Dog food is a big business and the market is so flooded with products that it is hard to know what to choose. The increased awareness about food sensitivities and allergies only compound the problem. And the massive pet food recall in 2007 heightened owners' anxiety about what to feed their pets. But there are factors one must be aware of in regards to dog food - palatability, price and potential. The dog food should taste good so that the dog will eat it. It should not be astronomically expensive, especially in these trying times and one should see results with their food.
Pet owners are confused by manufacturer's claims, and disheartened by health problems that may arise from some foods. They are also aware of the ills of our own foods that we eat and therefore, have begun to take a closer look at what they are feeding their animal companions. After all, if people are being told to eat fewer processed foods and more fresh foods, then shouldn't it make sense that pets should benefit from that advice as well.
Necessary nutrients: You can learn a lot about the quality of the food by looking carefully at the label on the package. You should look for the basic factors for sound nutrition - proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats.
Proteins: These are present in all kinds of meat and meat by-products. This form of protein is the best source for your dog. A lot of dog foods use vegetable proteins such as soy because it is cheap. These are harder to digest. A dog's need for protein varies depending on his age, size and activity. Puppy foods have higher levels of protein whereas senior foods have less.
Carbohydrates: These are necessary for energy. Their sources are typically rice, corn or some other grain like wheat. However, a lot of grains cause allergies and therefore most dog foods use rice as their starch.
Vitamins and minerals: Dogs need vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies functioning as we do. A lack of iron can cause anemia and a lack of Vitamin E can cause dry, brittle skin.
Fats: are a necessary part of the diet. Fat is what keeps the skin supple and the coat shiny. Too little fat in the diet and you get a dry, brittle coat and dry skin. Too much fat and you get an obese dog. Fat is extremely palatable and that is why a lot of dog foods have fats for nutritional and taste values.
Water: Dogs can go longer without food than they can water. To stay hydrated, and to cool off, dogs need a constant supply of fresh, clean water. It is absolutely necessary to leave out a clean bowl of water at all times for your dog. Dogs can't tell you when they are thirsty, so it is important that you leave out water at all times.
Feeding a commercial diet: Commercially prepared pet foods come in three forms - dry, canned and semi-moist. Dry food is the most nutritional and economical food choice, but it is the least palatable. Canned food on the other hand are quite palatable, but more expensive, and cannot provide the hard crunchiness that benefits dogs' teeth and gums (and no, canned foods do not give your dog worms). Semi-moist is the most comparable to human junk foods. They are loaded with extra sugars and preservatives.
It is important to store dry dog food in an airtight container as soon as possible to help ensure freshness. We all know what it is like to eat stale cookies or potato chips after the bag has been opened. Yes, dogs do not like stale foods either. I am constantly telling clients to buy the approximate size bag of dog food for their dog. I don't think you will be saving a lot of money if you buy a 50-pound bag for your Shih Tzu or Poodle when you are feeing him only two cups a day. Freshness is more important.
If you are confused as to whether you should feed your dog dry food or canned foods, why not mix the two together. I like mixing the dry food with canned foods at a ratio of three parts dry to one part wet. Remember, both of these foods are formulated to provide your dog with the same types and mixtures of protein, carbohydrates and fats. While dry foods contain the same things as canned foods, the difference is that the water and blood has been removed from the dry food.
Many breeders and dog experts feed their dogs commercial name brands of dry dog food such as Pro Plan, Exceed, Pedigree or Purina One, and supplement these foods with the occasional canned food such as Alpo. I tell clients to sometimes mix the dry food with canned foods such as Friskies or tuna, mackerel or sardines to give the food some added taste. There is no denying that canned foods provide good flavor and a little additional meat that dogs love. The dry food is nutritional and hard and crunchy as long as it's kept fresh. This causes your dog to chew more, and eating the dry food helps clean their teeth by scraping off bits of accumulated plaque or tartar. Wet foods can accumulate along the gum line and between the teeth, contributing to poor oral health.

o Dr. Basil Sands can be contacted at the Central Animal Hospital at 325-1288.

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