Choosing the best dog food is one of the first and most important decisions you will make for your dog. Feeding good quality dog food will enhance your pet's health and longevity. There are dozens of types and brands of dog food to choose from, and trying to choose the right one can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you choose the best food one for your dog!
Desirable Features of Dog Food Dog foods formulated for the proper life stage of your pet such as puppies, adults or senior pets
Food formulated and designed for the size of your puppy or dog
AAFCO approved (Choose diets that conform to minimal Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards
Recommended by your veterinarian
Consistent
High quality ingredients
Ideal Choice in Dog Food
Choose a dog food formulated specifically for your pet's needs. Choose complete and balanced foods, AAFCO approved for the life stage of your pet. For example, if you have a puppy, choose a food AAFCO approved for puppies (NOT adult dogs). Hill's® Science Diet® makes great quality foods formulated to meet the needs of different breed sizes of puppies and dogs and different taste preferences.
Shopping Tips for Dog Food
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) publishes feed regulations and ingredient definitions of dog food. If the pet food follows the guidelines set forth by AAFCO, the label will include a statement that says "Formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for Puppies/Adults/Senior.”)
It is not a requirement to meet AAFCO standards in order to sell dog food, so buyers beware. Check the labels and compare products.
More Tips for Buying Dog Food
Good nutrition may be the most important factor affecting your dog's health. This is especially true in growing puppies. Feed the best quality dog food you can afford