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If you feel like we’re doing it at Androscoggin Veterinary Hospital, you want to give your dog the best of everything. Pet food is no exception. But how do you know how to choose the best dog food? Don’t worry, we’ll help you decide?
Know your puppy
When you start deliberating on the pet food choices on the shelf, it’s important to clarify what you actually need in a dog food. Even the healthiest dog food recommended by veterinarians is not the best for all animals.
Think about:
- Your dog’s breed
- Age
- reproductive status
- Weight maintenance needs
- Preference of taste and texture
- Medical needs and diagnoses
- your budget
- Where do you prefer to buy pet food
What to look for in food
Although the elements that each animal may need in its food may differ, there are certain variables of a good diet which are consistent. When trying to select the best dog food, be sure to assess:
- that there is a AAFCO statement on the package identifying that the food constitutes a complete diet (verse for intermittent feeding)
- That the AAFCO statement identifies which life stage(s) the food is most appropriate for (in general, the smaller the better)
- The diet was developed by a certified veterinary nutritionist or a person with a doctorate in animal nutrition
- That the manufacture of the diet is not subcontracted to a third party
- That there are contact details readily available for customer service
There are many media reports about ingredients and their quality, but the reality is that this information can be difficult to decipher. Many advertising terms such as “holistic” and “human grade” have no legal definition and ingredient lists are easy to manipulate to appear more appealing to consumers. You can rest assured that if you’ve done your homework and selected a professionally formulated diet, every ingredient on the list is there for a very good reason.
The best dog food
When it comes to bones (see what we did there?), there is no “best” dog food. The best dog food is one that provides your pet with adequate nutrition, meets all specific medical needs, is what your pet loves and is affordable for your family.
Our team is here to help you best determine your pet’s needs and guide you in your quest to select the best dog food. Make an appointment for a nutritional consultation so we can help you sort through the options. Pet nutrition can be confusing, but luckily for you, you have experts at your disposal!