Picking the right dog food can be overwhelming. Aisles are packed with foods claiming to be "all natural" or premium, often with a higher price tag.
So, we're verifying: Is expensive, high-grade dog food is really better for you pup? Or is it all bark and no bite?
Debbie West adores her pup Laddie, a 3-year-old shetland sheepdog. Laddie is part of the family.
"He would love to eat people food every day if we would give it to him," West said.
And when it comes to feeding him, she wants only the best.
"It's as important to me as feeding my kids," she said.
West is not alone -- pet food is a billion dollar industry with shelves upon shelves of different brands. Some of those brands are quite expensive, boasting natural, organic and even gluten-free labels.
Are they really better? Or is a plain old basic bag of dog food okay?
Briarwood Animal Hospital Veterinarian Bob Hale is our source to verify. he says there is science behind it.
"It's also proven that if you feed a good food, these pets will live longer -- as much as two years longer. So, food makes a difference," Hale said.
To verify, some foods ARE better, but how do you know what food that is?
The FDA requires manufacturers to list ingredients on dog food. There's also a group called AAFCO, Association of American Feed Control Officials, but it doesn't have any regulatory power.
Hale said most dog foods have an 800 number on the bag, he recommends calling and asking three questions
The first is who formulates your food?
"What they should say is it's a vet with a Ph.D. in nutrition," Hale said.
Second, do you do feeding trials?
"They should say, 'Yes, can I send you a copy of the feeding trials?'" he said.
And third, ask them to send a detailed analysis of the nutrients in the food.
"These companies producing the high-end products are very proud and they're gonna send you all of that information," he said.
At Hollywood Feed, pet food is big business.
"I think when it comes to dog food, it's about ingredients," Assistant Store Manager Pam Owens said.
People want the very best for their best friends and she said the first five ingredients on the label are most important. She also said it doesn't have to be expensive to be good
"They can't tell you that they would rather eat something different – ultimately it's you that has to decide," Owens said.
And Hale said paying attention to your dog will tell you if the food is agreeing with them.
"If they don't see that their dog is improving, they're not gonna come back and buy it again," Hale said.
West keeps coming back because says she believes the higher quality foods are better for her Laddie
"The higher-grade foods are better for them for many reasons -- the digestion, and you know what products are in them," West said.
So we can verify, according to Hale, better quality foods do make a difference and can even keep your pet alive longer.
