Great Food Choices You Can Feed Your Dog
Dogs offer us companionship and emotional support, and in return, we feel compelled to give them the best treats we can afford. We owe to them a duty of care, and we want them to be safe and healthy. Ask any pet parent, and they will tell you that taking care of your dog’s nutrition is arguably the most important undertaking.
While knowing what to feed your dog can be a bit challenging, they require a balanced diet. However, the nutrients and portions differ according to their size, age, and breed. The same goes for the types of food you can give them. This piece will shed some light on some great food choices for your dog.
1. Commercial Feeds
With so many varieties in the market, you should be careful when choosing dog food. You will need to consider their age and health, along with whether they are pregnant or nursing. The best part is that most commercial food comes with a description of the nutrient components and amounts per serving.
Some varieties contain meat protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables in the same package, giving your pooch a balanced diet in every feed. You will also come across commercial dog food of different varieties in terms of texture, from solid to semi-solid, powders, and liquid dog food. The next time you are shopping, try to learn the particulars and consult with your vet about the best nutritional plan for your furry friend.
2. Table Scraps
Do not let your dog’s adorable eyes tempt you into giving them big scoops from the serving dish. While feeding your dog some table scraps from time to time is acceptable, this should be kept at 10% of their entire diet, maximum. Giving them too much may lead to weight issues that affect their health. Moreover, some kinds of human food can be toxic to dogs. When feeding them from your table, avoid fatty and spicy food, chocolates, and onions, just to name a few.
3. Fish
Most dog foods lack an omega-3 component that is found in fish. This component helps in improving skin and joint health, cognitive development, and combating some allergies in dogs. However, before feeding your dog fish, you need to choose carefully to avoid giving food poisoning and other harmful effects. For instance, salmon needs to be cooked to avoid food poisoning. On the other hand, it is best to go for boneless fillets when you choose flounder as the next meal for your pup. Whitefish and sardines can be a great option, but you need to ensure the fish is free from parasites, high mercury, and thiaminase. Alternatively, you can use fish oil supplements that are available in stores.
4. Natural or Raw Foods
These include a wide range of raw eggs, meat, and vegetables. When it comes to meat, feed them organ or muscle meat, and not sausage or other types of manufactured meat. Some of these have preservatives that can affect the health of your dog. Freshly cut fruits and vegetables are also okay for your dog. Unlike a cat, a dog can survive on a vegetarian diet alone. Also, the next time you are having your yogurt, feel free to share it with your cuddly fellow. The raw diet helps boost his health and energy levels.
5. Bones
We all know how much dogs love their bones. Chewing on them actually helps them have strong and healthy teeth. Make sure you avoid bones that are cooked, as they could break easily and hurt your dog.
A well-fed dog is happy and playful. By feeding them properly, you are helping them live a full and healthy life.
