Dog food is either plant or animal material meant for eating by dogs. When dog foods are given as a reward, and not as main food, they are called dog treats. Some people make their own natural dog food while some feed their dogs meals made from ingredients bought from grocery or health-food stores while others depend on commercially made dog food.



People have different opinion on what food is best for dogs. Some people feel that leftovers and scraps left by the owners are good for dogs. They argue that the commercial dog food has poor quality meat, additives or other ingredients, that dogs need not ingest. They also think that dogs do not get sufficient nutrition, while consuming commercial dog food.

It is always best to give a well-balanced diet to your dog for regular health. But many people do not know what a healthy balanced diet is for a dog, and whether natural dog food is healthier. While you choose a natural dog food, keep the following in mind:

All dogs require meat in their diets. A dog's primary source of protein is meat, but not everyone should feed their dog raw meat. There are not enough proteins in grains for them. Allergies and weight gains could be caused by a diet which is heavy in grains and carbohydrates.

Then there is the dehydrated raw food. These can be fed alone, or as an accompaniment to a raw food or other home-prepared diet. It is different from conventional cooked or processed foods. There are the Honest Kitchen's dehydrated foods and they must be hydrated with warm water, before serving.

Flint River dog food is another premium, all natural, oven-baked food which can be given to dogs. The food is oven baked under carefully controlled conditions and temperatures, resulting in better nutrition, palatability, and digestibility. When you bake in the oven the hard to digest starches are converted into easy to digest dextrin, which can be readily absorbed.

Most processed dog food does not have all the nutrients that your dog needs. Please read the label to find the least the least processed variety. Meat and bones are considered raw foods and are better for your dog. These can be bought at the grocery store or pet store. Freeze dried foods are also an option since this process is a good way to retain nutrients in food.

Dry dog food, also called kibble, is the most popular kind of dog food. It is also the easiest and most inexpensive to feed. But most kibble is far from the healthiest food to feed your dog. Always read the label to make sure that meat and not grains are the primary source of protein. Human grade whole meat such a chicken, beef, or lamb is the best, and should be listed first on the ingredient label. And just because a meat ingredient appears first does not mean it is the main ingredient. If the next two or more ingredients are grains, then the total grain content is very likely higher than the meat content.

Add vegetables and fruits to your dog's diet. While added to the diet they add the needed nutrients and antioxidants. Try to bring variety in your dog's diet. You can do this by rotating different dog foods or by mixing different brands or flavors together.