This blog post was created in partnership with NAKED Dog Food however all of the below content is from my own experience and the advice provided by my vet.
Selecting a food for your dog can be an overwhelming process as there’s just so much out there and at the heart of the process, you just want what’s best for your pup.
Dan and I consulted with both Frida’s rescue organization Sweet Paws Rescue, and her vet Dr. Randi to figure out which food was just right for her.
Below are the things both parties told us to take into consideration when making our final decision that I hope will be helpful for you during the process!
Look for Foods Tailored to Your Dogs Breed
Certain breeds may need specific nutrients, Frida in particular came from the South and we noticed her skin was a bit drier.
NAKED DOG Food contains omega-3 and omega-6 which are vital in maintaining healthy skin and coat.
We also did a Wisdom Panel DNA test on Frida as she is a rescue and we wanted to get as much information as we could about her DNA makeup in order to tailor all aspects of her life.
From our results we found out she is 25% Chihuahua, 25% Labrador Retriever, 12.5% Miniature Poodle, with the remaining 37% being a number of various breed groups!
As one of the top concerns for Labrador Retrievers is arthritis, knowing NAKED DOG Food contains glucosamine and chondroitin (both of which support healthy hips and joints) helps us to take a proactive approach to her potential future dietary health needs.
Image via NAKED DOG website
Keep in Mind Your Dog’s Current & Future Full-Sized Weight
When we completed the DNA panel, we found that Frida’s future ideal weight was between 18 and 33 pounds. Knowing this information is vital to ensuring your pup lives a long and healthy life without additional weight and stress on their joints.
NAKED DOG Food also provides prebiotics and fiber which support Frida’s digestive health without harmful by products like corn, soy, and wheat!
Consider Your Dog’s Life Stage & Energy Levels in The Selection Process
As Frida is an extremely active young pup, we wanted to be sure the food she eats contains enough calories to keep her going!
NAKED Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance which sets our mind at ease that she’s getting all she needs from her bowl!
As we noticed at first she seemed fairly thirsty, at the suggestion of her trainer we started soaking her food in water before putting it in a Kong which helps provide a bit of extra hydration and a puzzle to occupy her while she eats.
I hope the above information from our experience was helpful! If you have any questions regarding Naked Dog Food, please feel free to reach out to North Coast Seafoods at eatnaked@northcoastseafoods.com.
Let me know in the comments what steps and consideration you took when deciding on your dog’s food!
