
We can’t say it enough the best thing you could do to make sure your dog is getting adequate nutrition is to check the ingredients.įor some people, constantly reading labels and bags becomes a bit of a chore. What Should You Be Feeding Your Four-Legged Friend? But, you may have to do some serious searching. If you can find cheap dog food with real ingredients, there is no reason not to feel comfortable feeding it to your dog. Once in a while, choosing a canned dog food with high-quality ingredients can be a real treat for your canine companion. Inexpensive canned dog food can be prone to contamination, and dogs who regularly eat it may be at a greater risk of dental problems. Just because something looks like actual meat doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, either. Some people think that canned dog food, even though it’s usually cheap, is better for dogs because it contains “real” ingredients. If you see any of those on your dog food ingredient list, it’s time to change brands or spring for something more expensive. There are some common pet food ingredients that you should avoid at all costs, including: These are the foods you should be picking up off the shelf if you’re on a budget.īut, don’t assume that just because a dog food contains meat that it’s okay for your furry companion. But, the ingredients matter here, too! Some cheaper dog foods still list meat as the top ingredient.

Inexpensive dog food, like bagged kibble, isn’t necessarily bad for dogs. But, if it contains real, natural ingredients and vitamins your dog needs, it is likely worth the price.

If a food is expensive because of something like fancy packaging or the fact that it is “enhanced” with something, don’t be fooled. What are the “cons” of expensive dog food? Again, it comes down to the ingredients. Plus, it’s much cheaper than having to pay costly vet bills! Grain-free foods are often more expensive, but if your dog has a special dietary need that will keep them happy and healthy, it’s worth it to most owners. If your dog doesn’t tolerate grain very well, switching to a grain-free option can help to boost their energy and change their mood. That’s why their owners are encouraged to choose grain-free food options. Some dogs don’t tolerate certain ingredients very well, including grain. But, natural foods often contain more whole ingredients and they aren’t filled with preservatives or additives that can cause your dog to gain weight or even lead to health issues.Īdditionally, paying a bit extra for your dog’s food can be worth it if they have a pre-existing condition or digestive issues. If you’re choosing food with all-natural ingredients, you will also likely end up paying more money. Meat should always be the number one ingredient in your dog’s food, especially if you’re paying a premium price. The most important ingredients a dog food should contain are: In order to determine if the extra money you’re spending is worth it, flip the bag over and look at the ingredients.

Plus, some premium brands are even more expensive. For some, that might not seem like much, but if you’re on a budget, it can make a difference. The same amount of food that is labeled as ‘premium’ will cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per year. The average bag of dry kibble will cost a dog owner anywhere from $100 to $250 per year. With this in mind, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of cheap and expensive dog food to determine if you should be spending more on your dog’s daily diet. You should be feeding your dog food that fuels them and keeps them healthy, rather than just empty calories. There can be such a wide range in dog food prices that you might feel obligated to spring for the more expensive brands.īut are those expensive bags of food really worth it, or will your dog get similar nutritional value from their cheaper counterparts? As a pet owner, you’ve undoubtedly looked at different food options for your dog more than once. It can get a little overwhelming if you aren’t sure what you should be looking for. One of the most important factors to consider in your dog’s overall care is what they eat.
