Dog Food Can Get Confusing
It is always a bit daunting to have to purchase food for your pet, but with the economic crisis nowadays, it's even more difficult and raises further questions. Given all the inexpensive dog foods out there, and the more costly ones, and the wealth of different manufacturers (like Sojos), how do you ever figure out what's your best alternative?
Naturally cost is frequently a top concern for consumers. They wonder whether it is worthwhile to spend more on premium, all-natural, or healthy dog food. That depends on the value you place on your pet. You'd never think of offering your children food that is of poor quality, therefore why wouldn't it be the same with your beloved dog?
When buying dog food, be sure to look at the list of ingredients! Many manufacturers will attempt to save money and put filler into their product instead of actual food. This is bad for pets because these filler ingredients are either non-nutritious or even actively harmful to their digestive systems. Some ingredients to watch out for include the following.
Corn is most likely the top filler ingredient contained in dog food, just like in food for people. Corn is inexpensive and indigestible and only serves to fill space. It might take the shape of corn that is ground, milled, husked, or actually as corn syrup. Not any of these are beneficial for dogs and ought to be steered clear of in all cases, particularly when it's listed among the initial ingredients.
Internet has become a very big part of our everyday Other ingredients which you should look out for are anything labeled as a "by-product." What by-product means is anything deemed unfit for consumption, such as feet, diseased meat, brains, even road kill! There is no way you can tell what you will be getting. Why even take those chances? "Mill run" is a phrase you may also see, and it just about as bad; that is waste from mills. It's just hulls is the best scenario.
Anyone buying any dog products should always pay attention to their quality. In many instances, dog treats are packed with more filler than their regular food and since it's considered a treat, manufacturers can claim it doesn't have to be that healthy. However, this is going to be eaten by your dog and should still be of the highest quality.
You might question why it is important to put forth the time analyzing your pet's food. Obviously, many dogs eat the less expensive dog food, and do fine with it. But, these pets are inclined to have an increased risk of health problems, particularly digestive troubles. This can cost you more over time in the form of veterinarian bills. Anyway, your dog is your best buddy. It is important to find superior dog food so that your best buddy will be happy and healthy.
In these trying times it is important to remember that your pet is a part of your family and you are responsible for them having a healthy diet. It is essential to learn how to read dog food labels, as well as other dog products, to ensure your pet is not getting harmful or unnecessary fillers or additives. There are so many options out there for pet food, such as sojos food, that you need to be sure to understand what you are looking for. Common unnecessary things you will find on these labels are corn, in any form, and by-products. These are just fillers and provide no nutritional value.
Published January 29th, 2009
Filed in Family
