Everything You Need to Know About Dog Food

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Everything You Need to Know About Dog Food

Introduction

We don't need to tell you that your pupper needs food — but we're going to anyway! Like all mammals, your doggo needs to consume food to function and have energy. Because they've been scavengers for thousands of years, canines have developed a tolerance for some non-meat foods, but they still prefer eating other animals (as unappetizing as that may sound!). When deciding what to feed your fur-baby, there are quite a few options to consider. Ultimately, the best choice for your pup is one that factors health, lifestyle, convenience, and quality. Below, we're going to break down the many different types of dog food out there to make your decision process a little easier!

Wet Food/Canned Food

Wet or canned food is definitely a canine favorite! Being full of moisture makes this food type smell and taste delicious — to dogs, that is. Another plus is that it often contains more protein and fewer preservatives when compared with other dog food. One thing to keep in mind is that wet food is generally more expensive and doesn't keep for as long as dry food.

Dry Food

More commonly known as kibble, dry food is the go-to choice for pooches. It's easy to store, easy to scoop, and is offered at most grocery, pet, and big box stores. When picking a dry food, take a look at the ingredients list. Kibble ranges drastically when it comes to quality, so beware of many low-cost brands. High protein and low or no grains are usually better for your woofer!

Mixed Food

To give their furry friend some variety, many people mix wet and dry food together for a yummier (less pricey) meal. This is done by purchasing both kibble and canned or wet food and serving it at half portions in one dish. Another approach to mixed food is serving raw meat or bones in with dry food. As long as you maintain proper portions, mixed food is a-okay!

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Raw Dog Food

More and more people are switching their doggos over to raw food. Raw food is exactly what it sounds like — raw meats, bones, and organs fed to your four-legged pal in a similar way to how nature does it. The key with a successful raw diet is to seek out high-quality meats, switch things up, and have your vet help you with supplements. Pre-packaged options are available, too.

Grain-Free Dog Food

Grain-free dog foods have been taking over the kibble market. These foods source their nutrients from meat and produce instead of relying heavily on grain fillers. By doing this, the food is easier to digest for our barky buddies, as dogs wouldn't naturally scavenge for grains. Many high-quality dog foods nix the grains in favor of better ingredients, but expect a higher price tag, as well.

High Protein Dog Food

Another label you'll likely find is "high protein". In recent years, people are paying closer attention to what they put in their puppers. Dogs tend to thrive when their diets are based on meat, not fillers. All protein isn't created equal, though, so it's still important to look closely at the ingredients list to see exactly how much protein is in their food — and where it comes from!

Dehydrated Dog Food

Dehydrated dog food is food that has been dried out using higher temperatures, removing all moisture and preventing rot from occurring. While this option keeps foods more complete than processed kibble, it still strips nutrients from the meal. The heat also changes the composition of meat and produce slightly, altering the taste. A higher price tag is generally attached to dehydrated dog food.

Freeze-Dried Dog Food

A great choice for owners that want to serve their pooches raw food but don't have enough fridge space to do so, freeze-dried food contains almost all of the goodness of raw without all of the mess. The food is removed of moisture via low temperatures, high air pressure, and then low heat to turn the ice to vapor. What's left is a tasty (and expensive) food for your dog.