However, most of our clients want to give their pets the very best nutrition and supplements. That is rarely found at the supermarket. Here are some important considerations:

1. Dogs should not eat one protein source or one carbohydrate source for prolonged periods of time. Like humans, prolonged exposure to one ingredient can cause allergic reactions. That is why so many dogs have allergies to beef and corn: the two most common ingredients in commercial pet foods.

If your dog is showing signs of allergy such as itchy skin, excessive skin odor, digestive upset, gas and bloating, suspect food allergies first.

2. Coprophagia, or stool eating, is often caused by poorly digested dog food. Food with too much filler or too many complex chemical ingredients often absorb poorly, leaving large, loose piles in your yard and a dog who can't distinguish between his food in the bowl and "food" on the ground. UGH!

3. Particularly if your dog already has allergies (and preferably BEFORE he has allergies), choose food with either unusual protein sources (such as kangaroo, brushtail, or venison diets) or choose a dog food with varied ingredients that you can alternate like you do your own meals.

4. If your dog's aging joints are getting stiff, try a diet that is formulated from hormone-free, byproduct-free, gluten-free, all-things-bad-free sources PLUS has extra Joint Health ingredients.