Feeding your puppy with a well-balanced food is the best thing that you, as a pet owner, can possible do for the animal. The right food will keep the puppy’s hair coat sleek and shiny, strengthen its digestive system and help keep the puppy’s digestive system in good shape. However, when it comes to choosing the best dog food for puppies, the options seems to be quite endless making finding the best a daunting task. But don’t despair, this article will give you tips on just how to find the best dog food for your puppy.
Always know what is in the puppy food
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) has established some guidelines on what a dog food company should include in their products. If a food is said to have a single ingredient, then it must contain a minimum of 95% of that ingredient, excluding water.
If the food has phrases like platter, dinner and entrée, then it must have at least 25% of the mentioned ingredient.
Ensure protein sources are very high in the ingredient list.
Go for foods that are rich in meat. Puppies are carnivorous and thrive well on a diet based on meat.
Other protein sources are crucial for your puppy’s health. It is for this reason that you should look for food sources at the top of the ingredient list. Meat and other protein sources should always be identified by species (for example, turkey, chicken or lamp). Avoid any source that uses identified formulas (such as turkey meal or chicken meal).
Look For Adequacy
You should always check the puppy food for a nutritional-adequacy statement. Puppies have different food needs than adult dogs. It is for this reason that you should always look for statements such as “the food is balanced and complete for all life stages” and “this food is balanced and complete for growth”.
Always consider the guaranteed analysis
This analysis lists the amount of fats and proteins by percentage as well as the maximum amount of moisture and fiber also by percentage. This analysis provides you with a measure of nutrients category but does not indicate the digestively or quality of the ingredients.
Always consult your vet for advice
Genetics, age, reproductive status and lifestyle all play a role in the type and amount of food your puppy should have. Ask your vet to perform a body condition evaluation to find out all about the dog.
You may also find that your puppy needs a little more or a little less than what the packaging suggests. This is so because some puppies needs some special foods for them to lose weight. Always ask your vet for a dietary suggestion.
Do your homework
You may not find information on quality or sourcing control during manufacturing on labels. However, you can find such information on the manufacturer’s website. If this is not the case, then you can decide to call the manufacturer’s customer relations
Go for a company that manufactures the foods in its facility rather than outsourcing. This is because such a company has better control and better food for your puppy.
Never leave anything to chance when looking for the best dog food for your puppy. Your efforts will result will be a happy and healthy pup for years to come.