Like humans, dogs need sufficient nourishment to maintain optimal health and well-being. However, with so many dog food options out there, it’s not always easy to identify which one is best for excellent pet health. Making matters more complicated, what works for one dog will not always work for another. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to find the perfect option for your pooch. 

Here are three steps to help you choose quality dog food for your furry friend:

• Know the Ingredients: Knowing how to read your pet’s food label will help you choose wisely. Unfortunately, pet food labels can be very misleading, so you should always take a closer look. Stay away from labels that include words like “dinner,” “platter,” or “entrée.” Pet foods with “beef dinner” in the title only need to contain 25% of beef in order to meet federal guidelines. If it says “with beef,” then the food only needs to contain 3% of beef. Instead, look for pure beef or meat food. 
• Consider Allergies: Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to a number of common dog food ingredients like lamb, corn, and soy. If your dog is suffering from skin rashes, behavioral changes, or digestive problems, allergies may be to blame. Visit your local pet health clinic to test your dog for any potential allergies before committing to a type of dog food.
• Consider Age & Unique Needs: Puppies have different needs than adult dogs or seniors. To help maintain optimal pet health, purchase a brand specifically designed to provide adequate nutrition for your pet’s age group. If they are deficient in a certain area of their diet, such as Vitamin A, look for a food that fills in the nutritional gaps. 

If you’re still not sure how to decide on the right dog food for your pal, contact the experts from New York’s top pet health center, Hilton Veterinary Hospital. Learn more about how these professionals can help your furry friend live well by calling today at (585) 392-2937. You can find more information about their practice by visiting their website.