Dogs give us so much love and companionship; in return, we owe them a safe and nutritional diet.
Choose foods rich in high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats – such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – for optimal nutrition.
Finn advises selecting foods with an official nutritional adequacy statement and brands employing full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionists as his top choices.
Cost-effective
A 100 lb bag of dog food will last longer and is more cost-effective in the long run, saving money when purchased online or from stores with price-matching capabilities. Furthermore, many retailers provide discounts when you buy multiple bags simultaneously.
Choose brands known for providing top-quality pet food. Coupons and store rewards can help you save on dog food, grooming services, toys, treats, bedding, and supplies. Some pet stores even provide subscription services, which are less costly than buying individual bags at once.
Budget dog food may provide as many nutritional benefits if you carefully check its ingredients list. Ensure there are no cheap fillers or unspecified meat by-products in its recipe; ensure it complies with AAFCO nutritional standards; additionally, look for foods containing joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, digestive support ingredients, and healthy fats.
Nutro Max Mini Chunks are an economical food option for small dogs, featuring tiny kibble bits with lean protein for muscle health. Their natural fiber and Omega fatty acid components contribute to their wellness while being free from corn or artificial dyes.
Convenient
If you own multiple large breed dogs that require large quantities of food or multiple smaller bags that won’t last more than several weeks at a time, purchasing one hundred-pound bag might be more efficient and time-saving than shopping more frequently for individual bags of dog food.
How you select the appropriate dog food depends on many factors, including budget and how much food your pup consumes daily. Store dry kibble in an airtight container to prevent mold growth while protecting it from moisture damage to extend shelf life and ensure its freshness.
Before selecting a food for your dog, please consult your veterinarian to understand their body conditions and recommended feeding amounts. Although dry kibble contains natural preservatives, it’s still important to practice proper storage methods; don’t transfer or empty out food into multiple containers at once, as this can degrade plasticizers and cause their quality to degrade rapidly.
A dog’s food needs depend on size, age, activity level, and environment. To determine how many cups are contained within one bag of kibble, consult with its manufacturer’s feeding guide and your dog’s energy requirements.
Recyclable
Switching dog food brands may be one way to reduce your environmental impact as a dog owner. Most pet foods come packaged in non-recyclable bags; however, certain companies like Canidae and Hill’s Science Diet offer recyclable packaging, which helps ensure fresher meals for longer.
Many municipalities accept dog food bags for recycling. They typically fall under the plastic #2 or #4 classification and should be put together with other plastic bags, though it must be noted that they must be free from tape or adhesive strips that would contaminate other recyclable materials.
Pet Sustainability Coalition members have pledged to use 100% recycled packaging by 2025, and many are already taking steps toward meeting that goal. Hill’s, for instance, provides recycling at select stores and is set to implement Kibble Refill Station – a program where customers bring in their reusable dog food containers to be filled up on site.
Royal Canin’s dog food packaging can also be recycled through TerraCyle’s Wellness CORE and Complete Health’s free recycling program, an option great for pet owners seeking to reduce waste. TerraCycle recycles various materials, including flexible plastic – making this option particularly convenient.
Water-resistant
The best food for your pup should be free from additives like preservatives, chemicals, and dyes that could compromise short and long-term health. Natural food may even help alleviate allergy symptoms – many pets have overcome them simply by changing their food regimen!
Various sizes of dog food bags, from 30 lbs to 100 lbs, are available. Larger bags are more cost-effective and could save money over time; you must select an appropriate bag size based on your pet’s needs.
Example: A large breed dog may need more food than its smaller counterpart. Feeding amounts depend on size, activity level, and environment – always consult a veterinarian to establish what part would best meet their needs.
Biologically Appropriate Diet for Working Hunting and Athletic Dogs with over 85%* animal ingredients, including fresh or raw free-run** chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish. With added probiotics, prebiotics, and botanicals for digestive health, immune function support, skin & coat health, as well as high concentrations of protein & fatty acids from animal sources, this formula meets AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles All Life Stages nutritional levels.
