Everyone has to realize that with dog food it is not a one brand fits all, no matter how good the food is. Some dogs can be fed a crappy food and look wonderful on the outside but it is what is going on inside that counts. Just like some people can do well on a high carb diet and others cannot, some people do well on a high protein diet and some don't.
There are many things to consider when feeding your dog. I think one of the most important things is choosing a premium dog food. I prefer not feeding any dog food with corn or soy, both of those ingredients when used for a long period of time can cause allergies and other problems.
Some people prefer home cooking but home cooking is not for everyone and you have to make sure you are doing it right. Home cooking can destroy many of the nutrients and digestive enzymes your dog needs. Some people like the raw diet but some dogs just don't like raw food.
I have been raising Yorkies for 12 years and mine have always done well on dry food with a little canned food mixed in. I am currently feeding Canidae All Life Stages for my adults and my pups are on Chicken Soup Puppy. For treats they get shredded carrots, cherrios, and Natural Balance Lamb and Rice Dog Food Roll cut into bite size pieces. Occasionally they get a little steamed broccoli or sweet potatoes.
Another thing to consider is the effects of vaccinations on your dogs health. I think dog food gets blamed for a lot of problems that are allergy related but in reality vaccinations can cause the same problems and much more.
It is important to be consistent on the times you feed your dogs if you don't free feed. Mine always have dry food available but I feed them their regular meals with a little canned food added at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. I really think I should just give them plain dry food but I have them spoiled to the canned food added and I would feel mean if I quit doing that. The only canned foods I use are Pedigree Lamb and Rice Puppy and Pedigree Traditional Ground Chicken and Rice (found at Petsmart) and I just recently started using the Pedigree Choice Cuts in Sauce Lamb and Vegetables. I mash it up and mix it in well with their dry food and they love it. Mine all get their snack around 9:30 each night. Each dog is probably just getting a spoonful but if it makes them happy then that is what counts.
I think it is also important to rotate dog foods occasionally. Some of the other foods I like are Canidae Lamb and Rice, Solid Gold and Natural Balance. I know there are other good foods out there but not near where I live. I live about 50 miles from the nearest Petsmart and Petco so I only go there every couple weeks. I hate the way the cost of dog food is going up but I guess there is not much we can do about that. |