DOG FOOD STARTER KIT
If you’re not sure what to feed your dog, consider these 10 things before you put that dog bowl down.
Make sure it’s balanced and complete per AAFCO or NRC standards. If you’re considering cooking for them, please make sure the recipe is professionally formulated to be balanced.
Then, how processed is the food?
Does your dog have dietary restrictions?
Does the food have organic produce or possible GMOs? Well-sourced protein? Grains prone to toxic mold like corn?
Aim for the healthiest food that fits in your budget. I know feeding big dogs gets pricey. But don’t assume a better food is way more expensive just because the bag says $50 vs $25. The amount to feed is what you must compare. Reach out for more detail on that.
Consider the amount of calories needed & dole out proper portions so your dog is satisfied without being over-fed. Don’t just switch from one brand to another and assume 1 cup of food is still appropriate just because that might be what the last brand suggested.
Know that not all calories are equal. Switching to a higher protein food that’ll have less carbs, for instance, might help your dog lose weight if they need to … even if you feed the same number of calories.
Read labels and reach out to a professional (like me) to help you analyze one brand and process over another.
Transition slowly between types of food and brands. For example, 25% new food, 75% old food for 2-3 days and increase new food’s amount to 50% once their digestive system seems to handle the change well - hopefully after a few days. Then a few days later, increase the new food to 75% of the calories. And so on until you’ve fully transitioned and your dog is digesting the new food well without the runs or the stinkies if you know what I mean.
If you settle on kibble or canned, try to include healthy toppers that equal 10% of daily caloric intake. You can also add these healthy additions as treats outside of meal time if easier. I’m talking about quality bone broth for dogs, gently cooked green leafy vegetables (without seasoning), an egg (raw or cooked), a dried anchovy or canned sardine (with bones generally), a meal topper mix by a reputable brand like Honest Kitchen, Green Juju, or Open Farm, for instance.
Adding healthy toppers can literally buy your dog time on earth. They can save you grief and money in vet bills.
Just dog food for thought. For more guidance, reach out and download my free dietary guide from my home page, too.