A Dog Food To Love: My Experience with Nutro Natural Choice

Arie is a big girl, though we would never use that terrible three letter “f” word when talking about her; she’s really just big-boned, or, actually, a big breed (she’s also larger than the traditional White German Shepherd). Weighing in at 95 pounds, you can imagine how much my Shetland pony sized companion can eat. Being a protective pet parent, I really watch what goes into Arie’s stomach. There are many things to consider when selecting your pet’s kibble, and it’s essential to make a selection that gives your pet everything that they did, and nothing that they shouldn’t have. Here are a few things to consider while choosing your kibble:

• Many breeds have health risks (check the background of your mixed breed to find out what their’s would be) that can affect their diet needs.
• Does your pet have any food allergies? Pay attention to their behavior and scratching habits, and talk to your vet about possible allergy-inducing elements in food.
• Activity level and age are both important factors in choosing a food. Look for options that fit your dog’s life stage and activity level, whether they be a couch potato puppy or an active senior working dog.

Now that you have some of the concerns about what goes into your pet food nailed down, it’s time to choose what company you want to buy from. While company may seem much less important than formula, it is a huge part in choosing a dog food. You’re choosing to trust a company with your pet’s diet and their future; the decisions they make will directly affect the food they produce.

Trust me--the proportion of dog to food is drastically different these days, but that doesn't mean that I care any less about what Arie eats. What's going in your pet's bowl?

• Do your research. Find out about a company’s reputation and their history. You want to trust the people who make your pet food, just like you trust certain brands to stock your fridge.
• Read reviews. Look for bloggers and other sources who aren’t paid to endorse a product. Additionally, read the reviews on the product’s and company’s website.
• Contact someone at the company with your questions and concerns. Their response is key–If they show care and concern with your questions, it’s a good sign they actually care about their product.
• Talk to your vet and trusted pet parent friends. They know you, your pets, and your standards, and have their own. They’re a great source of information.

This is only the beginning of my series on pet food, so stay tuned to learn more about selecting your food, starting your pet on a new food, and about my own personal pet food choices.

What all do you consider when selecting a food for your pet?