When it comes to feeding your dog, there is the great debate of what is the best way to feed your dog. I’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for each. I will also include some companies for raw or homemade if you decide to make the switch if you haven’t already. I’ll group raw and homecooked together for pros and cons as making them at home are pretty similar aside from one doesn’t get cooked. What do you think will be the best dog food?
You will want to consider the lifestyle of your dog and their needs and of course, ultimately, you’ll need to decide what you feel is best. One thing to remember is that no one dog food is best for all dogs.
The choice is yours but read the options, think them over, and then decide.
The Homemade Dog Food
Creating a homemade diet for your dog definitely requires dedication to prepping it. Regardless if you opt for raw or cooked, it takes time. If you are new to the homemade diet for dogs, definitely read “How to Make Your Own Dog Food” by Mary Strauss. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with dog nutrition and your own dogs needs.
Looking for an easy homecooked food for your dog that is delivered to you? Be sure to check out Pet Plate.
Store-Bought Raw Food
Are you wanting to feed raw but need the convenience of it already packaged? This may be your best option but it is also important to make sure it is formulated for the lifestage of your dog. Some are all life stages while it’s usually a bit more difficult to find it formulated for puppies specifically. Most common to find is raw formulated for adult dogs.
A good and more affordable option is to order raw online that is packaged and balanced. One of the companies I absolutely love is Darwin’s Pet Food. They also have an amazing introductory offer where you can get 10 lbs for only $14.95 and free delivery.
Another company I have used and still use if called We Feed Raw. They are a great company and have it to where you can purchase one of two ways. The first is buying it already prepped by weight for your dog. The other option is by purchasing 5 pound chubs. The 5 lb chubs will be more affordable and is what I personally do now.
Canned (Wet) Food
Canned food for dogs is widely used and is second most common behind dry kibble in the US. Most dogs seem to enjoy wet food more than dry food, especially pickier dogs. The canning process allows the food to bypass the ultra-processing and preservatives. Wet dog food has no prep work to be done and is shelf stable for a long time.
I would feed my own dogs Nature’s Logic for a wet food.
Kibble (Dry) Food
Kibble tends to be the most cost effective way to feed your dog. If you are on a tight budget, most likely kibble will be your only option but not always. Dry dog food is available in a wide variety of flavor, sourcing, and cost. One of the bigger cons is that it is mostly carb-heavy. The ingredient quality varies widely and it’s nearly impossible for consumers to differentiate. Kibble often includes low-quality ingredients like meat by-products, sweeteners, and preservatives. With that said kibble also has no required preparation.
The kibble I would recommend is Nature’s Logic.
Freeze Dried Dog Food
Freeze-dried dog food is portable, lightweight and extremely shelf stable. This type is definitely the most expensive. Some freeze-dried dog food is meant for supplemental or intermittent feeding only; always check the label for “complete and balanced”. This is a great addition to kibble or even wet dog food. Whether you get complete and balanced or supplemental, it can make good treats for training.
Dehydrated Food for Dogs
Most manufacturers of dehydrated dog food use fresh, minimally processed ingredients. Commercial dehydrated dog food includes guarantee of nutritional completeness. Dehydrated is also quite expensive just like freeze dried dog food.
What type of dog food do you feed your own dog? I’d love to know in the comments below. If you are curious on feeding raw or homecooked reach out to Infinity Pets & Co. They offer nutrition consults for even those kibble fed dogs.
Curious about coconut oil for dogs? Click here to learn more about the benefits that coconut oil can provide.
