| The first rule of thumb: If there is a cartoon on the | | | | reputable brands will not include such "junk" in their |
| front of the bag or can DON'T BUY IT!Usually these | | | | dog foods. |
| brands of dog food are packed full of preservatives | | | | It is best to look for food that does not include corn |
| and lack nutritional value. But don't take my word for | | | | since it is not as digestible as wheat, rice or barley. |
| it, read the labels yourself. | | | | Grains are a great source energy for dogs, but |
| The Second rule is: If it is sold in a convenience store, | | | | cautious because some manufacturers will use it as a |
| grocery store, or your local pharmacy DON'T BUY IT! | | | | filler that will cause your puppy to get fat. So watch |
| Choose Premium Brand dog foods instead of | | | | out! Only feed your puppy grains in their whole form |
| Economy Brand dog foods. The cheap ingredients | | | | to provide them with a fiber, vitamins and minerals |
| rarely equal healthy ones. You wouldn't expect to find | | | | essential for their growth. The best grains for dogs |
| the best food for humans in a dog boutique so why | | | | (when used in the proper percentages) are rolled |
| would you expect to find a good dog food in a store | | | | oats, barley, quinoa, millet, and brown rice. |
| for humans? | | | | Watch out for preservatives! While they are |
| The best way to choose the puppy chow right for | | | | necessary to keep food edible they do not have to |
| your dog is to do a lot of label reading. You want to | | | | be artificial cancer-causing chemicals. Avoid chemical |
| make sure that meat protein sources are high in the | | | | preservatives BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin. Vitamin E & |
| ingredient list. 3 of the first 5 ingredients on the labels | | | | Vitamin C or animal fat are natural preservatives that |
| should be for protein sources such as chicken, lamb, | | | | are much better for your dog. |
| venison, bison, turkey, whitefish, etc. On some labels | | | | Many choose to go holistic since these foods are |
| the word meal will appear. "Meal" means that the | | | | 100% natural and 100% nutritious and contain |
| meat is precooked and won't reduce down anymore | | | | human-grade ingredients. Some may consider this rule |
| during the final cooking process. (It is estimated that | | | | of thumb: If you wouldn't eat it, your dog shouldn't |
| 5 pounds of the animal meat will cook down to 1 | | | | eat it either. |
| pound of animal meal.) Many manufacturers will | | | | Keep in mind that you should never feed your dog |
| include animal by-products such as chicken beaks, | | | | chocolate, grapes, raisins, white flour or nuts. |
| feet, bones, heads, intestines, etc., but the more | | | | |