We all want the best possible dry dog food for our beloved dogs but I believe bad decisions are being made every day by dog owners - unwittingly that is.

When it comes to buying dog food all that glitters is not gold. There are three main traps that dog owners can fall into.

1. Price.

Price is not a guide. In the dog food marketplace there is no correlation between quality and price.

Unsuspecting dog food buyers are often paying top dollar for products hyped by clever marketing tricks that can disguise a less than desirable product.

2. Premium

Premium is a favored word that can have us believing we are buying an above average product.

I am sure you have seen "Premium Choice", "Premium Selection" or similar such wording emblazoned across dog food packaging.

Here's the problem - there are no standards or regulations that have to be met by the manufacturer.

Sure it may be the premium product by that particular manufacturer but if they are coming off a very low quality product base, to begin with, then their premium product could still rate poorly, in product comparison considerations.

3. Natural

Natural is another word that is unregulated in its' use for dog food. Again there are no definitive guidelines for manufacturers to adhere to.

Manufacturers could even use rendered 4D meat (Dead, Diseased, Dying, Disabled) within their menu/recipe and still label it natural!

It appears the only common denominator for "Natural" is a label statement that says "No Artificial Colors or Flavors" are being used.

So how do you pick the best dry dog food?

In one word - Ingredients.

Ingredients Rule. Not the price, not the pretty label pictures, not the word Premium, and definitely not the word Natural.

Perhaps one day we will have enforceable regulations for dog food, but just don't hold your breath because there is nothing showing up on the "near future" radar!

People power can make a difference. If we start spreading the word on how to select the best dog food by ingredient selection,then sales of the pretty ordinary stuff will decrease.

As sales of better quality products increase manufacturers will notice the trend and act accordingly. They will not want to lose market share.

Get to know good and bad ingredients, and you will know within the blink of your eyes whether or not the product you are considering should be purchased.