Dog food: types and differences, how to choose the right one

Some dog owners believe that among industrial pet foods there are no worthy options. They hold this opinion, because they are sure that there is nothing natural in the presented assortment. In fact, ready-made pet foods are categorized into classes, and expensive brand pet foods usually contain quality ingredients. As in many other industries, the quality of the feed matches the price.

Types and classes of dog food

All dog foods fall into two main categories: dry and wet. The second group includes canned foods and pates. On the shelves in stores there are products of such classes:

• Economy.
• Premium.
• Super-premium.
• Holistic.

Usually dry and wet food from the same manufacturer belong to the same class. But there are exceptions: the firm can produce cheap dry food, the quality of which leaves much to be desired and natural canned food. It is often difficult to draw a clear boundary between the above classes. This classification is of a conditional nature.

Types of quality dog food and their features:

• Premium-category foods are divided into several varieties: for older animals, sterilized, puppies. It is possible to find products for a specific breed. The digestibility of dry food is about 80%. It is more nutritious compared to feeds of the economy series.
• Products of the “super-premium” class are considered one of the best. More qualitative only “holistics”. In the feeds of the category “super-premium” meat is about 45%. The composition also contains by-products, vitamins and selected cereals.
• Products of the “elite” series (holistic) meet the needs of different animals: young, old. In this category there are special therapeutic feeds. They are recommended by veterinarians, if the animal's disease is aggravated. Holistics are made from natural ingredients that are considered environmentally friendly. Products from this series are the best choice.

Veterinarians never advise buying economy-class products. There is no benefit from such feeds. Regularly eating cheap food, the dog can get allergies, diseases of the skin and internal organs.

In the dry variety of fodder economy category components of vegetable origin prevail: soy, corn. The percentage of meat is minimal, if there is any at all. Usually manufacturers indicate that the composition contains ground animal waste. Even grains are of low quality, mainly production waste. In such feeds there are a lot of colorants and flavor enhancers.

Recommendations for choosing dog food

Dog food should not be chosen on the principle of “just to save money”. When buying, attention should be emphasized on the price, composition and class. Owners who have recently acquired a dog, usually buy products, trusting advertising, but bright packaging and numerous mentions on TV do not guarantee quality. The main attention should be paid to the composition: vague wording and artificial ingredients - a reason to refuse the purchase. The percentage of each ingredient must be indicated on the package.

Even experienced dog owners make mistakes. Over the years, they buy one brand of food, believing it to be of high quality. It may have once been the best, but things change, so be sure to check the composition periodically. The right approach to the choice of food for a pet is the key to its health. Preference should be given to products of trusted brands, although it costs more, but more qualitative and natural.