When shopping for dog food, what do you look for?

Question

Without being brand specific, what do you look for when shopping for a dog food?

Price?

Nutrition?

Recommendation from friends?

Recommendation from the pet store?

Whoever has the prettiest bag?

This question is purely for marketing purposes. I want to hear the thoughts from the 'general public' to see what people are looking for. I personally feed Primal Raw Food, because it is the most nutritious and bio-available diet to feed your dog.

Answer 1

I personally don't buy commercial stuff for my dog; I am convinced that raw meat and natural food is the best thing you can give a carnivore... I mean, that's what they used to eat in the wild...

My dog's excellent state proves it!!!

However, you should always ask a veterinarian. Additionally, I would advise you to do some research on Juliette de Bairacli -- she's an advocate for healthy natural food... check out her books here:

Answer 2

very simple. Feed your dog only natural dog foods. If you can buy it in the supermarket, don't use it. It's junk food for dogs, period. Get a raw food with no preservitives. Innova Evo is the best. I'm sure they have a web site. Natural balance is good too. Stay away from Iams, Eukenuba (same company same food, just different taste with nothing but preservatives. Merrick is another good one. Look for them. Usually only privatly owned pet stores carry these brands. They are more expensive, but if you are truely looking to feed your dog the best diet for a long and healthy life, you'll use them. They also make cat food as well. I'm a groomer/trainer/vet tech for almost 20 years. A raw all natural diet with no preservatives is the only way to go. Trust me on this.

Answer 3

There are so many brands of dog food available. I go by the 'you get what you pay for' slogan. For my puppies and my female dogs I only buy and feed the Purina puppy chow. For my older male dogs I feed Pedigree weight management. They are a little pricer but well worth their weight in gold. If you would like something that produces less stool then try Science Diet. You can get that at any veterinarian office or pet supply store and it is wonderful. It is a little pricey but they eat less and poop less because it provides all that they need in smaller amounts. good luck

Answer 4

pedigree is by my view and my vets the worst dog food out. When i first got my dog he was fed pedigree dry mix and two months down the line he had a realy bad gut infection and skin problems and everything. I was told by my vet to feed my do James well-beloved which is brilliant and he loves it. it is also hypo-allergenic and has no addictives or bad ingridiends found in other pet foods. Pro plan is also a brilliant diet for your dog. But their is absolutly no proof that pedigree is rubbish just coz my dog has troble with it does not mean your dog will. Ask your vet for advice, most dogs eat pedigree and live long happy lives.

Answer 5

Nutrition - do a label to label comparison. ask your vet what you should be feeding your dog. certain dogs have special needs. dry is best. pet store will sell you the most expensive. i don't think your dog will care how pretty the bag is HA! just as long as it tastes good and fills up his/her little tummie. dogs need a certain amount of protein with a good ratio of carbs from natural sources. not too much corn or artificial fillers (they claim to make the doggie do-do break down quicker - not). and please don't over feed. over weight dogs don't have full lives only full bellies.

Answer 6

Nutrition of course. Don"t buy anything that contains corn in it. The best food I've tried for our pets is called Nutro. I HOPE this is not a trick question! LOL !

Answer 7

http://www.naturesrecipe.com/ Check out this food, it comes in a great variety, available at Petco, it is Free of fillers, diseased animal parts, corn, wheat, no chemicals, no additives, no chemical preservatives. I have my dogs on this, they like the venison & rice formula, they have rabbit, too; they are not itching, they are not throwing up, they have more energy! It costs a little bit more, but my furry friends are worth it! I am glad I found this food! I hope this helps you, dear.

Answer 8

high nutrition/protein, not a lot of filler. The more filler (corn etc.) the more poop! More nutrition, more absorbtion! I also heard that dogfood with high amounts of corn often cause allergic skin reactions especially since most of the corn used in animal feed is gmod now (supposedly).

Answer 9

Nutritional value for the size and weight of my dog; also recommendations from professionals who work with dogs.

Answer 10

I usually go for price. Believe it or not, my dog likes the generic dog food rather then the name brands