For those with dogs, food is among the biggest needs that must be well taken care of. Your furry friend has nutritional requirements that should be met. Of course, you would want to strike a balance between providing food that he likes and food that is good for him.
Today, you will be overwhelmed by the many dog food options in the market today. To help you determine the best options and fully understand the importance of good food, experts have shared some tips for buying the right dog food.
A Simple Guide To Buying Food For Dogs
Feed by nature – Dogs before were wild so they mainly eat live animals. This means that they consume raw animal meat and bones, organs, tissues, and hair. They also consume plant matter in small amounts. But today, domesticated dogs have evolved to be carnivorous, while also eating those fit for omnivores.
Puppy to adult – Puppies certainly need to feed on their mother’s milk, similar to any kind of mammal. At approximately 8-12 weeks of life, they will start weaning off the milk and begin eating solid food. As your puppy becomes an adult, you will find that there are different kinds of food that they must eat to ensure good health. It is highly recommended that you take your pet to a reliable vet to gain valuable advice regarding good food to feed him based on his health status, age, and specific conditions.
Home-prepared or commercial pet food – Most pet owners are often faced with 2 options. You can either feed the dog raw or cooked meats or with commercial pet food from the store. Choosing which kind of food to give him will depend on the dog’s specific requirements.
Bear in mind that no two dogs will have similar dietary needs. Hence, it is very important for you to consult your vet about the right diet to follow. You will know that your pet is eating right if he has a normal energy level and appetite, fresh breath, clean teeth and ears, a glossy coat, no elimination issues, not itching, and an overall good disposition and attitude. If your dog is healthy, you will see that he is very happy.
Some Foods To Avoid
As much as you want your pet to eat nutritious food that he truly enjoys eating, you need to be very careful in not giving him foods that can be toxic. Some of the food you must not give your pet will include garlic, avocado, chocolate, raisins and grapes, coffee or any product with caffeine, citrus fruits, mushrooms, corn cobs, green or unripe tomatoes, salt and seasonings, and nuts.