Dog Information and Its Role in Dog Health

Although the dog is considered to be man's best friend and his most loyal and faithful companion, little thought is given to how they are fed. This is because feeding responsibility is often dismissively reduced to the habit of keeping a steady supply of dry pellets and/or food tins. However, those who truly care for their furry friend should take feeding seriously by getting dog products which guarantee a dog's health.

To be fair, the reason why the dominant brands of dog products continue to sell is because of the convenience they give dog owners. Dry dog food can be left out for days in the feeding dish, which means there is no need to watch over the dog to ensure he finishes his meal. He or she can merely come and go at his stomach's urging. Canned food on the other hand, keeps fresh unopened and ensures a moist and tasty meal no matter how long they're been in the pantry.

With all these conveniences to be had, some would argue that the attention currently being given to pet health by way of natural food is simply a consumer fad, symptomatic of the same culture that has made dogs fashion accessories for so-called nature lovers. However, the truth is that many brands of dog food contain all sorts of unhealthy components unfit for consumption, such as disgusting animal by-products and unhealthy corn gluten.

The lack of attention which dog product manufacturers as well as consumers give towards dog information also impedes our collective ability to ensure the well-being of our canine companions. Because no two dogs have the same physiology, it is critical to have access to dog information from a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist to ensure that your dog is fed the right type of dog products, as various brands use different components that may have varying effects on your dog.

The best way to overcome this hurdle is to ensure that you purchase dog food from a company that puts a premium on dog information through transparency and simplicity of product, rather than obfuscate the contents of their products. One such company is Honest Kitchen, which specializes in taking fresh natural ingredients such as real meat and organic grain and putting them in a dehydration process. They are notable for their track record of comprehensive ingredient reporting which has earned them the approval of consumer and environmental watchdog groups.

Another good brand of dog food is Canidae Dog Food, which specializes in dog food that many have rated as human grade. They are free of hormones, antibiotics, preservatives and animal by-products and resemble a great dinner. Their official website features a comprehensive list of the ingredients used in their products, ensuring that customers know what they are getting for their dogs.

This article attempts to shed light on the lack of attention given to dog health by most dog owners by describing how many dog food companies benefit from a lack of attention to dog information. To that end, consumers have a responsibility to educate themselves on their dog's nutritional needs and support companies such as Honest Kitchen and Canidae Dog Food which recognize the value of consumer knowledge.

- Melinda Smith