Chapter One

Healthy Gourmet Fare for Your Discriminating Canine

There are countless ways to show your dog affection and pamper him with the very best of everything money can buy. Your favorite pooch might look adorable in a Gucci collar while being carried around in a Louis Vuitton carrier and wearing a cashmere sweater from Louisdog. But the very first step in truly pampering your dog is to focus on his health and nutrition. Providing a well-balanced and healthy diet could extend his life span and help avoid medical problems, which might require expensive and stressful visits to the vet.

Supermarkets and pet supply superstores carry a wide range of well-known dog food brands. But, have you ever actually read the labels to learn what's in those foods? All dog foods are definitely not created equal in terms of ingredients and nutritional value. Plus, the amount of money you spend on food doesn't always reflect the quality or nutritional value of what you're buying.

On your quest to find the best dog food for your pampered pooch, step one is to learn about your many options. In addition to the dog foods sold at your local supermarket and pet supply superstores, many of the best premium dog food brands are available exclusively through smaller, independent stores or online.

Innova, from Natura Pet Products, is one of many examples of a pet food brand that focuses on selling only healthy, nutritious, chemical-free, and natural ingredients. Plus, the manufacturing process follows the same strict standards that are applied to food for humans. According to Paul French, marketing director at Natura Pet Products, "Whe