If you are investigating which premium dog food is the best dog food for your dog, then it's likely that you are aware of the importance of how the right dog food can impact both your dog's health and lifespan.
Even if you are aware of the importance of feeding your dog a good dog food, you are still faced with finding and making the right food for your furry friend.
To begin your decision making process in choosing a premium dog food, I want to put emphasis on the importance of making the food choice for and with your dog.
You can read and listen to all of the advice you want but when it comes down to it, you know your dog best and you will be the one that knows their special needs and health issues and of course what they like and what they don't like.
To narrow your premium dog food choices, start by determining your dog's age and what stage they are in their life.
This is important because age directly determines the amount of protein you should include in your dog's diet.
The general consensus is that puppies need higher protein levels in their food for proper growth.
How high those levels need to be is somewhat of a controversy, most dry puppy foods contain between 25 - 30% protein.
Some professionals feel that too much protein in your puppy's diet can cause them to grow too fast.
Adult premium dog foods are usually formulated with about 20% protein which is meant for dog's that are fairly inactive up to dog's that are moderately active.
If you have a dog that is a herding or working dog and is highly active, then you need to increase that protein level up to as much as 45%.
If you are unsure where you would place your dog in activity level, then consult with your veterinarian.
Remember too also take into consideration whether you dog is a male or female, as a female who is lactating for her pups will have larger energy requirements than a non-breeding male or female dog.
Next, look at your dog's health and activity levels.
Is there weight where it should be? Are they over-eating or not eating enough? Perhaps they have arthritis, digestive problems or a skin condition, use what you know and what your vet gives you to evaluate your dog's health.
Remember, you are the one that's spends time with your dog everyday.
You are more familiar with their daily needs and problems than anyone.
Take into account your dog's activity and exercise level.
Do they have a big backyard that they are able to exercise and play in everyday or are they basically confined to the house and an occasional walk.
Are they a working dog that herds cattle regularly and helps out on the farm, then they are definitely going to need a higher protein food.
Like it or not, we all have to consider our budgets too, especially with the economy like it is.
It's important to feed your dog a premium quality dog food but you also need to make it work for your budget.
No one is saying that you have to feed your dog the most expensive dog food there is.
Instead, learn to read labels and know what you're looking for in a premium dog food.
Then find the best food for your dog, not just the most expensive.
One last thought, you should also consider how and where you want to purchase your premium dog food.
Many foods are only carried in high end pet stores or pet boutiques and if you live in a remote or rural area, it can be difficult to find one of these stores.
However, with the availability of many of these foods now available at pet stores online, you can get the exact food you are searching for and often with great prices and sometimes even free shipping.
No matter what you choose to feed your dog, make sure you remember to love them loads and feed them a good quality dog food for a long, quality life.