Dogs have lived with us for over 15, 000 years, but it was only in the mid-1800’s that the first food specifically designed for dogs was invented. Even then, it wasn’t until after the Second World War that the dog food industry started its ascent towards the multi-billion dollar colossus that it is today.

So what were dogs fed for the thousands of years before then? The truth is they were pretty much left to scrounge or hunt for their own meals. Occasionally, they may have been thrown a bone from the master’s table or given a treat by a kindly soul.

As dogs became more popular as pets, they would have been fed more regular meals by their human guardians. These meals though would still have been table scraps, perhaps supplemented by some dry or tinned dog food.

As people became have interested in canine health, care and nutrition there has been a plethora of magazines, TV programs and websites providing information on these subjects.

There have been volumes written on canine nutrition, as well as the introduction of premium and super premium dog food brands. Add to that things like the raw dog food diet and it’s easy to see why the average person can become quite confused about the best food for their dog.

So what is the best dog food?

That depends on who you’re listening to. Many experts insist that premium brand dry kibble is the way to go, others are equally adamant that dog’s should be fed raw meat, while still others would never feed their dogs anything but a home cooked meal.

The important thing is balance. Dogs are omnivores, and they need to be fed a diet that reflects that. Most raw food proponents accept that, premium kibble brands strive for it, and if you’re cooking for your dog you need to take it into account.

Strive for a three way split between meat, veggies and fiber. But if you’re going to err in any direction, feed a higher percentage of meat.

Cooking for your dog and shopping for fresh foods are time consuming. But even if, like most of us, you are “time poor”, you can still feed your dog a balanced, healthy diet. Simply speak to your vet about the best premium or super premium dog food brand for your dog.

There are a number of options available to you including specially formulated brands for puppies, seniors, dogs with allergies, dogs with sensitive stomachs and so on. You can even get brands formulated for the needs of specific dog breeds.

Two things you should definitely avoid feeding your dog are cheap commercial dog food, and table scraps.

Most of the brands you find on the supermarket shelves fall into this category. They often have grain as their primary component and are therefore lacking in the nutrients needed in a healthy canine diet. There is also evidence to suggest that some of the colorings and preservatives used may be behind a whole catalog of ailments and diseases.

Table scraps are another no-no. They are generally high in fat, and may contain other substances, like onions and garlic, which are not good for dogs. Feeding your dog from the table can also lead to behavior problems, like begging.

To discover more about best dog food, dog training, dog health and other interesting dog information drop in at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com