As dog owners, we all want the very best for our four-legged companions. We will go to great lengths to make sure they are safe, warm and comfortable in their settings. After all, we want our pets to be with us for years and years to come. One of, if not the most important role of a pet parent, is to provide these animals with the best nutritional diet as possible. Is vet approved dog food the solution?
So how do we find these nutritional dog food products and where do we turn for advice? If you are like me, trusting our veterinarian with the care and health of our pets is common. Asking these veterinarians which dog food product to use is probably a question all of us have asked at one time or another. Let’s dig a bit deeper into this scenario.
Vet Approved Dog Food … 4 Advantages
- Specific Nutrition – These veterinarians are able to provide a diet to your pup that meets their specific requirements. Such things as age (puppy to senior), breed, and health concerns of each one of our pets are taken into account in providing this nutrition. It is individually and specifically designed.
- Ingredients – Look, if you have ever closely observed a dog food ingredient label, then you know how complex and confusing this may look. The ingredients you see have no meaning to us, or what nutrition (if any) they provide. For the most part, vet approved dog food takes out this guesswork, as these products provide a healthy option.
- Specific Health Concerns – Throughout their life span, our furry companions may be inflicted with some sort of health issue at one time or another. Fortunately for our pets (and us), there are a number of vet approved dog food(s) designed to treat these issues. Such things as allergies, sensitivities, weight management, etc. can be treated with specific dog food formulas that are vet approved.
- Confidence In Product – This advantage has more of an impact to you as the dog owner. By using a product that your veterinarian has recommended, you should feel a sense of confidence. In addition, you can have a constant dialogue with your vet regarding the health of your canine while on this diet.
Vet Approved Dog Food … 4 Disadvantages
- Limited Selection – Due to the fact that many vet approved dog food products are designed to meet a specific
issue, variety may be an issue. Selection as a dog owner may be limited. Choice of dog food protein and/or flavors such as chicken, beef, lamb, duck, etc. may not be available. Dog’s without health issues may enjoy a variety of tastes that may not be offered with vet approved dog food. - Vet Nutrition Knowledge – Hey look, when I think about the total well-being of my four-legged companion, my vet is my first go to. Although I mentioned in point #4 above about the advantage of working with your vet, a word of caution here: Not all vets are an expert in nutrition so make sure you ask your vet or even do some research on him/her. In doing so, you will feel more confident in the choice of food that is recommended by them.
- Expense – Yep, this is a fact. The majority of vet approved dog food, if not all, will cost you more than brands you see in your local pet store. Because these products are designed to assist with specific health issues, the cost is a bit higher. Work with your vet in finding a product that meets your budget.
- Targeted Source – As mentioned earlier, the vet approved dog food is formulated to attack and/or treat a specific health issue. While this can be effective, these products may not be sufficient to the overall nutritional requirements of your pet. Is this pet food, although directed toward a specific issue (sensitivity, food allergy, etc.) providing the nutritional value for your dog’s overall well-being?
Vet Approved Dog Food and Commercial Dog Food … What Is The Difference?
As noted above, there are a number of subtle differences between the two. Commercial dog food and vet approved dog food have a very different approach when it comes to overall nutrition. The various commercial products that you can find in your grocery store, may offer a wide range of choices with varying quality, ingredients, and nutritional profiles. These products may deliver a number of options including a choice of protein, flavors, etc. but may not have the specific ingredients of those vet approved dog food(s).
You will indeed be able to find a commercial product that fits your budget, but make sure the ingredients within are providing a wholesome, nutritional diet. The old adage ‘that you get what you pay for’ applies for commercial dog food as well. Be sure to consult your local veterinarian when choosing a commercial product.
Vet approved dog food is designed to assist in a specific health issue and will cost the dog owner a bit more to purchase. This type of dog food product will be one that is ingredient driven, aimed to improve the health of your pet. Regardless of which product you choose, make sure it is a quality product and one that can be trusted.
Vet Approved Dog Food … 4 Great Choices
Below I have listed 4 products that are vet approved. Simply click on each product to learn more about specific details.
>> 1. Royal Canin Veterinarian Diet
>> 2. Hill’s Prescription Diet
>> 3. Pro Plan Veterinary Diet
>> 4. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet
Note: This article contains affiliate links and offers, and I may receive a commission if you decide to purchase one of these products.
Final Word
In the end, we all want our pets to live a long, happy and healthy life. Our pups grow up so quickly and we can only do our best to make sure they stay healthy. Unfortunately, for many of us, our pets at some time will develop a condition that will require the expertise of a veterinarian. One step our vet may suggest is a diet to help. This vet approved dog food can pay huge dividends down the road.
In this article, we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of vet approved dog food. Although these products can be beneficial to the health of our canines, we must be sure that these recipes also provide a complete nutritional diet. This very concern is something that should be discussed with our local vet .
For your convenience, I listed and named 4 different dog food brands that are quality products. Simply click on each product and learn about each one in further detail. Thank you for visiting my site, and hopefully you have gained some further insight of the vet approved dog food. To the health of your pet!
.Disclaimer
For those unfamiliar with dog food grain-free recipes, there has and is a controversy taking place as I write this article. The FDA has made public that it has launched an investigation between a possible connection between the grain-free diet and heart disease within dogs. For further information, the American Kennel Club has provided further details. Click here.
Disclaimer
The purpose of this site and articles are intended to provide a source of entertainment and information. As a dog owner and dog lover myself, I enjoy researching dog food products on the market to provide you with helpful insights. I am not a veterinarian nor an animal nutritionist, just a dog owner who wants to provide a healthy lifestyle to their pet. I use my research to express an opinion which may or may not be one you agree with.
eathealthydoggy.com assumes no responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of what’s written on this site. You should always consult with a veterinarian if you should have questions regarding your dog’s diet or overall health.
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