Choosing healthy dog food is as important as the nutrition choices you make for the rest of your family. To begin with, you should be clear that dog food requirements vary according to your pooch's breed and age. Quality-wise your pet's meal would fall in the following categories:

Prescribed diet by your dog's vet

Special dog food/Pedigree food

Raw food or meal whipped up in the kitchen

Sticking to the prescribed diet by your pet's vet is the easiest and the safest. But the vet is likely to give you a meal schedule for the time only till the dog is less than one year old. After that, he will give you an overall chart to follow which you may like to change. Then, as your doggy grows up, he will express his own choices too!

Healthy dog food includes high-quality protein, low carbohydrate content and grain-free stuff meant specially for your pet. Ideally, healthy dog food should also be higher in natural fats, vitamins and minerals. Most good manufacturers do not use corn, soya or wheat in dog food. Still, every time you pick up a can from the shelf do read the ingredients properly.

You must also find out about the credentials of the manufacturer. This is more important when ordering dog food online. Do not fall for special offers unless you are very sure about your credit card privacy protection and what you will eventually end up giving your pet. Some manufacturers also offer free samples of different flavors of dog food. If you are convinced about the credibility of the manufacturer, you can let your pooch try the samples.

It will take you some time to check combinations of food, meal schedules and quantity to arrive at a wholesome diet for your pet. You can then compare this with what other dog owners are giving their pets in the neighborhood. Some vets suggest that you alter or rotate your dog's diet combination every six months. Changing diet is important as it keeps your dog's immunity levels high.

This can mean switching from dry food to wet food or trying a combination. Also, many New Age dog owners want to give their pet a vegetarian diet. Healthy dog food is now available with the right kind of nutrients in this category too though, vets are used to saying only non-vegetarian healthy dog food supplies the right nutrients to a growing dog.

Also, maintaining your doggy's weight and taking him for regular exercise is very important. For this, use a dog food calculator/chart, easily available with a vet or online. It will help you calculate the proper meal size for your pet pooch. The chart will give you scoop and quantity measurements based on your dog's breed, size, age, current weight and activity level.