Choosing the Best Food for Pet Health #GetHealthyHappy

Welcome to the latest installment of the Hill's Science Diet "Healthier Pets. Happier Lives." campaign with Dr. Oz the Terrier.  Once again, I would like to discuss the importance of preventative care and how we can make all pets live healthier and happier lives.

Dr. Oz the Terrier with his friends Steve the Stomach, Pete the Pancreas, and Larry the Liver

Today's Topic - Choosing the Best Dog Food for Optimum Pet Health

I know there are a lot of options when you are trying to choose the best dog food.  I have said this before, and I believe it is worth repeating here...no matter what type of food your choose - be it kibble, canned, freeze-dried, refrigerated or frozen - you must choose the best dog food for YOU.

Proper nutrition is an essential part of maintaining  your pet's health.  To help you find a healthy dog food that is right for you, you must consider some important factors about your dog as well as the food.

Some points to consider when you are choosing a healthy dog food:

Your dog's lifestage.  Puppies need a more energy-dense food to keep up with their activity level and help them grow while an adult dog may thrive on a more moderate food.  Senior dogs may need an even lower calorie food to maintain their weight and condition.

Your dog's activity level.  Hey, just because you are a senior dog doesn't mean you have to be a couch potato.  If you have an above-average energy level for your age, you may need a food that is a bit more energy-dense.

Look for the AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement.  This statement validates the nutritional adequacy of the food against established guidelines.

Allergies and intolerances.  I am adding this one since I have a food allergy.  To minimize reactions, you should always read the food label carefully to be sure there are no allergen triggers in the food's ingredients.

Not sure about any of the above?  Then ask your veterinarian.  Your vet is trained to know body condition and whether your weight is in proper proportion for your size and age.  If you have a strong relationship with your vet, as we discussed in my previous post about the importance of annual vet visits, then he/she will know all about your health needs and can help you choose the best dog food for you.

Yes, choosing the right food for your dog is important and it helps make mealtime special.  If you are a dog with special nutritional needs, then you will certainly want to eat a food that provides for those needs.  Some brands, like Hill's Science Diet, offer full lines of dog food that address some of the most-common health conditions and they are available at your vet or your favorite pet specialty store like:

Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight

Hill's Science Diet Adult Grain Free

Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care and

Hills' Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility

To help you choose the best, high-quality dog food, Hill's Pet Nutrition is offering a $10 off promotion on select Hill's Science Diet products.  CLICK HERE and download your rebate today.          

What's in your dish?  Are you getting balanced nutrition?  

How did you choose the best dog food for you?

Post Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Hill's.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Science Diet® Healthier Pets. Happier Lives.™, but Oz the Terrier only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.