Your dog is an important member of your family, so you want him to be as healthy as possible. Obviously, you will want to feed him the best dry dog food you can without breaking the bank. Here are some things to know and watch out for when you are shopping.

The first thing you need to know is that you should avoid any canned food. None of it is as nutritional for your pup as kibble is. This is because they are mostly water-based. They lack the vital nutrients your pet needs to be at his best physically even though they sometimes contain less chemicals. Instead, add in a bit of canned fish or raw egg to his kibbles.

For the most part, your dog's diet needs to be split like this: forty percent protein, fifty percent vegetables, and hopefully less than ten percent carbohydrates. You have to read food labels very carefully. Out of the first five ingredients listed, three of them should be direct meat protein like lamb, chicken, or venison. However, if they are all first, be wary. It should not be based on by-products. After the meat but definitely not before, you want whole grains. This includes barley, brown rice, millet, or rolled oats for more fiber and vitamins.

Avoid gluten meals that you find as a main ingredient. These are used as cheap fillers to replace true animal proteins. It is not healthy for your animal and is essentially a waste product from humans. This is most commonly found in the cheaper foods, which is another reason to aim a little bit higher for your pup. Some of the glutens you want to watch for are corn, wheat, and soy meal.

No particular food is really "best." One of the most effective ways to ensure your pet is having their nutritional needs met is to pick two or three good brands and rotate them. You could do this every few months. As always, switch gradually over the course of a week as to not upset his digestive system. Also, any diet can be improved by adding something now and then. This includes raw egg, cooked or uncooked meat, and fish like salmon with bones.

The best dry dog food is the one that has all the nutrition your pup needs and a taste that they like. This can be difficult to find unless you know what to look for and also avoid. Feeding your canine properly will help him live a longer and healthier life.