Choosing the right kind of food for your dog can be a DAUNTING task... with so many pictures of smiling puppies and fancy labels staring back at you, how do you make an informed choice?

Well it's not that hard really, if you know what you're looking for. Here are my 5 essential tips for choosing the right of food for your dog:

1. Forget about brand names.

A bigger name brand does NOT equal better quality. In fact, the reverse is probably more true, but we won’t get into that right now.

2. Put Your Emotions Aside!

What do I mean by this? Simply, ignore the cute little dogs licking their lips and the ones with big grins on their faces. Do not buy based on how NICE or CUTE the packaging is. I know it sounds stupid to buy dog food based on the cool packing, but it's so easy to do. I've been guilty of this myself more than once.

3. Look at the ingredients

A dog's diet typically consists of 40% meat, 30% fiber and 30% starch. Next time you're in a store, pick up a tin of dog food (or look at one you've brought previously). Then take a look at the ingredient list.

The first ingredient on that list is the primary ingredient - so make sure it's a form of meat protein such as chicken, beef, etc (NOT meat by-products) Make sure the rest of the ingredients include a good amount of fiber and starch.

Also, the fewer preservatives the better.

4. Choose Super Premium Brand dog food or Premium Brand.

Do NOT choose Economy Brand dog foods. These are the ones you'll see in your general store. Go to pet stores and buy the quality stuff there. Buying a Premium or Super Premium dog food can literally add years to your dog's life.

I was in a big supermarket yesterday, one of those monster chain types, and I ventured down the pet food isle. (I always buy my dog food at the pet store).

Follow these rules next time you're shopping for dog food and I guarantee your dog will thank you for it!

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