The food fed to your dog impacts his weight, health, and overall well-being. The wrong dog food may cause problems including allergies, obesity, and lack of energy. Choosing the right dog food is one of the best things you can do for your pet. Do not assume that every dog food on the market is up-to-par with the next. Keep the following points in mind as you sort through the many dog food options and find a product that meets your pet’s needs as well as your trust and satisfaction:

1. Read the ingredients
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established guidelines regulating the claims pet food companies can make on the label. These guidelines require that the dog food contains 95% of a single-ingredient, not including water. Combo-food must make up at least 95% of the food ingredients. Foods with single-ingredients are tastier and more nutritional to the pet.

2. Consider foods with fewer ingredients
The higher the ingredient is placed on the list, the more of the ingredient the pet food contains. On a poor quality dog food, you’ll likely notice the high-protein ingredients listed at the bottom of the lists. Choose a pet food that lists meats as one of the first few ingredients if you want quality food.

3. Check for by-products
Quality by-products are certainly okay for your pet, but poor quality by-products cause a myriad of potential health concerns for a dog. Although by-products are not toxic foods for dogs as some people speculate, less than reputable providers may include hooves and horns or other undesirable ingredients that you don’t want to feed your pet.

4. Serve all natural dog food
Did you know safe human foods for dogs easily provide a delicious meal for your four-legged friend? Carrots, peanut butter, salmon, and eggs are among the human foods that your dog can safely eat. Many pet owners make their own dog foods using these, and other non-toxic ingredients. Steer clear of foods such as chocolate, raisins, avocados, and onions, as they can hurt your pet!

5. Check for the accuracy statement
Do not purchase dog food that lacks an adequacy statement somewhere on the packaging. This statement reads something like ‘This food is completely balanced for dogs of all ages’ or ‘completely balanced for senior dogs.’

6. Recommendations
Ask your pet’s veterinarian for pet food recommendations. They oftentimes offer valuable guidance and information that directs pet owners to a great pet food that meets their dog’s nutritional values. Apart from your pet’s veterinarians’ recommendations, also ask friends and other pet owners for their recommendations. Online reviews also provide a wealth of information that can help you find great dog food. Use all of the sources to your benefit to find a pet food that surpasses expectations.