Feeding Time.

Understanding Commercial Dog Food

The phrase "dog food" is commonly associated with some negative ideas and images - and if we're honest, we notice that even dogs aren't interested in half the dog food we seem to buy for them. So why is dog food so reviled, and what does it mean for how you should feed your dog?

Many people point out that dog food is made cheaper by including some low-quality ingredients. There are even some horror stories about dog food that was made out of scrap animal parts from slaughterhouses. If these stories are true, then it's no wonder that your dog will only seem to go for the good "human food" and the treats you give it, eating dog food as a last resort!

Does this mean all commercial dog foods are bad? Not necessarily, but it pays to be highly scrutinizing when it comes to your dog's food, particularly if you want the dog to breed and to produce healthy offspring.

So What Do I Do?

If you're convinced and want to avoid most commercial dog foods, some dog trainers recommend that you make your own dog food, or find an "all-natural" company that makes dog food out of solid ingredients. You want to avoid the "mystery meat" dog foods in favor of knowing what is going into your dog's body.

Many people recommend natural foods that include cheap meats, an occasional egg mixed in, chopped vegetables, and even some potential vitamin supplements, though these supplements are optional and you might want to consider consulting a vet first. Cheap meat includes turkey and chicken necks and backs or turkey hamburger. You can mix these meats up with vegetables like beans, celery, and carrots in order to give it a little more volume. If your budget is tight, you might even want to consider mixing the "all-natural" option with a cheaper dog food.

Ultimately, you should pay attention to how your dog responds to different types of food. This will be crucial for growing a healthy and happy dog that gets along in your household. At the very least, remember to be scrutinizing while you shop for your dog.

Photo Credits: Elsie esq.