These days, pet parents have dozens of dog food options available online and on store shelves. Basic grocery store dog food is still one of the cheapest and most readily available options, but is it as good for your dog as its premium competitors?
The answer is, of course, no. Premium dog food is significantly better for your dog’s health and well-being. Feeding your fur kid a quality premium food could make a big difference to his longevity and quality of life. Let’s go over a few of the main differences between premium food and basic kibble, as well as some of the reasons why the premium food is the superior choice.
Why Ingredients Lists Can Be Deceiving
Many people who buy their dog’s food from the grocery store check the list of ingredients in the food first. They often find that the less expensive food contains ingredients that are very similar to those in the premium dog food, leading them to think that there must not be any real difference in quality between the two options.
The confusion is understandable, but this conclusion couldn’t be further from the truth. Think about the different cuts of steak you might buy at the grocery store: both flank steak and ribeye could be described as steak, but would you say there is no difference in quality between them? The superior taste, texture, and nutritional content of the ribeye is what justifies its higher price. The same is true for dog food.
Quality Dog Food…
- Contains quality, human-grade ingredients (quality proteins, not just meat meal).
- Contains more meat per pound than store brands of dog food.
- Is free from GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics.
- Contains no pesticides or insecticides.
- Is gluten-free.
- Is low in carbohydrates.
- Contains a balanced mixture of vitamins and minerals for canine health.
- Tastes great.
Why It Matters
All pet parents want their fur kids to have the best of everything, but when it comes to food, it’s even more important to make quality a priority.
Some dogs have allergies or sensitivities to certain pet food ingredients, especially grains like wheat and corn, corn gluten and soy bean. This causes issues like itching, skin inflammation, hair loss, and other unpleasant symptoms. Quality dog food is gluten-free and only contains nutrient-rich natural carbohydrates that will not irritate your dog’s system in this way.
In addition, premium dog foods are more closely matched to your dog’s ancestral diet. While dogs are omnivorous and benefit from eating a wide variety of foods, they have evolved to subsist mainly on meat from animals their pack has hunted. While grocery store foods use meat in their formulas, they tend to use less of it to make the mixture more economical. Premium food, on the other hand, is low-carb and contains mostly meat, fulfilling your dog’s true nutritional needs. The carbohydrates it does include also have much more nutritional value than typical filler carbs like wheat.
Feed Your Dog Right
Your dog’s health depends on good nutrition, and investing in premium food is the best way to ensure that he gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs. At For Your Fur Kids, we sell a wide variety of premium dog foods, including dry, wet, and raw options. Visit us online or in-store today and speak to one of our knowledgeable associates about your dog’s nutritional requirements; we will be happy to help you find the right premium food for his needs.
