Looking for healthiest dog food

[bonniesenftner]

I have lost dogs I know are from bad diets, kibble being one of them. There is so much info out there with stars like Rob Lowe and Katherine Heigel promoting their foods, along with different info regarding raw, etc. I have made homemade, but travel often and need an easier food for pet sitters. New dog is a 9 pound, female Maltese, spayed, and current on vaccinations and flea and tick control. Some of the foods are so pricey, but I know high prices don't equate with safe and quality food. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[GinnyW]

OK, don't buy anything just because a famous name is attached - unless, of course, it's one of our highly recommended vets here. Read everything you can on this site, and you will find that we like raw diets primarily, don't like kibbled or processed foods, and will encourage you to "grow your own" in terms of thoughtfully chosen raw or frozen mixes, all-meat, or with minimal veg and added supplements. Variety is an important touchstone, to maintain your dog's adaptability as well as to cover all nutritional bases. Share a bit of your own food to broaden their tastes, while avoiding obvious no-no's like onions, chocolate, etc. Homemade soups and stews, cooked veggies, eggs, even fruits can be offered. You may also wish to search for other raw feeders in your area in order to provide a variety of products.

The quality of a well-constructed diet will help obviate the need for further vaccines - ever! - and will also build defenses against fleas, ticks, and other parasites, as they all only choose the weakened and impaired individual. Any infestations or assaults will become transitory at worst, and likely just no longer, if ever, an issue.

There are enough wholesome ready-made products out there to cover any dogsitter's visits, and minor deviations from the absolute best you will have developed will not be an issue for temporary stays. This also gives you a chance to share your newly mastered expertise on feeding with these individuals, for the good of all.

Have fun; this is a great adventure for you both