Choosing the appropriate dog food and dog treats is critical in to the health and well being of your dog. Are you buying food for a puppy? An overweight dog? A dog with skin allergies? Knowing your dog’s nutritional needs will ensure your best buddy enjoys the “dogs” life they deserve!

Recent recalls include dog food. Not all manufacturers were affected by this recall Merrick 5 Star, Solid Gold, Rotations, Pinnacle, Health Food for Dogs and Dogswell are examples of dog food manufacturers whose products were not affected by the contaminated dog food recall. Thankfully products affected were taken off the shelves and the recall is over.

As dogs age their metabolism slows down. Sound familiar? Older dogs require special diets. Veterinarians suggest a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates and low in fat for dogs who don’t engage in an active lifestyle. There are many brands of dog food specific for aging dogs such as Merrick 5-Star Dry Dog Food Senior Medley. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, no animal fat and real meat make Senior Medley an appropriate choice for senior dogs.

Veterinarians recommend daily exercise for diabetic dogs and a diet to manage their insulin. A dog looks forward to treats and rewards and luckily diabetic dogs can enjoy a dog treat that is in line with their diabetic regimen. The Old Dog Cookie Company Diabetic Cookies are all natural dog treats that contain herbs and ingredients that help reduces your dog’s blood sugar.

When the cartilage in your dog’s joints breaks down and wears away a dog begins to suffer from arthritis. Glucosamine is a natural supplement that can prevent arthritis and relieve arthritis symptoms. Feeding your dog an all natural dog food like Dogswell HAPPY HIPS dry dog food with Glucosamine & Chondroitin will help maintain healthy hips and joints and apples and cage free chicken create a well balanced meal.

In addition to wheat, corn and soy, dogs can also be allergic to proteins. Chicken and beef are frequent causes of protein allergies. In the past Veterinarians recommended serving lamb dog food, now fish, duck and rabbit are popular non allergen protein vet choices. Rice, potatoes and yams are recommended carbohydrate choices for dogs with grain allergies.

Pinnacle Holistic Trout & Sweet Potato Dry Formula with Essential Vitamins & Minerals with added Probiotics and all natural ingredients including Trout, Oatmeal, Herring Meal, Oat Flour, Canola, Sweet Potato, Calcium Carbonate and Flax Seed is meal full of protein and complex carbohydrates. A good choice for dogs with food allergies.

Deciding what kind of dog food and dog treats are appropriate for your dog is as important as deciding what to feed your family. Reading ingredient labels to stay aware of recalls is necessary to insure your pet is receiving safe and healthy meals.

Choosing what kind of dog food and dog treats are right for your dog is as vital as selecting what to feed your family. Joanne Gallagher is an expert on canine health and suggests visiting Jake’s Dog House for nutritious dog treats that are not only nutritious, but fun for your dog.