1. High quality proteins (meat, fish, eggs)
  2. Vegetables and fruits (for fiber and nutrients)
  3. Essential fatty acids (for skin and coat)
  4. Vitamins and minerals (to strengthen the immune system)

Then, there are several places to buy quality dog food. Here are some options for finding quality products:

Place of purchaseBenefitsDisadvantages
Pet storesLarge selection, personalized advicePrices sometimes high
Supermarkets and hypermarketsAccessibility, affordable pricesChoice limited to certain brands
VeterinariansSpecific products, professional adviceHigh prices, limited selection
InternetWide choice, easy comparisonNeed to choose the site carefully

Pet stores

Benefits

Pet stores generally offer a wide variety of brands and types of kibble. Whether you have a dog, cat, bird or other type of pet, you should be able to find the right food for your pet.

Pet store employees often have good knowledge of different types of pet food and can help you choose the best option for your pet. They can give you advice on your pet's specific nutritional needs, possible food allergies, and more.

Disadvantages

Kibbles sold in pet stores may be more expensive than those you can find online or in supermarkets. This is due to the costs associated with running a physical store, which are often reflected in product prices.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets

They have a variety of options, but you have to know how to choose from the brands offered.

Benefits

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are generally easily accessible and have longer opening hours than specialist pet stores. This can make buying kibble more convenient, especially if you need to make additional purchases.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets often have lower prices than specialized pet stores. This is due to their ability to buy in bulk and their generally lower operating costs.

Disadvantages

Supermarkets and hypermarkets generally have a more limited selection of brands and types of kibble than specialized pet stores. They may not have certain premium or specialty brands, or options for specific diets (like grain-free, hypoallergenic, etc.).

dog food

Veterinarians

Benefits

Veterinarians often have access to specific brands of kibble that are not available in pet stores or supermarkets. These products may be specially formulated to meet specific dietary needs, such as hypoallergenic diets, diets for weight control, or diets for pets with specific medical conditions.

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When you purchase kibble from the veterinarian, you have the opportunity to discuss your pet's dietary needs with an animal health professional. The veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your pet based on their age, breed, health status and specific nutritional needs.

Disadvantages

Kibbles sold at the veterinarian may be more expensive than those available in pet stores or supermarkets. This is because these products are often from specialty brands and can be formulated to meet specific dietary needs.

Although veterinarians have access to specific brands of kibble, their selection may be more limited than that of a pet store or supermarket. They may not have a wide variety of flavors or types of food to choose from.

Internet

Benefits

Online sales sites generally offer a wide variety of brands and types of kibble. You can find options for all types of pets, specific diets (like grain-free, hypoallergenic, etc.), and brands that aren't available locally.

Buying online also allows you to compare easily prices, ingredients and customer reviews for different brands of kibble. This can help you make an informed choice about the best food for your pet.

Disadvantages

Not all online shopping sites are created equal. He is essential to choose a reputable site to ensure that you are purchasing a genuine product and not a counterfeit. Additionally, some sites may have less favorable return or refund policies than others.

In summary

Finally, it is important to remember that choosing the right kibble for your dog depends on several factors. This includes the breed, size, age and specific needs of the animal. Here are some things to consider when purchasing dog food:

  • Quality of ingredients : Make sure the kibble contains quality protein sources and natural ingredients. Avoid those with preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.
  • Nutritional balance : Kibble should be balanced in terms of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins to ensure a healthy diet for your dog.
  • Specific needs : Some dogs may have specific needs due to their breed, age, or health problem. Take these needs into consideration when purchasing kibble.

I hope this article has helped you better understand the importance of choosing the right dog food. It is essential to take the time to research and choose the kibble best suited to your companion to ensure their health and well-being. Remember to check product labels regularly to ensure you are choosing the most beneficial option for your pet.

Finally, it is always recommended to consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet. This professional will be able to give you advice on the best kibble to choose based on the specific needs of your pet. Don't neglect this important step to ensure a long and healthy life for your four-legged friend.

  • Florence Luberton

    Florence Luberton, a passionate pet lover and pet owner. Florence has dedicated her life to educating pet owners on the best ways to care for their furry companions. From training, nutrition, to grooming and behavior, she has a wealth of knowledge that she loves to share with pet owners to help them better understand their animals.

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