When choosing healthy dog food there are a number of factors to consider. The first thing to understand is that a typical dog's diet consists of 40% meat, 30% fiber and 30% starch. You should always choose pet food with this ingredient ratio. Read the guaranteed analysis on the bag or can in order to be certain you have made the choice in healthy dog food.

Next, you should always ensure that the first ingredient listed on the healthy dog food label is a form of animal protein such as chicken or pork, but avoid all meat by-products. Cornmeal is often used as filler and is not considered a good quality source for protein. Avoid all animal digest and animal fat which most dogs find nearly indigestible. Lamb is another great protein source, and most brands of healthy dog food offer lamb selections. Also be aware of the amount and type of preservatives that are used. Preservatives may be necessary to keep the food edible, but they do not have to be artificial chemicals that may cause cancer. Vitamin E & vitamin C are often used as preservatives are much healthier for your dog.

Always choose premium brand healthy dog foods instead of economy brand dog foods. Many cheaper brands often use unhealthy ingredients which may prove to be detrimental to your dog’s health. It is recommended that you consult your dog’s veterinarian before making any kind of switch in her diet or in order to select the brand of healthy dog food that best suits your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and digestive track. Often it is your vet that can choose the best options. If cost or availability is a factor, be sure to tell your vet or search for healthy dog food on any number of websites that sell and ship all types of food anywhere in the country.