Your companion canine relies on you to provide him with a proper diet every day. By feeding him one of the many high-quality foods currently available, it’s easy to keep your pet happy and healthy. You may be surprised to learn that dogs cannot live on meat alone. As they are not solely meat eaters canines require a diet that contains at least 50 percent carbohydrates. The remaining percentage should be comprised of protein, which builds bones and repairs tissue, and fat for energy and metabolic maintenance. Strike a healthy balance with a nutritionally balanced high-quality canned food or dry kibble.
Proper Canine Nutrition Is Essential To Good Health
Some owners prefer the easy clean-up and convenience of dry food. Meat-based canned foods offer a wide range of proteins and fats, but the excess sugar found in some foods can pack on the pounds and cause dental problems. But no matter what variety you go with, make sure you’re taking into account any special feeding requirements. Young dogs need the nutrients found in puppy food and working dogs and lactating mothers can use extra calories.
Once you find a food that pleases your dog, stick with it unless your veterinarian recommends a change due to illness, age or allergies. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you switch brands, take note that the guidelines for feeding will change too. And remember, these are guidelines. If your dog is too fat or thin, you should change the amount of food accordingly. For more information on proper nutrition for overweight animals, please listen to topic number 124. Your veterinarian may recommend dietary supplementation for pets with certain health conditions. Dogs with diabetes, for example, will benefit from a high-fiber diet. And nutraceutical supplements may help older animals with arthritis feel better.
Table Foods Don't Provide Enough Dog Nutrition
Many owners offer their pets table foods as treats. Treats should make up no more than five to ten percent of your dog’s daily intake. Select easily digestible foods such as cooked rice, boneless and skinless chicken or turkey and scrambled eggs. Dogs love their fruits and veggies, too, so free to up their vitamin count with traditional canine favorites with carrots, apples and green beans. If you find, however, that your dog has a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, try to determine which table food is the problem and eliminate it. Biscuits are satisfying snacks, too, but opt for a sugar-free variety with natural ingredients. They tend to be high in fat and carbs, so don’t forget these calories when calculating your pet’s daily allowance.
Unlike cats, which require animal protein, dogs can get their necessary nutrients solely from plant-based proteins. If you are considering such a diet for your dog, however, ANIMED® recommends that you feed him a complete and balanced vegetarian-formula food rather than a homemade diet. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your veterinarian first.
