Dog Food Guide 2018 – Wet, Dry, Organic, Vegeterian, Raw

 

They say, “dogs are a man’s best friend.” And that’s true – dogs are also a woman’s best friend, a child’s best friend and even a baby’s best friend! So shouldn’t you be doing more to ensure that you’re feeding your dog well?

In this ultimate dog food guide, we’ll show you how. From organic and homemade kibble to the best ingredients in dog food, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about keeping your dog healthy and well-fed.

For example:

You’ll learn about this – and more – in this complete guide to dog food.

 

1. The Importance of Quality Dog Food

It’s critical that you feed your dog well. Just as it’s important for you to eat the right balance of nutrients, it’s important to your dog’s health that he receive a well-balanced and complete nutritional plan.

For dogs, food isn’t just about taste. While most humans rely on food cravings or personal preferences to determine their diet, domesticated dogs depend on you to choose for them. There are a number of reasons why that’s so important.

First, your dog’s coat is essential to his health. His coat is what protects him from the elements. But it’s also what regulates his body temperature, protects his muscles and bones, and helps to fight off infection from insect bites and other ailments. Maintaining a balanced diet is critical to the health of your dog’s coat.

Secondly, your dog’s muscles and bones are kept healthy by the foods he eats. Just as you require protein, calcium and vitamins, your dog needs those nutrients, too. Strong muscles and healthy bones will keep your dog healthy and may even extend his lifespan.

Your dog’s digestive tract is another important consideration. As you can imagine, dogs are exposed to a lot of toxins and other not-so-good stuff. That’s particularly true for outdoor dogs. That’s why it’s important that your dog’s digestive system is working properly. Feeding him the right food will help eliminate those toxins from his body. Then, he can absorb the nutrients you feed him.

As you can see, choosing the right dog food is about more than just flavor or cost. There are a lot of considerations that should go into choosing your dog’s meals.

2. What’s in Commercial Dog Food?

If you’re like most people, you go to the local market to buy your dog’s food. And that’s okay! There are plenty of brands which provide great nutrients and all the essential vitamins your dog needs to stay healthy.

But there are also a great number of commercially available dog foods that aren’t so good for your dog. In the interest of keeping production – and sales price – cheap, lots of dog food manufacturers add unnecessary and sometimes unhealthy fillers to dog food.

Think fillers aren’t a big deal? Think again. Common fillers found in commercial dog food include peanut and soybean hulls, citrus pulp, weeds (a byproduct of farming, and may contain pesticides), straw, and even feathers.

Each country in the world has different requirements as to what commercially marketed dog food must contain. As a rule, there must be a particular balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Additionally, there’s a maximum amount of chemicals that’s permitted in dog food.

That said, however, many companies do the bare minimum necessary to meet these requirements. The result is an unhealthy dog food filled with empty calories.

3. Health Problems with Dog Food

It’s the same for dogs as it is for humans: failing to follow a balanced diet can – and will – cause health problems. We discussed the importance of a quality dog food, but let’s take a look at some specific conditions which can be caused by inferior, ill-balanced food for dogs.

Obesity

Again, the concept is similar to health in humans. An ill-planned diet for dogs can lead to obesity. Obesity is a prevalent condition among domesticated dogs, and it’s extremely dangerous to your pet.

Obesity in dogs can lead to similar conditions as are experienced by humans. Diabetes is more common in overweight dogs. Arthritis is a common problem. Heart disease and high blood pressure affect dogs, too. And cancer is more likely to be diagnosed in an overweight dog than a dog of a healthy weight.

In a nutshell, obesity in dogs decreases the lifespan of your pet. You want to ensure that your dog lives a long, healthy and happy life; that’s why it’s important to control his diet.

Gastrointestinal Problems

If you don’t feed your dog high quality, healthy food, he is at a higher risk for gastrointestinal problems. Diarrhea, digestive trouble and constipation rank at the top of the list of these disorders.

Gastrointestinal problems are more than just a minor inconvenience. If your dog suffers from problems with his GI tract, that means he’s not going to be able to absorb and use the nutrients he’s getting from his food. That leads to a host of other, more serious problems.

Organ Disorders and Failure

To put it simply, an imbalanced diet means your dog’s not getting all the nutrients he needs. That can lead to some serious complications, including disorders of the liver, pancreas, bladder and heart. Those disorders can lead to organ failure, which is fatal.

You can help prevent the likelihood of this occurring by providing your dog with a quality dog food. Fats, proteins and energy-rich carbs will ensure that your dog has everything he needs to stay healthy.

4. Dangerous Ingredients and Preservatives in Dog Food

As you shop for your dog’s next meal, you’ll want to read the package labels carefully. While a dog food may look well balanced and free of unnecessary fillers, it’s possible that the food includes dangerous ingredients and preservatives. Those additives can be just as harmful to your dog’s health as an imbalanced diet.

Carrageenan

At first glance, you may think that because carrageenan is natural, that means it’s safe. Carrageenan is sourced from seaweed and is, truthfully, naturally sourced. But that doesn’t mean it’s not harmful to your dog.

Carrageenan has been studied and shown to cause intestinal inflammation in pets. Yet it’s still commonly used as a thickener in canned dog food and other pet products. When you shop, be sure to avoid carrageenan in your dog’s food.

BHT and BHA

BHT and BHA are preservatives that are frequently found in dog food, both wet and dry. They’re inexpensive to produce, and they keep the fats in your dog’s food from spoiling and souring.

Unfortunately, BHT and BHA also cause liver cancer in animals. There are much healthier alternatives to BHT and BHA available in dog foods sold commercially. For example, Vitamin E is a great preservative that’s not harmful to your pet’s health.

Food Dyes

Food dyes aren’t good for humans. In fact, they’re banned in some countries. So why would we assume that food dyes are good for our pets? Food dyes can cause a number of health problems in dogs. A few are:

Food dyes add nothing to your dog’s food except an appealing appearance – to you! Let’s face it. Your dog doesn’t care what color his food is.

Other Harmful Contaminants

Dog food isn’t always manufactured in the most sanitary of conditions. And while it’s not likely that a few specks of dust will harm your dog, there are contaminants in dog food which can absolutely be harmful.

Cheaply prepared dog food can contain contaminants like rat and bird feces, animal parts and more. These “ingredients” are harmful to your pet, and may even cause disease.

Is All Commercial Dog Food Harmful?

Of course not! But do a little research ahead of time. Read the ingredients on the dog food packaging, and steer toward natural and organic pet food.

5. Dog Food Allergies

It can’t always be helped – just as humans are sometimes allergic to specific food ingredients, dogs may be as well. If your pet has an allergic reaction to his dog food, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately. Allergic reactions without attention can be fatal to your dog.

Unfortunately, there are some known allergens that are added to dog food – intentionally. Those are the chemicals we discussed, such as food dyes, BHA, BHT and other preservatives. Be mindful of your dog food ingredients and be sure your pet’s next meal doesn’t include these allergens.

Natural allergic reactions may occur in dogs, too. Eggs, wheat, milk and even certain meats can trigger reactions in your pet. If this is the case, call the vet and switch your dog’s food immediately until you can find the offending allergen.

Things which most commonly cause allergies in dogs are:

It’s important to note that there’s a difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

The most common symptom of a food allergy in dogs is itching. You may notice your dog dragging his hind across the ground, or scratching more frequently. His paws may also be affected by food allergies – you may notice that they’re red, or that he’s licking them more frequently.

Food allergies can also manifest as itchy ears in dogs, or GI problems like gas or diarrhea. Dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s important that you bring your pup to the vet as soon as you note any strange behavior.

Here’s a quick look at how your dog may be demonstrating a food allergy:

• Itchy skin
• Itching, inflammation or irritation of the hind area
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Hot spots
• Increased ear infections

If your pup is displaying any of these symptoms, talk to your vet about potential food allergies.

Symptoms of Food Intolerance

If your dog suffers from food intolerance, the most likely effect this intolerance will have is with the gastrointestinal tract. Your dog may have diarrhea, gas or bloating. He may even vomit.

As with allergies, you’ll want to chat with your veterinary as soon as you can. Food intolerance usually isn’t serious, but if it’s left untreated it can cause some health problems with your dog. It’s also very uncomfortable for your pet, so it’s best to remedy it as soon as possible.

Here are the signs of a food intolerance in dogs:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excess gas and bloating
• Notable lack of energy
• Loss of appetite

6. Cheap Food

Everyone wants to save a buck or two! But unfortunately, the adage “you get what you pay for” is sometimes true, even when it comes to dog food.

Is all cheap food bad for your dog? Of course not! Inexpensive doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. And that’s particularly true if you make your own dog food, or if you subscribe to a dog food service that offers bulk rates.

Cheap dog food is, however, more likely to contain cheap ingredients. Fillers, preservatives and artificial flavors can all be found in some inexpensive dog food. Again – we can’t stress it enough – check the ingredients in your dog food!

We’ll look at dog food labelling in just a bit. For now, know that your pet’s food must be labelled properly. Right from the package label, you’ll know the percentage of:

 

You can tell a lot from the label of your dog’s food. Be sure to pay attention!

7. Organic Dog Food

Are you considering buying an organic dog food? Good for you! You’re taking great steps toward providing a healthy diet for your pet. So what do you need to know about organic dog food?

Well, the first thing it’s necessary to know is that “organic” in dog food isn’t necessarily the same as “organic” in human food. See, with human food, there’s a governing organization that certifies food organic. For instance, a food could be Australian Certified Organic. It could be certified by the Soil Association in England. Or your food could be USDA certified organic in the States.

Pet food doesn’t have that luxury. Dog food that is organic is generally pesticide, herbicide and chemical free. But there’s no regulatory association to guarantee that.

That said, as a general rule organic dog food is much less likely to contain contaminants, chemicals and allergens than food that’s not organic. Of course, you could make your own dog food from organic ingredients if you want to be sure!

Is organic food better for your dog? Not necessarily. You’ll still need to pay close attention to the packaging to be sure that it’s balanced, nutritious and contains few fillers. But on the whole, organic dog food manufacturers will usually take measures to include only natural ingredients in dog food.

8. Vegetarian Dog Food

Dogs are, by nature, carnivores. Dogs in the wild eat meat, and most domesticated dogs will as well. But there may be reasons why you’d like to switch your dog to a vegetarian diet.

Some people whose dogs are on vegetarian diets are vegetarians themselves. There may be moral or social reasons why you don’t want your dog to eat meat.

In other cases, dogs can actually be allergic to meat. Skin conditions in dogs are most commonly caused by fleas. But the second most common reason for skin conditions in dogs is actually meat allergies!

If your dog is allergic to a meat like lamb, pork, beef or chicken, it may not be possible to avoid that meat in commercial food. The food your dog eats was likely processed in a plant that also processes these other meats. Therefore, it’s almost impossible to avoid.

To save yourself from dealing with trace allergens, a vegetarian dog food is a good choice for you. It’s important that you still ensure that your pet has a good balance of fat, fiber and protein.

Vegetarian dogs can get protein in many ways! Pumpkin, lentils, beans and peanut butter are common sources of protein for dogs on a vegetarian diet.

Is a vegetarian diet safe for your dog? Sure! Just be certain that your pup is getting the right blend of proteins, fiber and fats, just as with any other diet.

9. Grain Free Diets for Dogs

You may have noticed that a lot of humans are on grain- and gluten-free diets. This is particularly true in the United States and the United Kingdom. People are opting to omit grains and gluten from their personal diets, whether or not they have celiac disease.

Humans have a tendency to feed their pets similar diets to their own. A vegetarian dog owner may choose a vegetarian dog food. In the same way, a grain-free dog owner may choose a grain-free dog food.

Is a grain free diet necessary for your dog? Probably not. While it’s argued that dogs are carnivores, and meant to eat meats as opposed to grains, it’s also noted that dogs have evolved to digest corn, wheat and other grains quite efficiently. It’s extremely rare for a dog to be allergic to a grain. The exception to this is the Irish Setter which, for some reason, sometimes develops a gluten intolerance.

That having been said, you may have reasons for putting your dog on a grain free diet. It is possible to do that, and it’s not necessarily unhealthy for your dog. There are commercially prepared grain-free dog foods that are perfectly safe and will provide a balanced diet for your pup.

A Balanced Grain-Free Diet

As has been noted many times, it’s important to read the ingredients on your dog’s food packaging. With a grain free dog food, it’s possible that the right nutritional balance won’t be met.

It’s very important to note that there’s a huge difference between a grain free dog food and a carb-free dog food. Your dog needs carbohydrates in his diet, just as you do! However, your dog can get plenty of carbohydrates from vegetables and other sources, and it’s not strictly necessary to feed him grains like corn and wheat.

As with any major dietary switch, you should talk to your veterinarian before you switch your pup to a grain-free diet. Different breeds have different needs, and grains may be essential to the health of your pet.

10. Raw Dog Food

As we mentioned, dogs are carnivores. Dogs in the wild feast primarily on meat they’ve scavenged or have hunted. And it’s obvious that wild dogs aren’t cooking their venison before they chow down. So isn’t it natural that you should feed your dog raw meat, too?

The answer is a resounding “ sort of .” It’s absolutely okay to feed your dog raw foods, so long as he isn’t allergic to them. Check with your vet before feeding your dog raw foods that are frequently associated with allergies, like fish and rabbit.

But raw meat isn’t enough to sustain your dog. You’ll need to do more than that, and while a diet of just ground beef may look appealing to your budget, it can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

A Properly Balanced Raw Diet

There are differing schools of thought regarding the “balance” of a raw diet. Let’s take a look at some of the arguments surrounding the concept.

First, there’s a lot of debate as to how much of a raw diet should actually be raw food. Of course, you now know that you’ll need to supplement your dog’s food with something other than just meat. But do those ingredients have to be raw, too?

The answer to that question is ultimately up to you. There are “other” ingredients you can toss in a mix with your dog’s raw food, like rice and corn, which should obviously be cooked to aid digestion.

But what about ingredients like carrots? Peas? Spinach? Eggs? All of these ingredients are great for dogs, but should they be cooked first? Ultimately, that’s up to you. It also depends on your dog’s preferences.

The next debate is the addition of fruits to a dog’s diet for added vitamins and carbohydrates. Dogs need vitamins just like we do. Many pet owners turn to fruits as a source of vitamins a, c and others.

This is, according to vets, totally fine. Don’t feed your dogs grapes, and avoid raisins as well. These fruits can lead to kidney damage in dogs. But apples and other fruits are just fine, and your dog will enjoy the sweet treat!

Finally, what about supplements? Should supplements be added to dog food to enhance the nutritional value or a raw diet?

In short, no. That’s not necessary. In the same way that a well-balanced “cooked” diet will provide all the essential nutrients your dog needs, a well-balanced raw diet will as well. It’s not a factor of whether your dog’s food is cooked. It’s a factor of whether it’s balanced.

There are many Books About Raw Dog Food if you want to learn more.

11. Wet Dog Food: Pros and Cons

You’ve probably seen the commercials on television. You hear the sound of a can opening. A little dog comes running. A woman sets down a white plate of wet dog food on a spotlessly clean floor. The little dog looks up admiringly at the woman, as if to say, “thank you!” Then the dog begins to delicately eat the food.

The commercials make you want to go out and buy wet dog food. But there are a few problems that the commercials don’t address.

The first problem is this: dogs that eat wet food are more prone to diarrhea. That spotlessly clean white floor is soon to be a thing of the past if your dog is sensitive to wet food.

The second problem is that your dog should eat approximately 2.5% of his body weight each day. Now, if you’ve got a seven pound Yorkie pup, that equates to just under three ounces of food each day. Easy, right?

If you’ve got a 150 pound mastiff, that’s a whole different story. That’s almost four pounds of wet dog food each day, and unless you’re making your own dog food, that amount is overwhelming.

Many pet owners find a compromise. Some feed their dogs wet dog food for “breakfast,” then leave dry food out while they go to work. Others mix wet and dry foods together for each meal.

What you choose to do is up to you and your dog’s digestive tract. It’s highly encouraged that you test your dog’s sensitivity to wet dog food before you begin a strictly wet food diet. Diarrhea in dogs is messy, but it’s also uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to dehydration.

There’s a definite “pro” to wet dog food, though. And that is for dogs who have difficulty digesting the hard, crunchy types of food. Older dogs, dogs with dental problems and even puppies may fit into this category. Wet food is excellent for dogs who otherwise wouldn’t consume a balanced diet.

If you’re thinking about switching your dog to wet dog food, first take a look at the pros and cons of switching from dry kibble.

Wet dog food pros:

• Easily digested by older dogs or dogs with medical issues
• Convenient, especially for small dogs
• Cans and pouches are easy to store
• The scent of wet dog food is appealing even to picky eaters

Wet dog food cons:

• Wet dog food may cause diarrhea in dogs
• Dog’s food must be removed from the feeding area within ~4 hours
• Wet dog food isn’t the most convenient for large dogs
• Typically costs more than dry dog food

12. Freeze-dried Dog Food

You may be asking, “What? What on earth is freeze dried dog food. And why would you want it?”

Good question! There are plenty of reasons why a dog owner would choose freeze-dried food for his pup. The answer is simple – a dog needs freeze dried dog food for the same reasons a person would.

Your dog is your companion. He travels with you, hikes with you, goes fishing with you – all the things you do, he does, too. In situations where it’s not practical to bring along a can of beef in gravy or a bag of kibble, freeze-dried dog food is the perfect solution.

Freeze-dried dog food is available at most pet stores in most countries. If it’s not available to you locally, you can order it online from ecommerce sites or from specialty shops.

All you need to do to feed your dog this type of feed is open the pouch and rehydrate the food with a bit of water. Could you feed your dog freeze-dried food every day? Sure. But you probably won’t want to.

Freeze-dried dog food, in most countries and areas, is much more expensive than canned or dry food. There are two reasons for this. First, the food is usually natural food. Real beef, real chicken – whatever is in the package, it’s a natural food and is more pricey to manufacture.

Secondly, there’s obviously an additional step that goes into producing this food. Manufacturers will charge you more for the convenience. In the same way that you’ll pay more for a freeze dried human meal, you can expect to pay more for a freeze dried dog meal.

Can You Make Your Own Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Yes. You can. But it’s recommended that you do a lot of research on the subject before you try it.

Freeze-dried dog food is exactly what the name implies. It’s food that’s dried out by freezing. So in the case of someone at home, you’d cut your dog’s food into thin strips and spread them out in the freezer for about a week or so.

If all goes well, the moisture in the food will crystallize on the outside of the food, drying it completely. If all does not go well, there will be moisture left in the food.

If there is any moisture left in the food, that can lead to serious issues. Bacteria can grow, and it can be harmful to both you and your dog. For the best results making your own freeze-dried food, take a short class on the method. Alternatively, you could buy one of the many appliances on the market which freeze-dry food without as much risk.

13. Make Your Own Dog Food

The subject of freeze-dried dog food brings us to one of the most commonly asked questions about your pet’s food: Can you make your own dog food?

The answer is yes! You absolutely can make your pet’s food, and in some cases you should make your pet’s food. If your pet has dietary restrictions, allergies or other needs, making your own dog food is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for your dog.

Most people who choose to make their own dog food do so following a very simple ratio:

We recommend that you pay your vet a visit. Talk to your veterinarian about what, exactly, the specific dietary needs of your dog may be. A more energetic dog may require more carbs or more protein. An older dog may require a bit more fat.

It’s important to get this right before you begin to make your own dog food. Your dog is depending on you to provide him with everything he needs to keep his coat, skin, muscles and organs healthy. The best way to do this is through food.

Watch Out for Toxins in Your Dog Food!

If you’re making your own dog food, the last thing you want to do is cause damage to your dog’s health – or worse. The following foods are known to be toxic to dogs , so avoid them at all costs.

There are other toxins which should be obvious to you, and you likely wouldn’t feed them to your dog anyhow. At the top of the list is alcohol, which is extremely lethal to dogs.

Raw salmon and trout may contain parasites which are harmful to your pup, so you should skip the raw fish in your homemade dog food. Furthermore, everyone knows that dogs love to gnaw on a bone. But some bones, like chicken bones, can splinter and prove fatal to your dog.

A good rule of thumb is, of course, “when in doubt, ask your vet.” Making your own dog food can be a wonderful experience, giving you complete control over your dog’s diet. You want to make sure the food you prepare is the healthiest possible mix for your pet.

What Should You Put in Homemade Dog Food?

Making your own dog food is easy. That’s especially true if you have a slow cooker. You can easily search online to find homemade dog food recipes, but it’s easy – and fun – to create your own.

The following ingredients are great for your dog’s health and can be added to your own dog food. Please note that while you can feed your dog raw meat, raw fish shouldn’t be given to your pup.

When you cook for your dog, be just as creative as you are with your own meals! Your pet will appreciate different flavors, and you’ll soon learn which are his favorites.

14. How (and When) to Order Dog Food

If making your own dog food just isn’t for you, you’ve got options. Of course, you could run to the local market and pick up a bag of your dog’s favorite dry kibble. But there are other options available to you, including the option to buy dog food online.

Why would you do this, when you’re going to the store anyway? Well, there are several reasons people opt to buy pet food online. First and foremost, it’s super convenient. Nothing beats the convenience of having dog food, whether it’s wet food or dry food, delivered to your door.

Secondly, buying dog food online allows you to price products more efficiently. While your local pet store may offer Brand X at a great price, you can probably find it online for less. Shop around and find the best price – after all, your dog’s always going to need food!

There is another large population of canines served by online ordering. Those are the service dogs. Many service dogs live with people who are otherwise unable to shop at the local pet store or market. That said, online ordering is convenient, quick, and extremely accessible.

Finally, you may just have more options online! For instance, a person living in London may have a dozen or so stores surrounding him that sell pet food. But in a smaller region of the same country, access to shops may be limited. Shopping online is the easiest way to ensure you’ve always got the best food for your dog, no matter where you live.

Shopping for Dog Food Online

If you already know the brand of dog food you prefer, that’s great! Shop around for the best price, and place your order. But if you’re having a little trouble deciding which brand to choose, you’ll have to do a bit more research.

Shopping for dog food online can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The reason for this is because not all sellers will advertise the ingredients of their dog food online. Before you buy any food, be sure you know what’s in it – don’t buy a food with no ingredients listed.

Be sure also to read consumer reviews. Oft times, reviews posted online aren’t only about the dog food, but reflect on the seller as well. For instance, if a customer received a shipment of canned dog food, but the cans were dented and out of date, you may reconsider buying from that seller.

Do your due diligence, and shop for your dog’s food the same way you’d shop for your own. Note the ingredients and look for a brand and a seller that is trustworthy. Do this, and buying dog food online can be quite a convenient experience!

15. Home Delivery of Pet Food

Let’s pretend, for a moment, that you don’t want to create your own dog food. You can’t find a brand you like online. And you’re certainly not seeing anything in stores you’d like to feed to your dog.

There’s a service for you. It’s called home delivery. There are organizations in many parts of the world that offer home delivery of custom, ready to eat pet food. Those deliveries are made on an as-needed basis or by subscription, and they’re a super convenient way to get fresh, custom made food for your dog.

Now, the population who actually needs this service is very small. So those companies usually have another business they do on the side. That business, though, only adds to the convenience of the product. For instance, they could be a pet groomer. Or dog walkers.

Imagine the convenience of a home delivery at the same time as your pet grooming appointment. It doesn’t get much better than that!

All joking aside, home delivery of pet food truly is the best way to go, in most people’s case. You’ll not only be saving yourself a trip to the store, but you’ll also be saving yourself the hassle of lugging around that 20 pound bag of kibble!

16. How to Store Your Dog Food

Alright. So there’s one more thing we haven’t talked about yet, and that’s how to store your pet food. We saved this topic for (almost) last because we wanted you to choose the best food for your dog first. Once you’ve chosen the food, simply look below to find the best way to store it.

How to Store Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food is usually canned, or is sealed in foil pouches. When unopened, it has a shelf life that’s clearly marked on the label. If the pouch or can isn’t marked, don’t buy the food.

Store wet dog food in its original packaging at room temperature in your pantry or a cabinet. Don’t stash it in the attic, basement or garage, as the temperature fluctuations are too great – this may be unsafe for your dog. A good rule of thumb is that wherever you store your own cans is a good plane to store your dog’s.

Curious about what to do with that can that’s been opened? That depends on if your dog has touched it. If you’ve already served the wet dog food to your dog, and he only ate a portion of it, discard it after 4 hours. Sitting at room temperature after touching your dog’s mouth, that food is a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria.

You scooped food from the can into your dog’s bowl with a spoon, right? Great! That leftover food in the can may easily be saved. The goal is to keep it as airtight as possible. You can do this by placing plastic wrap over the top of the can. But a better idea is to scoop the leftover food in the can into a plastic food storage container or even a resealable plastic bag.

Wet dog food will keep in the fridge for about a week.

In summary, here’s what you need to remember about storing wet dog food:

• Store unopened cans and pouches at room temperature
• Keep away from temperature fluctuations
• Unused, open food may be refrigerated
• Used, open food must be discarded after 4 hours

How to Store Dry Dog Food

If you buy dry dog food for your dog, storage options are pretty simple. Like wet dog food, you’ll want to store the food in your pantry or another place that stays at room temperature. Don’t put the food in the garage or the basement. It becomes susceptible to mold and temperature fluctuations.

The trick to successfully storing dry dog food is to store it raised off the ground just a bit. Keeping the bag of food on the ground invites all kinds of unwelcome visitors like ants, mice and roaches.

For the best success, buy a large plastic storage container. You can find these at garden stores and discount stores. When your dog food is delivered, or you bring it home from the store, pour the food into the container and seal it up. These containers are great for keeping the bugs and rodents at bay.

Wet dog food should be removed from your pet’s bowl after around 4 hours. But dry dog food doesn’t have these same limitations. You can, barring dietary restrictions, keep the bowl of dog food out all day. For instance, before you go to work you may pour your dog’s breakfast and lunch into a bowl.

Most dogs only eat when they’re hungry. However, if your dog is the exception, you may look into a timed feeder which will release your dog’s food at predetermined times throughout the day while you’re away.

Here are the basics of storing dry dog food:

• Store dry dog food at room temperature
• Protect food from drastic temperature changes
• If possible, store on an elevated surface to deter pests
• Dog food may be left out for your dog all day

17. Test of Dog Food and Dog Food Labels

Throughout this guide, we’ve given you indications that the labeling of your dog’s food is of the utmost importance. That’s absolutely true. But dog food labels can seem confusing.

Human food labels are simple. Depending upon where you live, there are requirements dictating what, exactly, is printed on the label. Many countries require that caloric content be printed. Many require saturated fats and sugars to be printed. And most countries require that a full list of the ingredients in food be printed on labels.

Dog food isn’t much different. The exact requirements will vary depending on where you live. But for the most part, dog food is labeled following the same guidelines as human food, just in more general terms.

There are things which are printed on every label. These are:

Other ingredients listed may include:

As mentioned, the labels on your dog food are different depending on where you live. But here’s what you need to look out for.

According to research, your dog’s diet should consist of 10% protein (at least) and 5.5% fat. That’s why those first two ingredients on the label are so important. Look for a crude protein analysis of over 10%, and a crude fat percentage of over 5.5%.

Fiber and moisture are critical, too, but in the opposite way. Your dog food label will list the maximum amount of fiber and moisture in the product. First, the fiber – look for a dog food with a maximum fiber or somewhere around 5%. Five percent is great for most dogs.

The max moisture in your dog’s food isn’t as straightforward. Obviously, wet food will contain more moisture (read = water) than dry food. But how much is too much?

Well, to keep things simple, your dry dog food shouldn’t contain more than around 6 to 10%. Any more than that and you begin to detract from the nutritional value of the product. Wet food, for the interest of simplicity, should have no more moisture than about 75%.

Once again, if you have any questions, you know where to go. Your veterinarian is the best resource you have for questions pertaining to your pet’s food.

Summary

You want to take care of your dog. And what better way to do that than to feed him the absolute best? Whether you choose to make your own food, buy it in the local shops or order dog food online, use the tips in this guide to ensure that your pet’s diet is exactly right for your dog and his unique needs.