The majority of dog owners don't look too much into what their dog or puppy is eating, beyond getting food that is made for their breed.
The problem is that many store bought foods are largely made up of filler rather than actual meat, so your dog might not be getting the nutrition it requires to stay healthy! So how do you know whether a particular food is good enough for your dog? First of all, buying the cheapest option is probably not going to provide the best nutrition for your dog.
You tend to get what you pay for with dog food, although not in every case.
In general, dog food should contain around 40-45% real meat.
You'll be surprised how many don't get anywhere near this mark! You should also look for around 50% vegetables.
This will give your dog the nutrition it requires, without too much filler.
The other 10% should be made up of grains which provide long term energy.
Beyond this, you should try to get a dog food that suits the breed and ager of your dog.
While a puppy is growing for example, you should buy foods specifically for puppies.
Also remember that while treats are great for training, if they form a large part of your dog's diet it is likely your pet won't be getting the nutrition it requires.
It's also worth mentioning that like humans, dogs can be fussy! If your dog doesn't like a particular type of food, there is no harm in trying another one as long as it provides the same nutritional value.