Any loving and responsible pet parent would want their dog to eat the healthiest food. After all, a nutritious meal plan directly affects their mood, behavior, overall health, and longevity. However, if you’re looking for dog food, you might have realized that choosing one isn’t easy. There are a variety of options from numerous brands, all claiming to be the most nutritious dog food in the market. To help you narrow down your options, we have shared a few tips to pick the right food product for your dog.

Consider your dog’s breed, weight, and age
The physical characteristics of dogs vary significantly from one breed to another. Accordingly, their nutritional requirements also change. For example, a German Shepherd needs a totally different set of nutrients to stay healthy and active than a Chihuahua. Similarly, overweight dogs’ meal plan is a lot different than that of underweight and ideal-weight dogs. Age also plays a vital role in determining a dog’s nutritional needs.

Verify nutritional requirements
When shopping for dog food, be sure to pick one that’s not overloaded with artificial ingredients like preservatives that can harm their health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary organization that has laid down strict requirements to ensure that a product has all the essential macro and micronutrients for pets. So, you should only buy dog foods that are certified by AAFCO.

Check the labels and ingredients
Reading the ingredients list is crucial to selecting appropriate dog food. The best products have whole proteins, such as ground beef, diced chicken, or dried yeast, listed as their first ingredients. Keep in mind that dogs, unlike cats, are not strict carnivores. Though meat is generally the most vital component of their food regimen, grains, fruits, and vegetables also provide them with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The best dog foods are packed with high-quality versions of meats and plant-based ingredients.

Freshness matters
Many dog foods are loaded with preservatives to make them last longer. These additives can lead to weight gain and diabetes, among other health problems. Typically, foods with shorter shelf lives are healthier, as they contain more nutrients and fewer additives. If you’re unable to find such readily available food products, consider getting a subscription to fresh dog food delivery services, like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and PetPlate.

Opt for top dog food brands
The many options available in the market can make it overwhelming to choose. Here are some of the most well-known and reliable brands you can turn to:

Hill’s Science Diet

They use natural ingredients to make their delicious products.

Royal Canin

Each formula is customized to deliver nutrition based on a dog’s health needs.

ORIJEN

Their products are made with the finest ingredients and are packed with protein.

Purina

Their ingredients are responsibly sourced, and the products are enriched with high-quality protein and nutrient-rich fats and oils.

Taste of the Wild

This brand offers budget-friendly dog foods with high-quality ingredients.

Blue Buffalo

Many of their product lines, like Blue Basics, Baby Blue, and Blue Freedom, are for puppies.

Wellness Pet Food

They specialize in food for smaller dog breeds, offering both wet and dry food options.