Dog Food Reviews of bags and cans at the pet store and scores more options online-including raw food subscription services-it can be hard to know what to choose. Although most dogs will happily eat table scraps or any dog food you put in front of them, your canine companion has specific nutritional needs, and choosing a good food for your pup takes more than just a quick glance at a label.
If your vet recommends a certain diet for your dog, stick to that one unless your veterinarian specifically tells you otherwise. Changing foods too often can cause gastrointestinal upset, says Dr. Catriona Love, medical director at Mercer Street Vet Hospital.
Also be careful about claims on pet food labels, such as “human-grade” or “biologically appropriate.” While these terms may sound reassuring, they don’t actually mean much. A human-grade food must meet certain safety standards to be considered edible, while a feed-grade food meets only those standards formulated for animal consumption.
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The best dog foods are backed by scientific research and nutritionists, and they’re made with safe ingredients that will help your pets live healthy lives. Our experts test and evaluate hundreds of pet foods to identify those that meet the highest nutritional standards.
For example, a high-quality food will contain meat from animals that have been raised without antibiotics or hormones. It will also feature prebiotics and probiotic fiber to help support digestion and a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Finally, it will be formulated for your dog’s age and lifestyle, and it should be free from allergens such as gluten and dairy.