Factors to consider when choosing a dog food - 1st Choice Canada
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Factors to consider when choosing a dog food

Factors to consider when choosing a dog food

When selecting an appropriate food for your dog, you should consider:

Dog’s characteristics: Age, stage of life, level of activity and his health status (allergies, chronic diseases, etc)
Food characteristics: Is it adequate for your dog’s nutritional requirements (ingredients, energy density, palatability (taste) and acceptability)
 

Dry diets

Most dry adult dog foods contain 18% protein or more, 5% fat or more, and less than 12% moisture. These diets deliver between 3 100 and 4 400 kilocalories (kcal) per kilogram of product. The most common type of food available today is extruded.

How much to feed?

The best determinant of the amount of food to feed is the dog himself. Food intake in all animals is mainly governed by energy requirements. When you give your dog a quality, balanced and complete food, and base the portions on the feeding guidelines, your animal should receive all the essential elements (protein, fat, vitamins and minerals) that he needs. That is why owners should select a quantity of food based primarily on the pet's weight and body condition.

•Dogs gaining too much weight (energy surplus): the amount should be decreased.
•Dogs loosing weight: the amount of food should be increased.
•Commercial pet foods that are sold for particular life stages or lifestyles are formulated to contain the proper amount of essential nutrients according to the dog's energy requirements, when a certain quantity is fed.

Balancing energy density with nutrient content ensures that when a dog's caloric needs are met, its needs for all other essential nutrients will be met by the same quantity of food. Therefore, the best way to determine how much to feed a particular dog is first to estimate the animal's energy needs, then calculate the amount of an appropriate food that must be fed to meet that need, or refer to the feeding guidelines on the bag of food, based on the ideal weight of your pet.? Commercial complete and balanced foods are made to meet all of your pet’s requirements. Table scraps, extra treats, and vitamins and minerals supplements are not necessary and they could even do some harm.
 

Check out our complete range of dog food products and find the perfect formula suited for your dog!

 

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