What Does Your Dog Food Need To Be Healthy?

Article Title: What Does Your Dog Food Need To Be Healthy?
Author: Lori Matthews

When you think about it, what does your dog need from its food
in order to be healthy?

Today our pets have a wide variety to meet their tastes and
needs and we have our choice of what kind of food we can choose
to feed them. Despite the variety, pet foods usually fall into
three major categories. These categories are: Grocery store
foods, these types of dog and pet foods are usually found in
grocery stores and mass marketed retailers and can contain
lower quality, less expensive ingredients. The second category
is "premium dog foods," which can also be found in grocery's
stores but are also found in pet stores and through your local
veterinarian's office.

These types of foods are usually made from some higher quality
ingredients and are usually made evident by the expense of the
food. Some of these pet foods though can contain lower quality
ingredients that you aren't aware of. The third and final
category is healthy dog foods which are a relatively new
addition and make use of the latest research into the best
foods and blends for your pet.

So what is best for our pet and how do we choose the proper dog
food?

Quality, healthy ingredients make quality, healthy dog food.
Nutrition is important no matter whether you're a person or a
pet. Pets, just like humans, need good nutrition not just to
survive but to truly be healthy. They need good quality
protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats. This is
where premium, healthy dog food can benefit your pets.

Typically, healthy dog food contains quality protein, good
quality carbohydrates and fiber, natural fats and
preservatives. The protein does not come from dead or diseased
animals and you will never see the word by-product on the
label. By-products (feet, bones intestines, etc) are inferior
protein sources that are sometimes used and can be very hard
for your dog to digest. Less digestion means less nutritious
and therefore not as healthy. Quality protein helps build and
maintain muscle strength.

If you see corn, soy or wheat used as protein sources instead
of meat, you now know your pet isn't getting healthy dog food.
Good quality carbohydrates give your pet the energy to be
active. Good fiber sources help promote a healthy digestive
system and colon. Quality fats from animal sources contain
omega fatty acids that benefit the skin and coat.

Believe it or not dog food manufacturers that label their bags
"premium food" use these ingredients as well as chemical
preservatives and artificial colors that can be harmful to
pets.

Benefits beyond healthy nutrition

When your pet is eating right, it feels better, giving you a
happy and more playful companion, fewer trips to the vet, and
less wasted food. Ultimately, giving your pet better food might
seem expensive initially, but keeping your pet healthy saves you
money, time and expense in the long run. Healthy, premium dog
food can possibly extend the life of your pet giving you more
quality years together.

About The Author: Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and
wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people
and pets. Please visit http://www.premium4pets.com for more
information.