8 Tips For Looking After Your Dog’s Nutrition
Choosing the right food for your dog can be challenging, but their nutrition is very important. As a dog owner you want them to be satisfied and nourished, so it should be a priority to find the best dog food on the market.
Sadly, buying products branded as ‘organic’ or ‘nutritious’ at the store doesn’t always mean you’re providing the best food for your dog. But the good thing is there are sites, such as dogfoodcare.com and others like it, that can help you choose the finest food for your pet.
Along with that, here are some tips that may help you keep your dog’s nutrition in check.
- Learn About the Fundamentals of Canine Nutrition
The following nutritional elements are the most important factors of a dog’s diet:
- Proteins: Proteins serve as the foundation of cell formation, preservation, and restoration. For dogs, one of the major uses of protein is for fur/coat maintenance. This could require up to 30% of their total protein consumption.
- Fats: In a dog’s diet, fats are the most potent source of energy. They also provide fatty acids, which are necessary for preserving active and strong cells.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are another source of energy for dogs. They are metabolized by the digestive tract to produce glucose.
- Vitamins: Vitamins are substances that are essential for optimal physiological functions. They also play a role in enhancing the immunity of dogs.
- Minerals: Minerals are vital for several purposes, including development, building solid bones, and maintaining strong teeth.
The proportions and variations of these factors are solely determined by the dog’s age, condition, and lifestyle. That’s why there are different types of dog food for the different stages of your dog’s life.
- Keep Your Dog’s Age in Mind
One of the most overlooked pieces of nutrition advice is that not all dogs are the same. When it comes to diet, a dog’s distinct variations should be taken into consideration. One of these considerations is age.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all dog food product that will be sufficient for every age. For instance, senior dogs have different dietary requirements than younger dogs. They’re often more vulnerable to certain ailments and illnesses, so you’ll need to nourish them accordingly.
- Feed the Right Amount
It’s just as necessary to feed the appropriate amount as it is to give the appropriate food. There are feeding instructions on every pack of dog food product. You could begin by observing your dog’s weight recommendations as given by the food instructions or your vet.
When your dog is satisfied with the food, monitor its weight. This is the most efficient method of determining whether or not you’re feeding it right. If your dog is gaining too much weight, switch to a lighter diet. But, if your dog is not gaining enough weight, consider adding about 10% to its food intake.
Less often, dogs that are overfed don’t gain weight but acquire digestive issues instead. When a dog is given far more than it requires, its body may react by forcing the food through the system. This may result in diarrhea and vomiting, which could eventually cause weight loss.
- Develop a Good Feeding Schedule
The feeding routine for normal dogs is very versatile. If you’ve decided on a regular feeding quantity, you can split it into as many meals as you’d like. You can also feed them at times that are convenient for you.
Another option is free feeding, which is a common solution for rigid feeding schedules not working well. This is done by leaving food in the bowl and allowing your dog to eat as they please throughout the day. Though this could work for some dogs, it’s still safer to set out the required dose at the beginning of the day and work from there. This is crucial for limiting the risk of them overeating, or getting too hungry.
Just remember that dogs enjoy consistency, so if you’ve discovered a routine that works for you and your dog, commit to it.
- Avoid Sudden Food Changes
As it comes to routine, dogs don’t cope well with sudden dietary shifts. This may induce bowel discomfort for your dog. If you’ve examined your dog’s regular food and concluded that you ought to make a transition, don’t immediately toss out the old product and start with a new one.
Instead, combine a small amount of the new and old food. Raise the amount of the new food gradually until your dog is consuming 100% of it. If your dog presents unusual symptoms, discontinue serving the new product and contact your veterinarian.
- Consider Your Dog’s Health
It’s normal for your dog’s natural body processes and systems to decline as it matures. The organs are subjected to deterioration that occurs with aging. Here are some of the health issues that senior pet owners may have to face:
- Arthritis
- Liver disease
- Kidney failure
- Heart problems
- Hearing and vision loss
These are common, but that doesn’t necessarily imply that you can’t do something about them. Always consider your dog’s health when selecting their food. You could give your dog food rich in omega-3 to enhance its kidney health. Other food items and nutrients that could support your dog’s health include:
- Fish oil
- Lipoic acid
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Protein-rich food
- Don’t Forget the Water
It doesn’t mean a thing if you feed your dog the best food on the planet if it doesn’t have access to water. Dogs require clean drinking water because they generate a lot of heat especially when playing.
They could become dehydrated if they don’t drink enough water. Dehydration would greatly reduce their efficiency. It could also make them sick. Thus, it’s best to give them access to clean water around your house. You should also carry some water for your dog whenever you’re going out for a walk.
- Consult a Veterinarian
Veterinarians are professionals specializing in animal health. They can provide dog nutrition guidance. So, it’s best to seek their assistance when it comes to feeding your dog. You can also hire a veterinary nutritionist to prepare a meal plan for your pet if needed.
Proper Nutrition is Key
You certainly want your dog to have a long and happy life. So, the best thing you could do for them is to make sure their diet is tasty and nutritious. Remember, nutrition is just as essential for dogs as it is for humans!
