What Makes Dog Food Healthy?

Pet food has gotten way more complicated than it used to be.

The idea that the dog food we used to buy at the supermarket is not so healthy is a concern and a revelation to most of us. And with this recent pet food recall in the US, I've been getting lots of emails about pet food.

So, if you're evaluating your pet's diet and you want to know what makes dog food healthy and what you should be looking for on the labels, read on.

Fresh, whole ingredients make dog food healthy. A good diet is limited in artifical and processed foods.

Though there are many ways to feed your pet, from table "scraps" like my grandparents to today's fixation on dry kibble, there are certainly variations of quality.

When looking at labels on dry kibble or canned food, look for a whole meat source to be first on the label followed by a variety of vegetables. Skip the artificial colors, the grain-filled products and the BHA, BHT and ethoxoquin. There are plenty of good products out there that offer better nutrition for your pet.

In other words, go with ingredients you recognize and would eat yourself. Any meat base is fine unless your pet is allergic to it. Most won’t be. Unless you have reason to think he is allergic to a meat source, don’t worry about it.

What Baggins Eats

I like to give Baggins a scoop of kibble (right now he's eating Nature's Variety Dog Food) and mix it in with a little leftover rice and a raw beef or chicken medallion.

This mix offers more of a balance of nutrients and flavor variety than the straight kibble. Plus, by adding in the raw meat, he’s getting some of the benefits of the raw diet —shiny coat, healthy immune system—but it’s simple (I buy Nature’s Variety Nature's Variety Raw Chx & Trky Medallions - 3 lbs. and let a few medallions defrost in the fridge at a time) plus I’m able to stretch the pocketbook further as feeding just the raw meat medallions can really add up.

The Best Healthy Dog Food

There are many good brands of food out there, Nature's Variety Dog Food, California Natural Dog Food, Innova Dry Food and many more. Go for one that is high in protein and low in carbs and mix it up a bit with added in veggies (raw carrots are good or steamed broccoli). If you add in the raw meat supplement your pet will be thrilled. You’ll be rewarded with a happy and healthy dog.

Nature's Variety Raw Chx & Trky Medallions - 3 lbs. "Raw diet containing 95% freshly ground USDA meat and certified organic fruits, vegetables, and cold processed Norwegian Virgin Salmon Oil."

Save 5% on your first order at Only Natural Pet Store! Coupon code CJ15.