With all the many brands of dog food to choose from in addition to the fancy packaging to get our attention as consumers, the most important part of the package lies with the ingredients. Corn glutens and by-products are not easily digested by dogs and are used as fillers. They have no nutritional value. Consider feeding a natural or holisitic brand food, which there are plenty to choose from, to give your canine the best nutritional value per meal. While the cost may be of concern, you will end up feeding less of the quality foods and see positive results within a few weeks. Also, consider the age of your dog. Senior dogs do not require as much protein as younger more energetic dogs do.

Raw diets may be another alternative. As with any diet, do your research before making a decision.

 http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/raw-dog-food-dietary-concerns-benefits-and-risks

Grain-free and limited ingredient products are also available for those dogs that have sensitivities or allergies. Some allergies stem from food related products other from yeast issues which can be managed by providing your dog with a daily dose of coconut oil.  Coconut oil is not only used for humans but also has many benefits for canines, as the link below will explain.

http://naturalhealthychoices.weebly.com/coconut-oil-for-dogs.html

Also consider Omegas, which has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to making your pooch’s coat shine.

Please share your thoughts and recommendations from your experiences when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. After all, we share a common bond – our dogs.