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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

How To Choose The Best Dog Food Brands

By Anton Hout, author of The Guide to Aussie Training & Care

Choosing the best dog food brands can be something of a conundrum for dog owners, particularly when you consider all of the options currently available. If you have found yourself standing in the dog food aisle of the grocery or pet store scratching your head, you are hardly alone. Fortunately, finding the best food for your pup really isn't as difficult as it seems; you just have to understand your dog's needs and pay attention to the labels.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Notice

DCM is a heart condition that has been reportedly linked to certain low carbohydrate dog foods. However, the FDA has still not confirmed a specific cause and its latest study is also inconclusive. As such, at the time of this writing (July 16, 2020) there have still not been any recalls. For further information see: FDA, Dog Food Advisor article, and an article by Daniel Schulof, the founder and CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods, Inc. addressing potential Bad Science and Financial Conflicts of Interest Plaguing the FDA's Investigation Into "Grain-Free" Pet Foods and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

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While good nutrition is important for all dogs, there can be particular requirements depending on your dog's age, health and breed. Puppies and young adult dogs have very different requirements than older dogs, for example, so you'll need to adjust what you buy according to your dog's individual needs. There are many brands of food that have specific formulations made for puppies, older dogs, and even dogs with food sensitivities and allergies or health conditions.

In general, the best dog food brands are those that offer balanced and complete nutrition. This means they are specifically designed to provide all of the nutrients that your dog needs. For dogs, that are not strict carnivores, this includes a combination of meat, grains, fruits and vegetables. The very best foods contain high quality versions of all of these ingredients in order to provide for all of your dog's nutritional needs.

Though all dogs require both protein and fat in their diet in order to maintain good health, more active breeds like the Australian Shepherd generally require a higher amount of each. Since Aussie's tend to burn off a lot of calories, having the proper amount of fat and protein in their diet is particularly important so that they can get the energy they need for fuel. Aussie's are also prone to several conditions that can be affected by diet, including hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid disease, epilepsy and cancer.

Australian Shepherd smiling and running across field.

zuzule / stock.adobe.com

Getting the best quality dog food you can afford will help ensure that your Aussie is as healthy as they can be.

You can find foods that cater to various special dietary needs, but if you have particular concerns you should talk to your vet and get their recommendation for feeding. In most cases, the best dog food brands will be those that offer high quality sources of protein, including whole meats and meat meal. Though some people believe that dry food is not as good as wet, this is actually not the case. Dry foods can be just as nutritious as wet; you simply need to carefully check the list of ingredients.

Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

There's More To Healthy Feeding Than Just Choosing The Best Dog Food Brands

As important as the type of food you choose are your dog's feeding habits. Don't overfeed as obesity can be just as much of an issue for dogs as it is for humans. If you have concerns about your dog's weight, a veterinary exam can help to ease your mind. Some dogs may require more food than others so if you have more than one dog you should feed them separately to ensure that each dog is getting enough. Finally, puppies should be transitioned to adult food when they reach the majority of their adult size.

As a concerned owner, you want what's best for your dog and that includes making sure that he is getting all of the nutrients he needs on a regular basis. The best dog food brands will make that job easier by providing a complete and balanced diet for your dog. Finding the right food for your dog is easy; just pay attention to the ingredients and if you have any questions, talk to your vet. That way you'll be sure you're giving your best friend everything he needs to grow healthy and strong.

Which Specific Brands Of Dog Food Are The "Best"?

We'll be bringing you articles about some of the highest rated brands like Acana, Annamaet, Bixbi, Merrick, Nature's Variety, Petcurean, Fromm, Ketona, Wellness, Primal, Canidae, Orijen, Natural Balance, and Stella and Chewys dog food. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Some of the Best Brands of Dog Food...

Australian Shepherd lying in a meadow full of pink flowers.

Are BIXBI Dog Food and Treats Really "Damn Near Perfect"?

BIXBI dog food and BIXBI treats are all sourced and created in the USA with only the freshest of ingredients. So what is all the buzz about and does this brand really stand out from the pack?

Black-tri Australian Shepherd running along shore of lake.

Ketona Dog Food By KetoNatural Among Best-Reviewed Dog Foods

Ketona dog food, from KetoNatural Pet Foods was created with one primary goal: improving dog nutrition of dog and puppy food by limiting carbohydrate intake. Can ketogenic or keto food help your dog?

Australian Shepherd by lake, licking lips.

What Makes Acana Dog Food Stand Out?

Acana dog food takes great pride in its biologically appropriate foods produced in their own award-winning kitchens.

Australian Shepherd laying in a meadow.

What's So Great About Annamaet Dog Food?

Annamaet dog food is a family owned and operated company that excels by putting the nutritional needs of dogs first.

Australian Shepherd with hills and forest in background.

Can You Trust Fromm Dog Food With Your Dog's Nutrition?

Fromm dog food has a record of quality which has lasted for several generations, earning high marks from pet owners.

Australian Shepherd leaning over a rock.

Should You Consider Giving Merrick Dog Food A Try?

Merrick dog food has taken its place among the top brands on the market today, but how did it earn its reputation?

Australian Shepherd in high grass on side of hill.

What Makes Nature's Variety Dog Food So Special?

Nature's Variety dog food was created with the nutritional needs of dogs in mind, no matter what their stage of life.

Blue merle Australian Shepherd with tongue out looking at camera.

Primal Dog Food: Food The Way Nature Intended

Primal dog food has taken feeding your pet to a whole new level and the results have been extremely encouraging.

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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

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