
Whether you're buying dog food for your furry friend of a few years or one that's brand new, it's essential to know what kind of food is best.
You’ll want dog food that will provide your dog with proper nutrition. Some dogs may have sensitive stomachs, others may require grain-free options, and some dogs are excited for whatever food ends up in their bowl. However, making sure your pup is getting proper nutrition in whatever stage of life is vital for their health.
Keep reading to learn more about the ingredients you should look for, steer clear of, and everything in between.
Ingredients to Look For
According to Pet Butler, for a typical adult dog to maintain good health, food should include at least 18% protein, 5% fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. Many dogs will also require other nutrients like calcium, sodium, and linoleic acid, which all help with bone growth. So now that we know what amount of nutrients the typical dog requires, let's look at some of the common ingredients in dog food that will provide said nutrients. When buying dog food, you should look for the following ingredients:

- Meat - Chicken, beef, and fish are most commonly found, but venison, lamb, and rabbit meats are also excellent sources of protein.
- Grains - As long as your dog does not have a sensitivity to grains, grains and carbs can give your dog some long-lasting energy while aiding in their digestion. The best grain ingredients are rice, oats, barley, and peas.
- Fruits and vegetables - Fruits and veggies aren't necessarily essential to your dog's diet. Still, they will serve them with plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will contribute to their overall health. Sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries are examples of fruits and vegetables that you might find in dog foods.
- Water - While dried dog food is the most common, you should still look for a kibble with high moisture content. That way, your dog receives hydration both from its food and drinking water.
- Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients - While these won't be found in the ingredients list, you should look for them on the nutrition label. Look for vitamins A, B, and E. Other vitamins are a bonus but not essential. Minerals you should look for are zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, and manganese. Essential nutrients are L-carnitine, and DL-methionine, which provide cellular production of energy and essential amino acids.
Ingredients to Avoid
When buying dog food, make sure to check the nutrition label and ingredient list to ensure that the food does not contain any of the following harmful ingredients:
- Artificial preservatives - Commonly used ones are Ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT, all of which have been linked to causing future health problems.<