The basic premise of dry dog food is that dogs require certain amounts of specific nutrients, including protein, fats, vitamins and minerals, to maintain good health. By providing these nutrients in a specially designed formula, the food provides a balanced diet for your dog. Dry dog foods have been around since the 1920s, though they didn’t become popular until after World War II. Before then, people fed their pets a variety of different mixed diets that could include meat scraps, vegetables, fruit, and cereal. These types of diets were often not nutritionally complete and therefore left hungry pups unsatisfied and prone to obesity. While a few companies still produce these kinds of pet foods today, many prefer to use a more modern approach that involves feeding dogs specialized formulas created to provide them with everything they need to stay fit, strong and happy.
There are three basic types of dry dog food: canned, extruded, and freeze-dried. Each type offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Canned dog food is great for those who live where fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t always available, or if you don’t want to buy expensive raw meats. Extruded products offer a nutritional advantage over canned foods because they’re made using more natural ingredients (like whole grains, instead of just grain flour) and therefore tend to be less processed than other varieties. Freeze dried foods are generally considered the best choice for dogs because they’re high in fat, easily digestible, and low in moisture content. However, this type of food does require special handling and storage conditions to make sure it doesn’t go rancid. All three types of dry dog food can be purchased at most pet stores, but you should know what kind of pet you plan to feed before you buy. If you’re looking for something that’s more suitable for puppies, stick to the freeze-dried choices. On the other hand, if you’ve got a senior pet who’s starting to show signs of aging, opt for the canned or extruded options.
1. Ingredients
In order for any food to be deemed suitable for dogs, it needs to have certain ingredients. These are vitamins and nutrients that the dog requires for healthy skin, muscles, and joints. The right ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrate content is essential for their physical well-being.
2. Dosage
The amount of dosage you give your pet is dependent upon his size and age. A small puppy may need less than a full adult dose, whereas a larger dog might require a bit more. If you think that your dog eats a lot, then just make sure that he takes enough of the food daily. You can always measure out a specific amount and feed him accordingly. Make sure not to overfeed your pet. Overfeeding often results in extra weight gain. Do not hesitate to consult your vet if your dog has been taking a lot of food.
3. How much?
It’s best to start measuring the quantity of dry foods you use at about 6 months of age. Feeding a larger dog twice a day should provide sufficient nutrition, although a smaller dog may only need once a day. As a rule of thumb, you would want to feed half of your dog’s body weight per pound of diet fed. So if your dog weighs 20 pounds, then you want to feed 10 pounds of dry food daily.
4. Storage
Keep your dog’s food in a cool, dark place, away from moisture, insects, rodents, and pets. Avoid exposing your dog’s dry food to extreme temperatures; warm weather and high humidity can cause spoilage and mold. Store your dog’s wet food in airtight containers and keep them in a refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life.
