Menu Monday: Choosing a commercial dog food

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While there are several options for feeding our canine companions, commercial dog food is arguably the easiest, certainly the most popular, choice. We are inundated with marketing messages, with each brand of food claiming advantages and superiority over others. How do you choose the food that is best for your dog?

The better the quality of food your dog receives, the better her general health will be. Improved general health translates into fewer sick visits to the vet, with the associated cost savings. Foods that are filled with byproducts, renderings, and unmentionable filler will keep your dog fed, but at the expense of dull eyes, dull coat, and often, gastrointestinal distress. If you've ever known an Alpo dog, you'll know what I mean about the GI distress.

That doesn't mean buy the most expensive food, or that all higher priced foods are created equal. Indeed, many prescription or veterinarian-endorsed foods are expensive, but utilize lower quality ingredients to balance out the food. Given the many surgical and medical advances about which veterinarians have to stay current, unless your vet specializes in nutrition, it's very possible that she will rely on very basic information on guiding you on food choices. This often means recommending the food they sell, foods which they often receive for free or at reduced cost from the manufacturer.

It also used to be that if your dog suffered from allergies or other chronic ailments, prescription food was your only option. With the increase of new commercial formulas that utilize novel proteins and carbs, or which are grain-free, prescription foods are no longer your only option. Many commercial dog food companies now offer special allergy formulas that allow you to follow the same elimination diet protocols prescribed by your vet, but using higher quality ingredients.

In the end, your dog will tell you what food is right for her. Not only can nutrition can play an important role in the overall wellness of your pet, they can assist in a reduction of symptoms for pets who are chronically ill. Fewer symptoms means an improved quality of life for you and your companion. Different dogs have different needs due to health concerns, metabolism, or activity level and you have to feed your dog according to his specialized needs. The wide variety of commercial foods available means you have a good chance of finding something your dog will love that will also keep her fit.

Before changing foods, take the time to evaluate your dog's condition and general health. Make note of any deficiencies, such as flaky skin or brittle, dry fur. Does your dog have frequent bouts of loose stool, flatulence, or vomiting? Your dog's condition can provide insight into what needs to change in the diet. Dry skin and coat could mean that your dog needs more essential fat. Itching or licking could mean a protein allergy or grain intolerance. Diarrhea could mean too much rich protein or sensitive stomach, even IBS. If you've consulted with your vet and there are no underlying health problems, a change in diet could make a significant difference in your dog's appearance and demeanor.

Learn to read food labels and then do it. There are publications available that do a comparison of top commercial dog foods, such as Whole Dog Journal, and for a small fee, you can get a break down of various commercial dog formulas that are generally accepted as high in quality.

Remember that popular brands should be evaluated with the same suspicion and scrutiny as any other brand; flashy commercials often hide inflated claims of quality. If you buy the highest quality you can afford, of a food you can easily procure in the Newark area, and let your dog be your guide, then you can be content in the knowledge that you've done your best to feed your dog right.

Some places to start:
Ingredients to avoid
Identifying better products

For more info: Oradell Animal Hospital and other animal hospitals have nutrition consultants on staff who will discuss your particular dog's nutritional needs with you for a fee. If you are concerned about your dog's diet, particularly if your dog requires a prescription food or suffers from a chronic illness, consider booking a consultation with a local certified veterinary nutritionist.

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All text in this article is copyrighted and the sole possession of Melissa Garcia Logan, unless otherwise indicated. Available for reprint and/or publishing only with written permission from author. Contact Melissa Garcia Logan with your comments, suggestions, questions, and ideas.