Head to the pet food isle of any supermarket and you’ll quickly be overwhelmed by the wide variety of dog foods available. If you’re considering changing your dog’s diet or just want to know if the food you’re currently feeding him is the best, there are several things to consider. Here are some things to know when shopping for dry dog ​​food for your pet.

Not all foods are the same. In fact, there is a very wide difference between the best and the worst. While you may not need to buy premium foods for your dog, there are several types that you should stay away from if you’re worried about your canine friend.

The number of calories a dog receives is very important. Just as humans need a balanced diet that balances their energy needs with their daily activity, so do dogs. A food that contains too many calories, usually in the form of fat or simple carbohydrates, can quickly lead to obesity in less active dogs. A good dry dog ​​food contains a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, just like a well-balanced human food. Even if your dog is extremely active and weight gain is not a consideration, dog foods that contain a lot of fillers are not good for them.

If you’re not sure which foods provide the best nutrition, a vet can usually give you the best advice. If you’re unsure about her current food, take the bag with you the next time you visit the vet and get her opinion. If the vet thinks the current food is missing, they can offer you some more nutritious options.

Many people are not convinced of the need for special foods for puppies, large breeds, active breeds, older dogs, etc. They think dog food is dog food. The truth is that different foods are made with different energy needs in mind. For example, puppies need food that is easy to chew and provides plenty of energy for growth. Large breeds also need more food, but are often less active and need fewer calories. Older dogs are also less active and may have special nutritional needs due to their age. Just because a food is designed for a particular breed or age doesn’t mean it’s good, but in general, the more specific the food, the better it will be for your dog.

A good way to test dry dog ​​food is to soak it in water for a few minutes and see what happens. If the food puffs up considerably, it is an indication that the food contains a lot of fillers. Much better food can be found for a little more money. Spending a little more to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met could save you money in the long run by reducing vet bills.