When it comes to pet supplies for a dog, dog food is quite possibly the one thing you buy the most. After all, dogs love to eat. However, when a dog is a young puppy and still growing, the type of food to buy him is absolutely crucial. It's essential for proper growth and overall health. He hasn't figured out what he likes yet, but he won't eat just anything. How do you, as the owner, figure out what the best kind of dog food to buy? Finding the best puppy food can be quite difficult; especially with so many different kinds on the market. Just take a look at the ingredients.

As you look at the ingredient list of your pet supplies, pay close attention to the first 5 or 6 ingredients. By-products should not be there, or else you've got food with poor nutritional value; more on that in a moment. However, in those first few ingredients, look closely for an actual protein source. The best puppy food lists real meat as the first ingredient, or within the first handful of ingredients. Beef, chicken, and lamb are the best ones, but fish is also quite common. Whatever the protein source, it should be a real meat source and not by-products.

By-products are not a good ingredient to feed to a growing puppy. By-products, by definition, are the leftovers after all the best meat has already been used. It's not very nutritious, nor is it good for your puppy to eat. Therefore, the best puppy food should be free of by-products. Also, puppy food with corn, wheat, gluten, or soy can be harmful to puppies with sensitive stomachs. These grains aren't easily digestible by many dog breeds and cause upset stomachs. Choose puppy food pet supplies with real meat products and easily digestible grains like rice.

The best puppy food should be chock-full of vitamins and minerals; this goes without saying. Since your puppy is growing, he should get all the vitamins and minerals he needs to grow up strong. These nutrients improve circulation, promote healthy bone growth, and also help with your dog's skin, coat, and teeth. If you don't really put any thought into what pet supplies you feed your puppy or just go with the cheapest brand of food, you're doing your little dog a disservice. Feed your dog right from the beginning, and he'll grow up into a healthy companion that will love you for years to come!