When looking for the best dog food for your pet, the most important thing you can do is provide the best nutrition possible, with the goal of increasing the longevity of your dog. It is for this reason that all natural dog food is likely the best option.
But how does food with natural ingredients that are not over-processed compare with other products on the market? Actually, the differences can be quite substantial. Sometimes companies utilize what is called “4D meat,” an inferior selection of beef or chicken that was diseased, near death, or otherwise disabled in some way. Sometimes even non-meat portions such as hooves, beaks, head, and feet are incorporated in the food. In other instances, the grain used in the food may be so old that it has grown moldy.
A good way to look at these foods is by thinking of the “pink slime” so commonly used in fast food burgers for human consumption. If you wouldn’t eat pink slime, which often contains non-meat such as bone and cartilage, why would you choose to give your dog a similar experience?
Natural ingredients also make up the best dog food because preservatives are not incorporated. These harmful elements, such ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT, may lead to cancer. In 2005, the Morris Animal Foundation study determined that almost half of the natural deaths of aged dogs and cats were a result of cancer. In other words, feeding your dog with quality ingredients can increase his or her life expectancy.
Sometimes pet owners are dissuaded from buying natural foods because of the higher prices. Fortunately, you can readily find dog food coupons, often online, for companies such as Science Diet and Natural Choice. When choosing the right food, be sure to do a thorough job of researching the products to determine if the particular ingredients are right for your pet.
If you have additional questions, comments, or suggestions on how to find the best food for your dog, be sure to visit the forum below and make your thoughts known on the subject.