Just as we should be concerned about the food we eat, we should also be concerned about what we feed our dogs. But what really is a healthy dog food? According to dog experts, a healthy dog’s diet must contain 50% veggies, 40% meat and 10% whole grains. Understanding what the label says is important in choosing your dog’s food.

Watch out for dog foods that contain too many by-products (chicken beaks, feet, bones, etc.), artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin) and fillers. This is why pet owners are advised to go holistic when it comes to feeding their pets. What are the benefits of holistic or natural dog food ?

Why Go Holistic:Your dog would be healthier. Because holistic dog foods do not contain chemicals or preservatives, you will be giving your pet the chance to become healthier and live longer. A holistic diet reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Holistic is cheaper on the budget. Switching to a holistic diet for your dog is actually cheaper. In fact, you can  try making your own holistic dog food using natural and fresh ingredients that are easily available in the market. You can find holistic dog food recipes online that you can try yourself. However, before you do, don’t forget to consult your veterinary to make sure that it’s safe for dog consumption.

Reputable manufacturers of holistic dog foods use only high-quality, “human-grade” ingredients. The best brands may be a bit more expensive than others, but that’s because they use only 100% natural ingredients. Needless to say, the price alone cannot guarantee the safety and quality of a brand. Dog owners may need to do more research to pick the right brand.

When it comes to feeding pets, don’t forget that canines and humans have different nutritional needs. Some foods that are perfectly healthy and good for humans may actually be dangerous for dogs. Again, always check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.