Does quality of dog food matter?

In general, a higher quality dry dog food that contains the appropriate ingredients for your dog’s life stage and breed is the best choice, but talk to your vet or veterinary nutritionist about the healthiest choice for your pet.

Do dogs really need expensive dog food?

Grain-free foods are often more expensive, but if your dog has a special dietary need that will keep them happy and healthy, it’s worth it to most owners. Plus, it’s much cheaper than having to pay costly vet bills! But, if it contains real, natural ingredients and vitamins your dog needs, it is likely worth the price.

Do vets recommend making your own dog food?

While popular, vets generally don’t recommend making your own raw dog food because of the risk of bacterial contamination or possible public health risks. If your dog has any medical issues, consult with a vet or veterinary nutritionist to make sure the homemade diet works for your pet.

Is kibble really that bad for dogs?

It is entirely acceptable to feed your dog a pure kibble diet. Or you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables and rice.

How much should I spend on dog food?

It is important to feed your dog a high-quality dog food and healthy dog treats. This typically costs somewhere from $20 to $60 per month ($250 to $700 per year). Food expenses vary based on the size and energy level of your dog as well as the quality of the food.

Can dog food affect a dog’s behavior?

Pet Food Ingredients Pet food ingredients can also affect your pet’s behavior in various ways. Take the fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is sometimes added to puppy and kitten food. DHA has been shown to increase mental acuity in puppies and kittens, says Dr. Lorie Huston.

Is your pet’s diet affecting their health?

Health issues that may stem from feeding your pet a poorly balanced diet can lead to a whole host of other behavioral issues you normally wouldn’t encounter.

What is the difference between dog food & cat food?

Typical dog foods contain 20 to 40 percent protein, while cat foods range from 30 to 60 percent, much of it from animal sources. Meat-based diets for humans and animals alike have much larger ecological footprints than plant-based diets, because it takes lots of land, water and food to feed pigs, cows, sheep, poultry and farmed fish.

Is your pet’s food sustainable?

Current pet food trends encourage owners to feed their pets much the same foods that humans eat: high-quality “human grade” meat and organic produce, maybe even some “superfoods.” While this approach is emotionally appealing, it is not necessary for pets’ health, nor is it environmentally sustainable.