My Dog Food Quest
Guest Post by FDL, BSN
What do you get for your sister who’s cerebral palsy makes just getting around a chore? This proud person who has fought to gain her independence…A job she loves,requiring a walk to public transport in any weather.
A sister who’s just broken her leg at the subway station headed to the train during an ice storm.
What do you give someone to take her mind off the leg that made the orthopedist go “Oooooooohh Noooo” when he first popped the x-rays into the film viewer. The verdict? Surgery, then no weight bearing for at least 8-10 weeks.
What’s the best gift?
I had just the right gift in mind. My sister needed someone to love, someone to take her mind off her troubles, and I found “Angel”. I’m not sure little boys should be called Angels…. But this one was appropriately named. (Maybe he won’t get a complex.)
Angel
So of course the next big question. What do you feed an Angel? An Angel even this cheapskate is ready to spoil.
The Quest!
What’s the quest? Finding the best, yet most economical, food for this dog!
As you can see, this dog is a real cutey. What should he be eating?
My quest for that one best food for this special dog took me where? Shhhhh!!! The The Dog Whisperer……
Nahh, he didn’t return my calls, but….almost as good…
At his website I found informative practical information.
The vet at this site, Dr. Weaver, made it clear I must choose which diet ‘type’ I wanted before I could begin my search.
Since Angel is a healthy pup, without noticeable allergies, and I was looking for uncomplicated, I went with ‘dry dog food’.
Yes, not holistic, BARF, or all natural…. just ‘dry dog food’.
Narrowing my search to ‘dry dog food’, took me to WebMD for pets. I use this site for my human medical questions, and found it to be just as useful for the canine variety. I found more advice and help deciphering labels and ingredients as I learned more and my search narrowed.
Having already studied at the school of dogfoodscoop and other sites it was quickly clear, mine was a hopeless quest.
Why Hopeless?
I can’t tell you which is the best food…Cause it depends on your dog.
The best, most economical food for your version of Angel, depends on YOUR dog. They and their needs are just as varied as those of humans.
After several hours of in-depth research, I proved once again that nothing is really simple, even with Google.
Dog Food Tips
At least I learned a few things:
- Dry dog food is the most economical.
- Dogs have food allergies, pay attention and adjust as necessary.
- The ingredient list on food bags matters-learn what to look for.
- Not one commercial dog food on the local Wal-Mart shelves is on any ‘best dry dog food list‘.
- Just because your dog will eat it, doesn’t mean it’s good for him.
- There are more dog foods available than paparazzi following Prince William and the new bride.
- Dogs are often over fed by their loving owners.
- The FDA is responsible for dog food safety.
- There are quite a few common people foods dogs should never eat.
- Price does not always mean it’s a better food.
There you have it. Though my quest did not lead me to the one perfect dog food, it did make me a better, more informed consumer.
With experimentation I will find the one best food for that #1 dog, Angel. He’s a cute little devil…And he’s meant all the difference to my sister’s recovery!
Guest Poster: FDL is a nurse, mother, serial entrepreneur, and sometime writer….
Speakin of Google + I’m there as Dean Burke….they wouldn’t let me use Dr Dean… Put me in one of your circles, I’ll feel so special….
Make sure you follow me on Twitter @DrDeanBurke- quick links on the side of the blog! And let’s not miss a post-sign up for email special delivery or the RSS feed!
Friends, I love friends-check out my Facebook page, and I’m definitely Linked-In-use the shortcuts on the side-that’s why I paid my Web Master of the Universe-Ben-the big bucks to put ‘em there-saves you time!
Tags: best dog food at best price, best dog food for the money, best frugal dog food, best quality dog food at best price, great dog food at a great price
Another tip…try to vary the diet somewhat. Would you want to eat the same brand/type of food for years and years and years?
Yea I really do like a varied diet….My wife, on the other hand, eats the same thing for brkfst and lunch for about 30 years….
But do you really think the pooch or cat is laying in their bed thinking “What is she going to feed me today?” I don’t think so, but that’s just me.