When it comes to food for Morkie, you expect the best. And so you should. You want food that is:
- nutritious and healthy
- breed appropriate
- pure or ‘clean’ – minimal or no additives
- clearly labelled as to what’s in the food
You don’t always get this with commercial food
Commercial pet food is such a HUGE and profitable industry, that competition is fierce and scruples are often pretty low among manufacturers.
Just because a food is well-known and seen on TV, doesn’t mean it’s good for your dog. In fact, one dog food expert, Mike Sagman advises:
If it’s advertised on TV, don’t buy it!
You can read more at his outstanding website: www.DogFoodAdvisor.com
Best to worst types of food
Most experts agree, the best-to-worst types of food for your dog are:
- a balanced, homemade raw diet
- a balanced, commercial RAW diet
- a balanced, home cooked diet
- premium wet (canned) food
- premium dry (kibble) food
- canned food
- kibble
What does “balanced” mean, in pet food?
A balanced diet for your dog includes animal protein, vegetables, fat and micronutrients (omega 3 fatty acids for skin and brain function; and for older dogs, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate). Grain isn’t necessary, but it is a carrier for the other ingredients.
Dogs and cats also require more than 50 key nutrients, the most important of which are vitamin C and the minerals magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. The balance among these nutrients is important, too.
And, nutritional needs change by age and lifestyle.
So whether you’re making your own RAW food, or cooking your own dog food, it’s vital that you follow a professional recipe, or consult with an animal nutritionist.
Consult with a nutritionist or follow a professional recipe if you make your own dog food.