A proper diet is one of the many basic needs of dogs, and it is also one of the methods of keeping them healthy, physically and emotionally. However, with a surprising number of dog food options available in the market, finding a nutritious, reasonably priced brand appealing to your pet can be difficult.
One of the best food for dogs that many dog owners use is fresh food. Although costly, fresh dog food contains higher nutritional content that is good for dogs. This article will guide you in buying fresh dog food to keep your dogs healthy and happy.
What Is Fresh Dog Food?
Unlike regular kibble pet food, fresh pet food reflects those pricey, “chunky” versions of canned food. They have minimal or no preservatives and are stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh between serves.
What to Consider When Buying Fresh Dog Food?
Considering that fresh foods differ from the typical dry food sold in pet stores, you must consider various factors to keep your dogs safe.
1. Vets Recommendation
Your dog’s doctor has the most comprehensive knowledge of their health. These skilled professionals are informed of your pet’s medical history, physical or behavioral concerns, and conditions. Consult a veterinarian before changing to fresh foods. If they recommend food your dog should avoid, ensure the fresh food does not contain it before purchasing.
2. Food Labels
Labels contain the ingredients, so always read them before purchasing to reduce food waste and keep your dog healthy. Look for a brand that exceeds AAFCO guidelines and uses high-quality ingredients.
3. Ingredients
Choose a meal with meat or vegetables as the first component and avoid foods containing excessive amounts of artificial preservatives and fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy. Preservatives are not good, especially for dogs. They damage the organs, which shortens the life span of your pet.
4. Processing
Choose fresh foods with minimal processing. Other forms of dog food are frequently processed to change their shape or texture. Fresh dog food, on the contrary, is processed less, so you can often tell what ingredients it contains just by observing it, like carrots or peas.
5. Breed and Age
The manufacturer labels foods according to the nutritional requirements of your dog’s age. To satisfy your dog’s current nutritional demands, get a meal suited to its age and breed.
What Are the Benefits of Fresh Dog Food?
Unlike the usual dog foods, fresh foods contain lesser preservatives. However, that also means fresh food can only be stored for a short period and needs to be refrigerated. But in terms of healthiness, fresh food has higher nutritional content.
Aside from that, fresh foods have various benefits, such as the following:
- Supports skin and coat health
- Increased digestibility
- Visual Appeal
- High-quality ingredients
For Paws
Taking care of pets, especially dogs, is not an easy task. You need to be careful with the food you give because they are sensitive. Giving them fresh food is a good idea since it contains high nutrients, which is good for their health. However, first, consult a veterinarian before doing so.
