{"id":1728,"date":"2016-11-11T19:28:07","date_gmt":"2016-11-11T19:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petpalaceresort.com\/?p=1728"},"modified":"2023-04-05T16:30:09","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T16:30:09","slug":"dog-food-best-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petpalaceresort.com\/dog-food-best-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"What Dog Food is Best for Your Dog?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"bestThey say that you are what you eat, and that saying stands true for our dogs. While pet owners are in charge of our own dietary decisions, our dogs rely on us to make sure the food they eat is healthy and nourishing.<\/p>\n

However, the options available out there can be overwhelming, and every brand of dog food wants you to believe it\u2019s the best around. Ultimately, the best dog food to buy (or make) depends on your individual pet, but there are some general guidelines that are worth following.<\/p>\n

The Basics \u2013 Separating Good from Bad<\/h3>\n

Many of the methods you use to screen your own food purchases will apply equally when buying pet food. For starters, what\u2019s on the inside is much more important than flashing packaging and vague terms like \u2018all natural.\u2019<\/p>\n

Instead, look for foods that have been deemed \u201ccomplete and balanced\u201d by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an association of public agencies that regulates the sale and distribution of animal food and drugs. According to the FDA<\/a>, \u201ccomplete and balanced\u201d means the food contains the recommended level of every single nutrient listed in the AAFCO\u2019s nutritional profile.<\/p>\n

Special Needs for Puppies and Older Dogs<\/h3>\n

Both puppies and older dogs can have special dietary needs, and shouldn\u2019t regularly be fed standard dog food.<\/p>\n

For starters, many feeds specifically made for pups and older dogs contain smaller pieces than standard dog food. For puppies\u2019 smaller mouths, or elderly dogs who can\u2019t chew like they used to, this helps assure the kibble is broken down properly before moving on to their stomachs.<\/p>\n

Growing puppies can often need up to twice the nutritional requirements of adult dogs, and puppy food is specifically made with that in mind. Likewise, elderly dogs often need fewer calories, along with supplements to fight arthritis and other age-related conditions.<\/p>\n

Managing Allergies<\/h3>\n

Some dogs can be sensitive to certain proteins in dog food, which typically results in skin conditions like itching or flaking. Dogs can also have a food intolerance<\/a>, symptoms of which may look the same, but don\u2019t involve the immune system.<\/p>\n

Since a food trial is really the only dependable way to find out what is triggering a response in your dog, it\u2019s important to work with your veterinarian to find a solution. Recognizing some common signs of allergies will help your vet to isolate the problem. Some symptoms include:<\/p>\n