All You Need to Know about the Basics of Pet Food Nutrition

As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our pets. Since they love us, it's only fitting that we love them back in many ways, such as giving them food. After all, pets won't have the energy to stay active if they're hungry, just as is the case with humans. With this in mind, part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing what you feed your pets.

Pet food is widely available. However, that doesn't mean that you should buy the first pet food bag. You might not think that there's a difference between one pet food brand and the next, but there are indeed differences. More specifically, pet food quality varies greatly. For this reason, one must be aware of what they feed their pets.

A Brief History of Pet Food
Until World War II, pet food didn't exist as a product sold in stores. People would make a meal for the whole family, including the dog, the most common pet at the time. When the war started, dogs were also sent to war, so they needed dog food rations with long expiry dates. This laid the foundation for what dog food would be today.

The only thing asked of these dog rations was to ensure a dog's survival for 6 months. After the war, these pet foods were released to the general public for critical acclaim. Pet owners loved that it takes little effort to prepare and can be carried anywhere.

From that moment on, packaged pet food became a staple for pet owners. Initially, the nutrition factor wasn't exactly prioritized because the pet food industry focused on profit. Today, this is no longer an issue because pet food companies are now held accountable for their production methods and the quality of their products.

Dog Food Quality
The most critical factor in a dog's diet is the quality of its food. A high-quality diet is ideal because it's rich in protein and fiber and can help a dog maintain a healthy weight. However, not all dog food products are made with quality in mind.

Some pet food manufacturers use fewer quality ingredients in their products, but this doesn't mean they still won't make quality dog food. Even the highest quality ingredients can be made with poor manufacturing techniques. For this reason, it's essential to know the quality of dog food products you're buying.

As a pet owner, you have the power to make a difference because the choices you make now will have a lasting effect on your pet. You have to think about the food you're feeding your pet, and the easiest way of doing this is by reading the label. The label contains all the information you'll need about your pet's food, so be sure to read it.

What to Feed Your Dog
A dog's diet should balance nutrients, which is the primary key to a healthy dog. Aside from the minimum requirements of vitamins, minerals, and protein, there are a lot of other nutrients that dogs need to eat.

One of the most critical nutrients dogs need to consume is fiber, which helps dogs maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of gaining weight. An ideal amount of fiber for a dog is around 10 to 20 percent of its daily diet.

Aside from fiber, dogs also need carbohydrates and proteins. However, it's important to note that carbohydrates also contain fiber. Still, the fiber present in carbohydrates is not as much as that in fiber-rich foods.

The Importance of Doggy Treats
Doggy treats are considered junk food. While there's nothing wrong with giving your dog treats, you should still limit it as much as possible because it could lead to obesity. In turn, your dog may experience more health issues later.

Conclusion
Keeping your pet healthy is your responsibility as a pet owner, and part of that responsibility is knowing what your pet eats. While there are many dog food products, not all are made equal. As such, you should read the label before buying it.

If you’re looking for pet supplies in Bentonville, Earthwise Pet has what you need! We offer a wide range of selections to ensure that your pet gets the proper nutrients, and we also provide grooming services for affordable prices. Simply go to our website and take your pick!