Dog Nutrition

A Vital Part Of Caring For Your Dog

Proper dog nutrition, which means consuming a proper balance of required nutrients, is just as critical for your pet as it is for your child, your spouse, or yourself. If your canine is very energetic, the diet and supplementation should be somewhat like that of a human athlete.

There are special dog foods for every pet whether they be a new pup, an aging dog, pure-bred, an average pooch, or an overweight canine on a weight loss program. Just as important to consider is their age and size. Genetics, breed, weight, as well as the canines’ activity level must be also considered.

Of course, you should always follow the advice of a qualified veterinarian about supplements, vitamins, and the food that is best for your dog. Ask your local vet what your pet’s special needs may be concerning nutritional requirements and calorie intake. Even the climate in which you and your canine reside may require special dietary needs.

Most dog food packaging does not include calorie content; however, many companies list their web site and/or a contact phone number to obtain caloric content of the food.Like a human diet, dog nutrition requires we read the labels on the foods we select for our pets. Keep in mind that, while some meat sources in their food provides needed protein, some additives are just as dangerous for your friend as they are for you.

While a good old bone with a bit of meat remaining can be good for canines, it is very easy to overfeed pets or offer them foods that fail to meet their nutritional requirements. Canines that get to eat too much human food are more likely to become overweight or to lack the proper nutrients necessary for a healthy lifestyle. If possible, all table scraps should be avoided.

When it comes to dog nutrition, some people choose to feed their pet a vegetarian diet, and obtain protein from plants such as soy rather than milk or meat products. A vegetarian doggy diet is believed to improve health and stamina and reduce the risks associated with cholesterol and other meat product-related health issues.

The “myth” about chocolate being bad for dogs is no myth at all; it is absolutely true. It is never a good idea to feed your dog chocolate because their bodies cannot digest it properly and it can make them ill. Enough chocolate can result in death. A diet poor in nutrition can lead to health problems for your friend. Dry dog food should be their main source of nutrition, unless otherwise instructed by your vet. Most dry food is comprised of soybean, rice or corn. More costly dog foods have meat or combinations of meats as the main ingredients. Companion canines tend to require less to eat when served higher quality foods.

Most premium and name-brand dog foods contain adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, and minerals so they do not require supplements unless Rover has special needs, such as being highly active, frequents competitions, or is prone to gain weight. Pets that have been spayed or neutered may put on weight, so go that extra mile on a walk to keep your pet fit and trim.

Nursing mothers may need supplements when providing milk for puppies. Pets outdoors in winter need additional dog nutrition. Feed you friend proper nutrients and provide treats along with plenty of exercise and water so your four-legged friend will be healthy and happy for years to come.

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