Dog Information and Its Role in Dog Health

Although widely regarded to be man's best friend and a pet that makes the most loyal companion, dog owners give little thought to how they are fed. Many simply keep a stock of dry pellets or food tins, and in most cases such foods are mass-produced without any consideration for the nutritional well-being of the dog. However, if you truly care for your canine companion, then it is important for you to take feeding him seriously by looking for dog products that are guaranteed to be good for him.

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.

That said there are some who would contend that natural dog food is merely a trendy fad spawned from the same hippie urges that have made organic produce and fair trade so fashionable. The reality of the matter is that the convenience of commercial dog food comes at a price. Most brands are filled with disgusting animal by-products, unhealthy gluten and other components not suitable for consumption by dogs.

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.

These obstacles can be overcome simply by purchasing dog food from a company that puts a premium on dog information by emphasizing simplicity of product and transparency of manufacturing. A good example of such a company is Honest Kitchen, which attempts to find a realistic place between health and convenience through dog food products made from dehydrated natural ingredients that only require rehydration to serve. They are notable for their track record of comprehensive ingredient reporting which has earned them the approval of consumer and environmental watchdog groups.

Another company that specializes in natural dog food, albeit of another variety, is Canidae Dog Food. They deal in dry and canned food made of human-grade food free of antibiotics, animal by-products, hormones and preservatives. Clearly subscribing to the philosophy that more information is better for their consumers, their official website breaks down all the ingredients and components used in their products.

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