Like how human beings eat, there are many diet plans for dogs. Many diets are out there, from the acclaimed raw dog food lifestyle to sticking to very cheap kibble from Walmart.
Understandably, it can seem challenging for a pet owner to find the right food for their puppy, adult dog, or senior dog. Here are the dos and don’ts of dog food to remember:
Do: Feed them dog food
A dog can handle some human food so long as it’s not something you shouldn’t be giving them. However, for a canine to get all of its nutrition, you want to feed your dog food with the nutrients they need. For some breeds, you can boost up their diet with healthy raw dog food.
Do: Vegetables for dogs
Many vegetables are very healthy for dogs, providing carbs, fibre, and minerals energy. A few of the best vegetables for dogs include asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and green beans. These can be used to help reduce weight and increase nutrition.
Don’t: No chocolates for dogs
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. They cannot have even a little. They will get very ill. Other poisonous foods to dogs include avocado, onions, garlic, coffee, grapes, raisins, etc.
Do: Always have water
A dog can be fed at intervals, and its food bowl can be empty for a time. Don’t let that be the case for their water bowl. A dog should always have water available, no matter what diet. Ensure clean water is abundant for them.
Do: Feed your dog fish
Fish is very healthy for dogs, with its many vitamins, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. The healthiest fish you could give your dog includes ocean whitefish, herring, flounder, walleye, Lake Whitefish, and salmon pike. You can choose to bake, steam, or grill it, avoiding seasoning.
Don’t: Too many treats for dogs
Treats take away from a dog’s appetite. Try to save treats for occasions where they’ve earned them and when there’s a purpose for giving them that. To get in their essential daily nutrients, avoid packing their diets with treats.
Do: Wash your dog food bowls
Dog food bowls get dirty, just like the dishes human beings use. Especially if it’s a raw dog food lifestyle they’re on, don’t leave those bowls dirty for long. Clean them regularly. This will remove any lingering bacteria that could be growing inside.
Do: Have a diet right for the dog
If your dog has a health condition, have a food plan that matches it. If they’re a senior dog, a specific diet has to match that age. Always tailor your food plan to the dog and do what’s best for their health. A part of that is ensuring you have a full idea of their health, ensuring they’re up to date on their vet visits.
Don’t: Overfeed your dog
You can very easily overfeed a dog by giving them too much human food or if they aren’t restricted on the amount of dog food they eat. This is how dogs develop weight issues. Be mindful of the amount of food you’re distributing to your dog.
Do: Research when looking at diets
Any time you’re considering a new diet, such as an anti-inflammatory diet, raw dog food diet, vegetarian diet, or want to try a new dog food, do your research online first. Look at the facts about what works and what doesn’t. Feeding the wrong food plan to a dog can aggravate existing health issues.
Do: Read dog food labels
Your dog food label will tell you a lot about what’s in a product. The food’s whole for a raw dog food diet, and you know what’s in it. For kibble and treats, you want to ensure there’s not anything unexpected or many fillers in the bag.
Don’t: Buy low-quality foods
Low-quality foods are all over the shelves in pet stores. Premium dog food is worth the added expense. You can buy cheap dog food or dog food at a discount and get away with it in some cases, but it’s not good for the dog’s long-term health.
Do: Go slow with dietary switching
If you decide to switch food plans, take it slow, especially for big changes. A dog’s stomach has to adjust to the new food. Monitor them to ensure they aren’t displaying signs of sickness and eating. It’s not uncommon to see a difference in thirst, energy, appetite, stools, and urination.
Do: Handle and store foods correctly
There’s a serious health risk with improperly handled or stored foods. Food handling and storage are particularly important for raw dog food. You want to be careful with specialty foods or raw foods and where they are put in terms of storage and overall handling.
