Feeding Your Adult Dog
Adult dog diets are designed to keep your dog at a healthy size and weight once they have grown up. There are many adult dog diets available, so look for one that will suit your dogs individual needs and lifestyle. For example, there are diets designed for working dogs, or dogs that have been neutered. You may also need to feed your dog a specific diet if they have certain medical conditions or need to lose weight. If youre not sure which diet is best for your adult dog, ask your vet for help.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog
Dog obesity is a growing concern in the veterinary community and has been linked to many health problems in dogs. Luckily for our pets, we are usually more disciplined about controlling their diets than we are about controlling our own. Knowing how much to feed your dog and what healthy dog weight looks like can be tricky. Many owners accidentally overfeed their pets, which is why it is important to take your dog in for regular checkups and to talk with your vet about appropriate portions. The guidelines on the back of the bag are just that guidelines. Some dogs may require more than the recommended amount, whereas others require much less. Activity level, time of year, nursing, illness, and more factors can all impact how much a dog needs to eat. Dog people will often advise that you should feed the dog thats in front of you instead of strictly adhering to dog food serving size guidelines that may or may not be exactly what your dog needs.
How We Research Dog Food
Over the course of our decades of writing and editing for pet and veterinary publications, we’ve interviewed many veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists. We’ve also had the chance to feed our own dogs lots of different brands and types of foods.
It’s important to note that our veterinary experts didn’t specifically endorse any of the products in this guide. When you think about it, this makes sense, since most veterinarians agree that the best food for each individual dog will vary based on a variety of factors. So, to make picks for this guide, we consulted four veterinarians, including a board certified veterinary nutritionist and a professor of animal and nutrition science, on what qualities to look for in a healthy dog food and what to avoid. From there, we used the information gathered to guide our selections.
Every food in this guide is complete and balanced according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials guidelines, contains high-quality ingredients, and offers the right levels of protein, fat, and fiber for their respective categories.
When making choices, we also referred to educational resources from the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association .
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Vegetarian Diets For Dogs
If youre not a meat eater yourself, it can be a moral dilemma as to what to feed your dog. Dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat both meat and plant-based foods. As long as you buy a complete commercial food appropriate for your dogs age and lifestyle, your dog will be getting all the nutrients they need whether youre feeding meat or not. As with any feeding, however, we dont recommend a homemade diet as its harder to make sure your dog is getting all the goodness they need.
If your dog has special dietary requirements, a vegetarian or vegan diet may not be right for them in this case, speak to vet or vet nurse for advice.
Holistic Select Adult Health Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Chicken Fat
The Holistic Select brand is known for offering a complete and balanced diet that suits dogs of different breeds and life stages. The dry kibble formula is a perfect combination of healthy ingredients to deliver premium proteins and other nutrients.
Prepared with super-quality chicken and brown rice, the blend supports digestive health and easy absorption of nutrients. Serve your dog a healthy balance of whole grains for great health and high energy.
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Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Canine Grain
as of March 10, 2022 4:09 am
Features
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie with ROASTED BISON and VENISON dry dog food REAL MEAT is the main ingredient high-protein to help support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive vitamins and minerals from FRUITS and SUPERFOODS omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS plus antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted and SUSTAINABLE local and global sources.
- Formulated without grain, corn, wheat, artificial flavors or artificial colors
Ol Roy Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken & Rice
Ol Roys is a Walmart brand that has been in production since 1981. This specific recipe from the brand is crafted for adult canines of all sizes with essential nutrients to provide a balanced diet.
Its billed as an inexpensive pet food due to lack of advertising and promotion, but if you look closely at the ingredients, youll see another reason why.
Well list the first six ingredients here: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat and Bone Meal, Soybean Meal, Rice Bran, Animal Fat , and Poultry By-Product Meal. And most of these are problematic.
We dont have anything against corn. Grains are okay too. In fact, these are healthy ingredients to have in dog food. But within reasonable quantities and never as the most significant part of a diet. In this recipe, the corn and grains make up the most volume and overwhelm the meat.
Second thing, the meats are all unspecified. Theyre labelled as meat and bone meal and poultry byproduct meal. The labels dont indicate exactly what animal the meat comes from and which parts were used.
Lastly, the food contains artificial colors and artificial preservatives .
Recall Info: There has been no recall yet for this formulation, although the Ol Roy brand has been involved in several recalls since 1998. The most recent one was in 2018 where samples of its Gravy Train line were found to contain traces of sodium pentobarbital.
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Castor & Pollux Organix Grain
Best Organic Dog Food Some of the best food to buy for a dog is made with organic ingredients like this Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Food. This company offers a wide variety of original and grain-free recipes, all made with the highest-quality ingredients and prepared in organically certified USA kitchens. This particular recipe features organic, free-range chicken as a high-quality source of protein with organic sweet potatoes for carbohydrate support. It is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients as well as beneficial supplements like chelated minerals for balance.
- Pros: Made with organic ingredients in an organically certified USA kitchen, organic chicken as the main ingredient, rich in protein and healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables chelated minerals
- Cons: Fairly expensive, some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients, contains plant protein
Spot & Tango Unkibble
About: Looking for a happy medium between a premium fresh food and more affordable mutt meal options? Unkibble from Spot & Tango is an innovative product that may be the perfect choice.
Custom-crafted for your pooch and made with the same kind of premium, whole ingredients fresh brands use, this veterinarian-developed kibble-like food is raising eyebrows and getting tails wagging.
Most Palatable Dry Food
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Now Let’s Break Down The Recipe For My Easy Homemade Dog Food Shall We
The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega’s. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, I’ve found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pup’s ideal dog food flavor profile.
Meat || Lean ground beef, ground chicken, ground white or dark meat turkey, & ground pork are all great options. Just be sure to make sure that any meat you feed your animals is free of seasonings when purchasing! Dog’s living with a kidney disease diagnosis need meals that are lower in phosphorus – so for us a lean ground beef like ground sirloin is best the way to go!
Eggs || Eggs are one the top 5 allergens for dogs and the yolks are very high in phosphorus -which you want to limit in dog’s with kidney disease. But, eggs are also one of the highest quality forms of protein you can feed your pet! Ultimately, a hard boiled egg is Hooch’s favorite thing on the planet so, with our vets approval we opted to leave them in his food.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Puppy
Deciding how much to feed your puppy is a processnot a one-time choice.
Since a larger breed puppy requires more food each day than a smaller breed
And because every brand of dog food contains a different number of calories per cup
Start with the recommended feeding amount printed on the foods package. Then, adjust that amount up or down to keep your dog at her ideal weight.
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Food For Sensitive Stomach
A sensitive stomach and food allergies may be a characteristic of a particular breed, or something specific to an individual. Whatever the case, its important to choose the best food to make sure that your dog isnt struggling with pain and discomfort while digesting. If you notice vomiting, loose stools, or excessive gas, it may be caused by a variety of things , but almost all of them can be managed by putting your dog on the right diet.
If the symptoms are continuing, you should consult with your veterinarian to be absolutely sure that its the diet that causes it all. To immediately help your dog, consider switching to a bland diet, of course, only temporarily. It contains boiled, plain chicken and rice, canned pumpkin, etc. Your veterinarian will probably prescribe a probiotic that you will need to add to your dogs food.
Then, its time to research dog foods for sensitive stomachs. Luckily, there are many types and variations available on the market, and most of them are also incredibly delicious. They are usually high in fiber ingredients , low in fats, and contain probiotics. Always look for the best food with a label saying that a product meets AAFCO nutrition standards.
Best Fresh And All Natural: Ollie
Ollie is another dog food subscription service where you can customize your dogs diet plan by providing information about them like their age, weight, breed, and allergies. Ollie will help you pick the right recipes and ship the food to your door on a regular schedule, providing a feeding guide to help you ensure that your dog is getting the proper food portions.
Ollies food is made from unprocessed, all natural ingredients. The recipes are 100% human-grade with no preservatives, fillers, added hormones, or antibiotics. You can choose from four different fresh formulas chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb each of which is high in protein and contains superfoods like chia seeds, blueberries, cranberries, cod liver oil, spinach, or kale.
Additionally, for dogs with food sensitivities, the chicken recipe has a limited ingredient list, containing peas, carrots, and rice making it gentle on sensitive stomachs and great for weight management. And, if youre looking for grain-free, you can opt for either the beef or turkey recipes.
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Best Human Grade: Spot And Tango
Spot and Tango is a dog food subscription service that allows you to build a customized meal plan based on your dogs needs. You have the option to choose from two formats UnKibble and Fresh both of which are made with 100% fresh, human-grade ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, fillers, or additives.
Spot and Tangos UnKibble comes in three different recipes, Duck and Salmon, Beef and Barley, and Chicken and Brown Rice. Unlike traditional kibble, UnKibble is not extruded . Instead, its gently dried using Spot and Tangos own process. Their recipes contain no meat meals and theyre GMO and hormone-free. Plus, their Duck and Salmon and Chicken and Brown Rice recipes are both gluten-free.
Their Fresh recipes are also available in three varieties: Turkey and Red Quinoa, Beef and Millet, and Lamb and Brown Rice. All three of these formulas are gluten-free, non-GMO, and have a limited ingredient list. They contain a range of natural ingredients, including fruits and veggies like spinach, carrots, cranberries and blueberries.
And, whether you choose the UnKibble or Fresh format, Spot and Tangos recipes are formulated to meet the dietary needs of both puppies and adult dogs.
Is Orijen Dry Pet Food Best For My Dog
By Tim Falk
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You don’t have to choose between your pet and your wallet when it comes to expensive vet visits. Prepare ahead of time for unexpected vet bills by finding the pawfect pet insurance.
Orijen is an award-winning pet food brand based in Canada. This manufacturer develops a range of dry dog and cat foods based on its Biologically Appropriate philosophy, and uses fresh, raw animal ingredients in its pet food formulas.
But is Orijen dry pet food the right choice for your dog or cat? Keep reading to find out more about the cost and key nutritional details of Orijen for dogs and cats.
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Putting It All Together
Choosing the best dog food means finding a brand that uses quality ingredients in a way that properly balances the protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and vitamins your dog needs based on his age, lifestyle, and unique state of health. Look for a healthy dog food that has met or exceeded these guidelines and follows the individual needs of your pet as determined by your vet. Spending a little extra time choosing a perfect dog food could mean that much more enjoyment with a healthy and happy four-legged best friend.
We Aren’t The Only People That Have Converted To Making Homemade Dog Food And Are Loving The Results Check Out The Links Below For More Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Pup Will Love
Easy Crockpot Dog Food from Damn Delicious || This simple homemade dog food recipe combines ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, and peas in the slow cooker so you can set it and forget it!
Homemade Dog Food Recipe from College Housewife || Elizabeth’s sweet dog Rascal suffered from all sorts of health issues which led them to having him allergy tested. Turns out Rascal was allergic to all sorts of things – even beef! So, Elizabeth developed a homemade dog food recipe that is just perfect for Rascal’s sensitive belly that is filled with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini squash and macaroni noodles!
DIY Homemade Dog Food from Damn Delicious||Chungah’s dog Butter’s battle with stomach issues led her to start making dog food at home. This recipe is easy to make and super good for your pups too! It combines a delicious blend of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains and is made of ingredients like ground chicken, brown rice, shredded zucchini, spinach, carrots, and peas.
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The Best Dog Food According To Experts And Veterinarians
Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Dogs provide humans with unconditional love and emotional support, which pet owners might be especially thankful for during the stressful times we are living through. Feeding your dog a nutritious diet is just one way to show them how much you care, in addition to providing them with the right dog bed, toys to play with and the occasional dog treat. Simply put, dogs deserve to eat well in fact, appropriate food is fourth in the American Veterinary Medical Associations Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership. And with currently underway, you can find savings on many top-rated pet products.
SKIP AHEAD How to shop for dog food
Aiming for the best food for dogs gives them distinct health advantages, too, said Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian and pet care expert at PetSmart. Premium dog food will include meat for protein, vitamin-packed vegetables and fruit, and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, Freeman said, adding its also likely to have fewer fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy.
Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Nutro Ultra Adult is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Ultra product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Beef, duck, lamb, fish, small breed, large breed, puppy, senior and more
- Price: $$
This Nutro formula derives most of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Available in a wide range of flavor and recipe options. One of our top value picks.
Sample buyer reviewI have 5 dogsranging in different sizes and breeds. This is the ONE food I can get them all to eat without having to buy a bunch of different brands or formulas. Thank you Nutro!
This Go! Carnivore formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and salmon meals, as well both chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Free of GMO ingredients and loaded with meat. A rare find. Highly recommended.
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