What should a dog’s diet consist of? Which products should be selected and which ones should be avoided? Here you will find answers to these and other questions about animal nutrition!
We care so much about our pets and we try to do everything in our power to take good care of them. Proper nutrition is crucial for proper growth and development of our puppies. A balanced diet can protect your pet from many problems in adulthood. In an ideal world, all products for dogs would be equal. Instead, we are overwhelmed by the offers that advertise them as the best. According to vets, the bulk commercialized dog food variety are particularly get ready with at least based on nutritional need for dogs.
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Balanced meals are the key to success
Theoretically, every conscious dog owner knows what the dog’s diet should look like. In practice, we often do not know which ingredients should be included in a balanced meal for our pet. An adult dog should be fed twice a day at fixed times. Moreover, it is important that the dog is not physically stressed one hour before and one hour after eating. This may contribute to a distortion of the stomach, especially in breeds that are predisposed to this type of ailment.
- Meat – it is considered to be the most important ingredient on a dog’s diet. The dog’s body absorbs about 95% more protein from meat than the protein contained in plant foods. To feed the pet with all essential amino acids, more than one type of meat should be used. Choose beef, lamb, poultry, fish (without bones), mutton and game. You can give your dog both raw and cooked meat. Remember, that the teeth of the puppies are not yet fully developed to bite hard cartilage or bone.
- Products of plant origin – the dog food should also contain vegetables, a small amount of fruit and cereals – this can be rice or corn. High quality cereals are primarily a source of carbohydrates that give our dogs strength and energy. These ingredients regulate the work of the digestive system and support the absorption of nutrients from food. Before giving your dog vegetables or fruits, make sure the product is safe for the dog. And if you are in doubt – choose dog food that is certainly safe for your pet.
- Oils – diet should therefore take into account not only animal but also vegetable fats. Such a supplement supports the functioning of the body, increases its immunity and prevents the development of inflammation. It also strengthens the dog’s coat and makes it shiny.
BARF diet
The BARF (organically significant tender food) diet is a type of dog’s diet that uses only natural raw ingredients. It consists of meat with bones, offal, certain vegetables, fruits and eggs. It is said to be good for the dog’s teeth and gums. Supporters claim that it is a suitable diet for overweight and allergic pets.
However, BARF has as many followers as opponents. Tender meat holds top threat of bacterial germs such as Salmonellosis and E. coli, produce infection comparable to food infective. It is not suitable for older or sick dogs as well.
Toxic food for dogs
There are many products that are consumed daily by humans, and for dogs can be poisonous. Under no circumstances should we give our pets chocolate. It is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine. Avoid vegetables such as onions, garlic or avocado as well.
The consumption of unripe tomatoes or uncooked potatoes, for example, can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. What is more, cow’s milk shouldn’t be a part of your dog’s diet. It can upset their stomach and cause long-term health problems.
Be careful what you give your pet and contact your veterinarian in case of any doubt.
The article is written in collaboration with https://animaly.uk/
