The search for dog food in the Philippines can be a little tricky considering there are already hundreds of different foods for dogs in the supermarket, online stores, and even local pet food shops. Served in different varieties ranging from wet and dry, to flavored and natural kinds, pet owners have a vast array to choose from when looking for the best dog food in the Philippines.
Yet, choosing the best type of dog food offers a dilemma to most pet owners who only want to give proper nutrition to their dogs. If you’re a fur parent who aims to help your pets become healthy through choosing the right dog food, you have come to the right place.
In this guide, we are sharing with you the essential things to know when it comes to ensuring the food for your pets meet their nutrition needs especially for them.
Proper Nutrition in Dog Food: How Finding The Healthiest Dog Food Benefits Your Pet
When loaded up with proper nutrition, dogs can reach the optimum growth milestones at every stage of their life. With a balanced diet for dogs, puppies get the nutrients they need to support their growing muscles and immune system. Growing and adult dogs sustained with the right food can be more active, and less vulnerable to diseases like kidney failure, musko-skeletal issues, diabetes, and obesity.
The best kinds of dog food don’t happen by accident or simply by mixing all sorts of great ingredients. Makers of the best food for dogs make sure that a precise and exact formula goes into each product so that pets will have everything they need on a daily basis. Dogs with special needs can also rely on a diet for dogs that are safe for their health conditions.
With the right combination of fats, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and water, your pet can lean on their daily food intake to help them grow well, prevent diseases from happening, and get their everyday dose of much-needed nutrients.
Best Nutrients to Look for in a Dog Food
Every dog food promises a long list of helpful nutrients to fuel, protect, and grow your dogs. But beyond the fluff, what should you really be looking for in dog food? We’re listing some of the nutrients to look for when it comes to choosing the best dog food for your fur baby.
Protein: For Muscles and Growth Support
Experts recommend protein in dog food because it is an integral part of making tissues, and building muscles, organs, skin, and hair. Protein is needed by young, growing dogs, and even pregnant ones. Having an adequate serving of protein ensures that your pet is able to grow and maintain strong muscles, and get the energy they need for their daily activities.
Fatty Acids: For Skin and Hair Coat
It’s true - your dog’s health can be seen in the condition of their skin and hair coat. To prevent fur loss and skin infections, pet owners should include a portion of fatty acids - a combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 - in a pet’s daily diet. These fatty acids also minimize inflammation that shoots up your pet’s vulnerability to allergies.
Carbohydrates: For Digestive Health
Fiber content is also a much-needed ingredient in dog food as it helps in the digestion and elimination of food in the body. Carbohydrates ensure that your dogs’ system is ready to digest and absorb all the nutrients they need efficiently.
Vitamins and Minerals: For Immunity and Regeneration
Vitamins and minerals to look for in dog foods include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- B-Complex
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Iron
These super ingredients are anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antimicrobial, which help increase your pet’s immunity and overall optimum growth without diseases or illnesses.
The Best Dog Food Based on Life Stages
Apart from ensuring your pets get the best nutrients for their growing bodies and systems, it’s also important to know what kind of food to give to dogs at different life stages to support their fast-paced growth.
Best Dog Food for Puppies
Puppies need three times the protein that an adult dog may need. Protein aids in the rapid growth of small dogs, sustains the growth of their muscles, and provides added boost to their immune systems.
The frequency of feeding from weaning to four months is four times a day.
Expect that there will be play involved with puppies eating their food. Although puppies are not really fussy when it comes to eating, pet owners can be challenged at how small dogs can scatter their food, or take their time in eating.
Best Dog Food for Growing Dogs
After the puppy stage, the next focus when it comes to feeding your dogs is how you can sustain their elevated need to be fueled for energy. Around this time, dogs become more active running and playing around all day. At this stage, it is recommended to give growing dogs an adequate amount of protein, and vitamins and minerals to aid his growth, energy levels, and budding immunity.
Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs
When your dog is around 11 years old, chances are their energy levels and activities are waning. Serving just the right amount of food (preferably 2 servings a day) packed with the right vitamins and minerals can help your dog whose metabolism has significantly lowered.
Trust the Vet: Asking Pros for the Best Dog Food for Your Pet
Although feeding your dog is your crucial responsibility as a pet owner, it’s necessary that for any doubt, you check with your dog’s vet. There are many instances where overfeeding, going for food varieties that are not age-appropriate, and frequently trying out different pet food can do more harm than good.
Dogs who also have special needs for different conditions must be monitored by professionals.
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The best way to show love to your dogs is through choosing the best food for them. After all, food is really your pet’s companion in healthy growth. By choosing the best pet food for your dogs, you can be assured that your best furry friend grows the way he should be: healthy, happy, and active.
