A well-balanced, nutritious diet is vital in keeping your dog healthy and happy. However, with many available diets, selecting the right diet for your dog can present a significant challenge.
Domesticated dogs are primarily carnivores, but they tend to be omnivores in dieting. However, when deciding on what diet to give your furry friend, it is ideal to consult with your vet. This is because every dog is an individual, and what might be suitable for a friend’s dog may not work for your dog.
In this article, you will get to explore more about a dog’s diet. Here we go
What dogs eat
Basically, your dog’s diet should include high-quality, well-balanced commercial dog food. The food will vary depending on the health status and age (growth stage) of your four-legged friend. To offer variety, you can incorporate some natural foods like sizable raw meaty bones, fresh human-made raw meat, and vegetables. NEVER cook bones meant to feed your dog.
Make sure to pick human-made meat because most meat products sold as dog food contain preservatives that can be harmful to your dog’s health. The amount to feed your dog will vary depending on breed, age, size, and level of exercise.
Misconceptions surrounding dog’s diet
Everyone wants the best for their furry friends. With many myths surrounding pet food, you may be overwhelmed by the conflicting information. Here are some traps you should never enter. Raw foods are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination and will give your dog worms – dogs have potent stomach acids that will kill any bacteria. Raw foods make your dog aggressive or aggressive dogs should be given low protein diets. Raw diets are not balanced Bones are harmful to dogs Raw diets are not balanced People foods are detrimental to dogs Grained-diets are harmful to your dog’s Dry foods are best for your dog and beneficial to dental care All diets are holistic and balanced for every dog
What makes a good brand, and why?
Choosing healthy dog food is a must for every pet owner. The only way to get the right dog food is by buying from a reputable brand, and this is how to spot one.
The first thing is consulting with your vet. He or she can offer recommendations based on your pooch’s needs. Once you are in the pet store, check for “complete and balanced.” You can also check for nutritional adequacy statements by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This shows the brand meets the requirements to make dog food, and the food is ideal.
What makes a horrible brand, and why?
Even though you won’t find any pet food labeled as bad, there are some brands that you must avoid. Mostly, you will find these foods from these brands labeled “intermittent or supplemental” and they contain questionable ingredients. Dog foods from a lousy brand will contain 4-D meats, preservatives, synthetic ingredients, corn, and grains. These ingredients are added to lower production costs.
What do people need to know before buying dog food?
For you to get premium commercial food for your dog, consider the following and their percentages Carbohydrates and grains present Proteins present Vegetables included Levels of oils and fats Preservatives used. Avoid foods that are not preserved with natural preservatives Breed of your dog.
Conclusion
With this guide, you will buy the right food for your dog. Make sure to buy from a reputable brand. If it’s not possible when deciding on what diet to give your furry friend, it is ideal to consult with your vet. This is because every dog is an individual, and what might be suitable for a friend’s dog may not work for your dog. Additionally, you can consult with dog trainers at PetSmart or Petco for some guidance on what food to buy for your pooch.