Home repairs, gas, your kids' sports equipment, bill, bills, bills... your dog's food shouldn't appear on this list of costly expenses. It's tempting to just buy the cheapest bag on the shelf and hope there aren't any strange additives or ingredients. But the truth is your furry friend needs the same kind of well-balanced diet you need in order to stay healthy and thrive. So how do you provide your dog with a good source of nutrition without breaking the bank with those top-shelf designer dog foods? First, take a look at what a well-balanced doggie diet includes. The key to a healthy diet for your dog is a well-balanced dog food that provides all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts and ratios. Studies have shown that there are six required groups of nutrients your dog needs to thrive and be your furry, lovable companion you for years and years. Purina's website longliveyourdog.com lists them as: Water
A no-brainer - all living things need water to survive. Water is the basis for just about every life process, whether it's growth, brain function, digestion or just cooling off after a nice long romp in the yard. Protein
Protein aids in muscle development and tissue repair and keeps your dog's immune system functioning at top notch - so all that germ-coverd nasty stuff he eats off the floor doesn't end up getting him sicker than a dog. Fat
Fat is a concentrated form of energy, and keeps your dog skin healthy and coat shiny and soft. Carbohydrates
Oh carbs! You may not think you need them, but Fido does. Consisting of sugars, starches and dietary fiber, carbs give your pup energy and help keep things regular down the ole gastrointestinal tract. Minerals
Minerals are super important for just about everything. They keep bones strong, maintain proper fluid balance, keep oxygen pumping through the blood, help nerves and muscles function normally...all sorts of good things. Vitamins
Just like your kids need their Flinstones every morning, your pup needs his vitamins. Vitamins, like minerals, play many roles in maintaining the health of different systems in your dog's body. So when you're at the store, be sure to pick up a bag that says "100% complete and balanced," like Purina Dog Chow - on sale now at the Kroger CartBuster Savings Event. Dog foods that are marked this way have all the required nutrients above in the proper amounts and ratios, so you can buy them with confidence knowing that your best friend is getting the well-balanced diet he needs.