Deciding which Food to include in your dog’s diet can be overwhelming. This is because most commercial dog foods promise great things for your dog’s health but since there are various options available, how do you decide which one works best for your furry friend? Here we’ll see some best and worst food for dogs.
What’s a balanced diet for a dog?
Like humans, your dog needs a balanced diet to grow healthy. Question is, what are the essential nutrients that make a balanced diet for dogs?
Note that, your dog’s diet should primarily consist more of proteins and fats. Amino acids and fats are converted into glucose which provides energy for your pet. Always serve carbohydrates in minimal quantities.
Instead of feeding them more carbohydrates, provide animal protein and fats as energy sources for your pet. Excess carbohydrates in your pet’s food break down into sugar which can cause health problems such as diabetes, yeast infection, obesity, GI problems, etc.
How often should dogs eat?
The age of your dog is an essential factor here.
Also, should you give some treats to your dog during the day, make sure it does not replace its meal. Dog treats are fun ways to motivate your dog and to keep them jolly, however, they shouldn’t be your dog’s main diet. So just like kibble, only give your pet dog treats occasionally.
Can all dogs eat the same food?
Ideally no. You should only buy the food that is designed for your dog’s breed and its age group.
For example, puppies need protein, fat, and vitamin-rich diets. Senior dogs, on the other hand, require little fat and even fewer carbohydrates. Disregarding this distinction can stunt the growth of your pet.
Also, dogs with special conditions or diseases should only eat per the vet’s instructions.
What types of food is best for a dog?
Raw meat
Raw meat is one of the best diets for dogs because it is a species-appropriate diet for canines. It has a good combination of protein and fats. However, you should buy raw meat only from trusted sources who practice herd health or sell USDA inspected meat.
Prescription diets
Prescription diets are necessary for dogs with a specific diagnosis. It is not advisable to give your pet these foods unless they are prescribed by the vet.
Dry food
Most dog parents feed their pets primarily commercial dog food. Kibble is indeed a more economical and convenient diet than raw meat. However, they are not as healthy as raw meat because they undergo a lot of processing that destroys their essential nutrients.
Besides, they usually contain artificial preservatives, additives, and colourings that are unhealthy for your pet. You can give your pet some kibble, but only occasionally.
What are Worst Food for Dogs?
Alcohol
It might be obvious for you but let’s mention it: never give alcohol or beer to your canines! It is toxic for your dogs and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and coma.
Salty food
Canine’s bodies cannot handle some of the spices we consume. Salt, for instance, could cause indigestion or nausea. So, only use a little salt in their home-cooked diets.
Coffee
Caffeine is bad for canines as well. If you find that your dog is inactive, please get it examined by a veterinarian. It would help if you also kept your coffee beans out of reach to prevent choking hazards.
Expired food
Once your dog food has expired, throw it out. Serving expired food to your canines will amount to putting them in danger. They could fall ill.
Pet nutrition is an essential prerequisite to ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pets. Therefore, you should patiently feed the best and healthiest foods to your dogs. Also, prevent them from eating foods that are toxic to them.
Do that and help your pet live a long, healthy and happy life!
