Your dog is a treasure. A loyal and devoted member of your family who has been with you through all the milestones of your life. His well-being and long-term health are probably a priority for your loved ones. Therefore, from now on, as a responsible pet owner, you probably want to invest in only the best products and accessories for him. Purchasing pet food that contains only quality ingredients can positively contribute to your pup's long-term health, providing him with the nutritional intake required for healthy development.

High-quality food, such as the one produced by Royal Canin, is generally composed of premium ingredients with a known origin, which can improve your dog's immune system and give him the vitamins he requires while enhancing his dental and bone health. Premium dog food is easy to digest, has a proven dermatological benefit, can positively affect your puppy's weight management, and may reduce his sensitivity to environmental allergens.

In the long run, purchasing quality dog food and treats, such as those produced by brands like Pedigree, Royal Canin, or Taste of the Wild, could result in a reduction of potential vet costs, increase the playfulness of your puppy, and give him all the assets needed to develop under a controlled environment. Quality canine food has a taste your dog will prefer, does not use ingredients unrecommended by regulatory bodies, is available for both mature dogs and puppies, and, not least, can represent the value for money you demand from the products you purchase.

For one thing, the food you buy for your pet should be high in protein. These proteins must be of known origin and not be composed of animal by-products such as connective tissues or skin. Although dogs are herbivorous animals, just as with cats, most of their diet should be meat. For a puppy, the daily protein intake ratio should be around 30% of the meals, while for a mid-life dog, this percentage can be as low as 20%. Moreover, the purchased kibble must be minimally processed and not composed of filler materials, such as wheat, which is hard to digest and has little nutritional value.

A good idea would be to avoid food brands that use additives such as BHA or BHT in their selection, as these can lead to all sorts of problems, from endocrine disruption to skin allergies. A sensible approach is to go for well-known brands, recommended by the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia, that use natural preservatives such as tocopherols or ascorbic acid. And here, your options can range from domestic manufacturers like Advance or Black Hawk to European companies like Royal Canin.

The kibble you buy should provide balanced nutrition, be appropriate for your dog's age, and contain an optimal level of healthy fats derived from animal sources. The ingredients should be sourced transparently and in line with European, Australian and American regulations. At the same time, the product packaging should legibly present all the information required to make an informed purchase. When in doubt, the best decision is to turn to manufacturers with a wide range of premium and budget products. Companies operating internationally have the budget to use only the best product ingredients. Plus, they're incentivised to preserve their reputation at all costs.

Although omnivorous animals, dogs need a high protein intake to develop correctly. The muscle mass of dogs is significant when compared to their body mass, and for this reason, most nationally or internationally recognised brands use a minimum of 20-25% protein content in their products. In addition to protein, your dog will also need vitamins, healthy fats from fish oil, and carbohydrates like whole grains. But although necessary for digestion, the intake of fibre and carbohydrates in your dog's diet should not be overdone, as excess can cause bloating or even vomiting.

Your dog's daily caloric intake is also crucial and will depend on several factors, such as your pup's breed and activity level. For an active breed like Border Collies, an intake of approximately forty calories per pound might be ideal. However, the ideal daily caloric value might be halved for larger, less active breeds or older dogs. As a general rule, when puppies, canines require more calories, vitamins, and minerals. But once they mature, calorie levels will need to decrease gradually, or there is a chance your fluffball will face weight gain issues.

Above all, you need to choose a dog food manufacturer available in Australian pet shops that enjoys an unblemished reputation among customers. Then, you will have to pay attention to the label of the kibble and note the ingredients mentioned. High-quality dog food must contain a source of animal protein such as chicken or beef, be supplemented with whole grains or vegetables, be free of low-quality filler materials, and not be laced with preservatives or dyes such as tartrazine or Allura Red AC.

Secondly, it is essential to choose products from a company recognised by the FDA, FEDIAF or PFIAA. It is critical to select a brand that offers kibble for puppies and older dogs and that regularly tests its products for dermatological problems in certain breeds. For example, Maltese are particularly susceptible to gastroenterological problems and dermatitis caused by food allergies. So, choosing a hypoallergenic kibble from a reputable manufacturer like Royal Canin could be crucial in the long run. In the end, it's all about research. And today, you have all the necessary resources at hand to make an informed decision.

Purchasing kibble from a recognised brand like Royal Canin could be one of the best decisions you can make for your dog. Premium kibble manufacturers have the budget to invest in the quality and taste of their products, using only the best ingredients on the market. From whole grains to vegetables and protein sources of known origin, buying quality kibble or wet dog food could be essential to make your fluffball grow strong and settle into your family.

Buying quality kibble when your dog is a puppy could translate into financial gains in the long run. Poor nutrition in the early years of life correlates with pathological problems and weak immune systems as dogs mature. As these issues mount up, the bills at your vet will become problematic, which could be a disaster. Quality dog food from the experienced manufacturer Royal Canin, with experience in the Australian market, is the easiest way to let your dog know he is an essential family member. And his health, as a responsible dog owner, should be your top priority.