When you get a dog, you automatically want what’s best for them. These are loyal companions who are highly dependent on you for everything that they need. First and foremost, you need to focus on their food. This is an essential and getting the right food for your pooch can require a lot more thought and decision making than simply reaching for the first option you see. Then you can focus on treats. Sure, treats may seem like an added luxury, but if you have a pet dog, it’s definitely something that you should consider working into their lifestyle. Treats serve multiple purposes. First and foremost, they can be a simple expression of love. Just as you would treat a child, a friend or anyone else you care about, giving your dog a treat shows that you care for them and that you want them to have something nice. But more than this, treats can also serve an important role in training and rewarding good behaviour. Now, there are many different types of treats out there that you can get for your dog, so it’s important to examine your options and determine the best type of treat to suit your individual pet’s needs and preferences. Treats can range from healthy fruit and vegetables that you may stock up in your own refrigerator anyway – apples, blueberries, carrots and more. They could also be specific dog treats that you can pick up in the store or order online – things like sweet potato jerky or Perrito snacks. Let’s take a moment to look a little further into dog food and treats and finding the right options for your pooch.

How Many Treats Is Too Many for a Dog?

Many of us feel lost and confused when it comes to how many treats we should feed to our dog. We don’t want to skimp out on treats, as we love seeing our pets enjoying eating something and we want to reward them for all of the good things they may do throughout the day. But at the same time, it’s important to be aware that feeding too many treats can also pose a risk to your dog’s health and wellbeing. Too many treats on top of a good, balanced diet can result in your pet eating too much and becoming overweight or obese – both health conditions that can impact their quality of life. So, generally speaking, it’s best to stick to the golden rule of ensuring that just 10% of your dog’s diet is composed of treats. To clarify, this means that no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake should be sourced from treats. If you’re unsure of what your pet’s daily calorie intake should be, it’s time to do some research. Every dog differs, depending on breed, size, age, level of physical activity and various other factors. If in doubt, simply ask your vet. They’ll be able to advise you on exactly how much your dog, in particular, should be eating each day.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food

There are countless different dog food options out there. Back in the day, choosing a dog food would simply mean picking up what was available on the shelves in your local store. But nowadays, we’re becoming increasingly aware of different dogs’ needs and there are more and more options cropping up. On top of this, there are various options based on budget, with budget brands and luxury brands differing in quality, flavour and various other factors. Here are just a few things you might want to take into consideration when it comes to choosing the right dog food for your pooch!

Your Dog’s Age, Breed and Activity Levels

Different dogs will need different amounts of food depending on their age, breed and activity levels. If your dog is young and highly active, or from a large breed that tends to have a larger stomach to fill, you may find yourself needing to invest in larger quantities of food than a smaller and more inactive dog. Adult dogs tend to require more than puppies. These are all things that you need to consider when purchasing food to ensure that your pup is getting enough!

Ingredients

As we’ve already highlighted, different foods will vary in quality and this is likely to be reflected in the price. It’s always a good idea to check out the ingredient lists on the back of your dog’s food – or the back of options that you are considering. Some dog foods are low grade meat or may not actually contain much real meat at all. Others will have a meat content that would pass being deemed worthy of human consumption. Ingredients lists will let you know exactly what’s in the food that you’re considering serving to your dog and can help you to choose the best quality option that falls within your budget.

Does Your Dog Need Grain Free Food?

While it’s recommended that the average dog’s diet contains an element of carbohydrates, some dogs’ digestive systems don’t process grain well. This is where grain free food may become essential. Grain free dog foods are made without grain, wheat, rice or other forms of grains. Instead, they use alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as potatoes or pea flour.

Does Your Dog Need Hypoallergenic Food?

Like humans, some dogs have allergies. In these instances, your pet may need hypoallergenic food. Hypoallergenic dog foods tend to be free of common allergens that could irritate or upset your pet’s digestive system.

These are just the basics when it comes to getting your dog’s diet right. Remember, if you are ever in doubt or have any questions, simply reach out to your vet. They’ll be able to give you the most accurate information in regards to your pet’s specific needs!