Top 5 Types of Food That Are Best For Dogs

Caring for your dog can be keeping up with veterinary appointments or as simple as meeting their nutritional needs through dietary meals. Deciding on the right type of food to feed your dog can be puzzling since there are many options available.

These options vary in form and could be anything from raw food to kibble meals. To make your decision process easier, you will find below that this article explains 5 major categories of food that are best for your dog.

Dry dog food or kibble

Dry dog food is one of the most commonly fed types of dog food. Most commercial dry dog food brands provide balanced nutrition through the combination of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, many pet owners also choose to Buy Nutra Thrive Dogs supplements or similar to add to their dog’s food, to ensure they are getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals in their diet that they need. When choosing a dry dog kibble or a supplement, it’s always good to check out the reviews from other pet owners, as well as inspecting the ingredients. For example, you can look at the Nutra Thrive For Dogs reviews here and see for yourself what other pet owners think about the quality of this particular supplement.

While dry dog food is usually better for maintaining the health of dogs in general, it’s not ideal for dogs who are prone to dental problems. Dry dog food is difficult for plaque-causing bacteria to adhere to, and therefore doesn’t promote the formation of tartar and plaque on your dog’s teeth.

Many dry dog treats like bully sticks are also easier to digest. You may be wondering, what is a bully stick? It is a protein-packed chew treat of beef muscle made of a single ingredient, a pizzle. They come in different sizes and don’t splinter.

Raw dog food

Raw meat, organs, or bones are ideal for feeding your dog for several reasons. First, it provides your dog with much-needed protein, which is needed for maintaining good health and keeping your dog feeling full.

Second, raw bone is beneficial for dogs and extremely rich in nutrients like calcium and phosphorus while raw meat contains plenty of beneficial vitamins and enzymes that can help to boost your dog’s immune system. Raw dog food is also easier to digest than regular kibble because it hasn’t been cooked or processed.

Canned dog food

Unlike other categories of dog food, canned dog food has the advantage of a longer shelf life. Depending on the brand bought, it can equally be supplemented with extra nutrients but these can be quite expensive.

Most dogs prefer the taste of canned food to other options. Although the water content is higher than other food categories, this depletes the nutritional content and they sometimes contain a lot of fat. Canned dog food is ideal for dogs that have to regain their appetite.

Semi-moist dog food

Wet dog food is formulated with a high percentage of water compared to dry dog food. It also contains less fat than dry or canned dog food which makes it a better option for dogs with delicate stomachs.

There are many different types of semi-moist dog food options in the market. Some are made with high-quality natural ingredients while others are made with fillers and loaded with artificial preservatives. One way to choose the best for your dog is to read the dog food label. However, these types of food should not be the primary dietary source for your dog and must be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

Home-cooked dog food

Home-cooked dog food is perhaps the most nutritionally balanced of dog food types. The ingredients used, quantity and quality are directly under your control. While it is a more time-consuming effort, it is equally rewarding.

The absence of industrial processing put into making the meals benefit your dog. Furthermore, it is important to know what meals are good for dogs to avoid poisoning and deficiencies when home-cooking your dog’s food.

Final words

Food is an important factor in the development and growth of your dog. It not only provides nutrition but also helps to keep them healthy and active. 

Many dog foods are specially formulated for specific breeds of dogs to help meet their nutritional needs and enhance their athletic performance. It would be best to read the ingredient labels of dog food brands to determine if they are ideal for your dog.