Keep Your Best Buddy–and Your Wallet–Happy.
Pet owners want the best for their dogs. It goes without saying. However many pet owners may be shocked to find out what’s actually going into their pet’s food. Wanting the best for your pets means making sure they get the nutrition they need to grow strong and stay healthy. That means taking a close look at the nutrition facts on your dog food bag.
However it’s not always so easy to tell what’s most important. It can be even harder to decipher the complex labels or judge some of the claims they print on the bag. Thankfully, there’s this helpful guide.
Of course, we’re willing to sacrifice a lot to give our pets the very best, but it doesn’t hurt to save a dollar or two here and there. So, if you can optimize both affordability and nutritional value, it’s a natural choice.
Every dog is different, and that means their nutritional needs are different too. In this guide, we’ll explore the intersection between nutritional value and dollar value. Does paying more for dog food always mean you get a more nutritious product? You might be surprised to find out which brands are actually the best for your pet.
We will look at brands across the spectrum of price so you can determine which best suits your budget. We’ll also break it down by your dog’s specific age, size, and health needs. In the end you’ll feel much better equipped to shop for healthy dog food within your budget.
What is the Best Dog Food?
Finding the best dog food for your furry friend isn’t as simple as it may seem–you’ll have to dig a little deeper based on your dog’s individual requirements. In order to decide which pet food is best for you, it’s important to remember that every dog is different.
Dogs have different nutritional needs by size and breed. For instance, small dogs need significantly fewer calories than large dogs. Even dogs within the same breed will need different things as they go through different life stages.When they’re young you’ll need good puppy food.
As they age, something suited for their build or activity level is usually appropriate. Eventually, in their twilight years, you’ll want to switch over to a senior blend of dog food that’s engineered to support their health and keep them feeling young for as long as possible.
Talking with your vet is the best way to narrow down what type of food you should be getting. They can give you more details about what stage of life your dog is in, and how to best support their development nutritionally.
Your veterinarian is also familiar with your pet’s weight and general health needs, and can let you know if it’s time for a diet or if a special blend is advisable. Some pet health problems begin with poor nutrition, and can be solved with a stricter diet. Like most conversations concerning your dog’s health, it should start with your veterinarian.
Once you’re aware of your dog’s health and wellness requirements, you can get ready to shop. The first thing you’ll probably notice is the price tag: at nearly 80 dollars a bag for some brands, you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. You also want to make sure you don’t overspend for something you don’t need.
Quickly, you might notice that some of the more expensive brands tend to be targeted for more specialized needs. If your dog has a health concern, then these brands are almost always worth the extra money, especially if they’ve been recommended by your vet. However, not all dogs will need such particular blends.
Best Puppy Dog Food
Puppy food is much more calorie dense than typical dog foods in order to accommodate your fast-growing canine companion. You’ll be stunned by how quickly your puppy puts on weight and adds inches.They need a nutrient-packed puppy food that promotes healthy, steady growth. Puppies need food formulated to protect their developing immune systems, muscles and bones.
One brand we recommend is the Purina Pro Puppy Plan blen
d. Purina dog food is by far one of the most recognizable and trusted dog food brands on the market. Packed with high-quality protein, it’s available in formulas for small, standard, or large sized puppy dogs. The price tag may be higher than that of some other brands, but you’ll be getting lots of nutritional value for your dollar, and it’s in line with other competitors of similar quality.
Best Adult Dog Food
Once your dog reaches their full size, it’s time to select an appropriate adult food. This is going to have all the nutrients they need to support their day-to-day health and give them the energy they need for hours of family fun. Our recommendations for the best adult dog food might not surprise you much after reading our section on puppy food.
Purina Pro Adult Shredded Blend Dog Food is an optimal choice for a budget friendly food for adult dogs. However, if you’re aiming to spend a little more, or if your dog has fussier tastebuds, Blue Buffalo dog food is another solid recommendation. Since both are made from high-quality ingredients targeted to your dog’s essential nutrient needs, you can’t go wrong with either brand.
Best Senior Dog Food
We know there’s no price too high to keep your beloved older dog in good health. Thankfully, you can get all the nutrition a senior dog needs without breaking the bank. All dogs deserve the best, but our eldest dogs need just a little extra care and attention. We have two brands you can trust to deliver the nutrients your dog needs without costing an arm and a leg.
Once again, Purina senior dog food is a solid option for older dogs, specifically their Bright Mind formula. This is the complete package, with a well-rounded nutrient profile specifically formulated to help your dog maintain their cognitive health as they enter their later years. If you have some more room in your budget, Hill’s Science Diet dog food also offers a blend specially formulated by veterinarians to support your dog’s health well into old age.
Best Wet Dog Food
There are a number of reasons to offer your dog wet food rather than dry dog food. Wet food, with its higher moisture content, is a good choice for dogs who need extra hydration. It’s also good for dogs that have problems biting through hard kibble, or for particularly picky eaters. Fortunately, there are plenty of great canned dog food brands to choose from.
Acana dog food is renowned for offering grain-free canned pet foods. There’s no filler here: each ingredient is intentionally chosen to support your dog’s health. They make a number of appetizing flavors with the real meat your dog needs to satisfy his nutritional requirements.
Diamond Naturals dog food is another trusted brand which works well for those who want to give their dog fulfilling meals on a reasonable budget. With a wide selection of flavors to choose from, Iams is well-suited for even the pickiest canines. Iams offers both kibble and wet food, so if your dog would benefit from a mixture of both, Iams is a great choice.
Mighty Pet: The Best Pet Store Near You for Healthy, Affordable Dog Food
Though your dog may clamor for a taste of people food, you know what’s best for him (and it’s not a slice of your pizza). The good news is, your dog’s food doesn’t have to be bland and boring, nor does it have to cost you a fortune. We hope this article helped guide you towards some nutritious, delicious and wallet-friendly options to keep your best buddy well fed.
If you enjoyed delving into this discussion about what makes dog food good for dogs, or if you have any questions after reading, we invite you to our store to talk to our pet food experts. If you happen to live in the Upper Peninsula and you’re looking for a pet store near you, Mighty Pet is here to help! Otherwise, you can always check us out online for more information.
