Common Concerns for Dog Diets

Choosing the right dog food goes a long way when it comes to keeping your dog happy and healthy. Just as with humans, a dog’s diet has to meet all their dietary and nutritional needs, so care must be taken when selecting a brand and/or type of food to feed them.

Here are the some of the most common concerns revolving around the subject of dog food.

Homemade or Readymade

Some people cook their own dog food while others buy pre-prepared food by the sack. Whatever you choose, just make sure that it’s healthy. These days, there have been many reports about dog food brands that have negative effects on dogs, with recalls being been issued for brands that have caused poisoning and adverse effects in dogs.

Homemade dog food isn’t entirely safe either. Raw meat is a popular choice among dog owners for example, but prepared carelessly, you have a high chance of only poisoning your dog with bacteria like salmonella.

As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to take note of everything that you feed your dog. Check the label or use fresh ingredients. You also have to consider your dog’s current health status. Sick dogs are sick are better off with readymade dog food.

A Healthy, Balanced Meal for My Dog

The top three things you need to watch for to make sure your dog is getting a healthy diet is protein, fiber and carbohydrates.

Dogs have more or less the same dietary and nutritional needs as humans, except that they need more protein. You see, dogs primarily live off protein in the wild, needing it for an abundance of energy and the development of strong bones and muscles.

Fortunately, dogs aren’t meticulous when it comes to what cut of meat they eat. You can go to the butcher and ask for the cheapest part or ask for any part recommended for dog food. You can feed your dog raw meat but it is not advisable if your dog is sick, so you’re better off cooking the meat to minimize food poisoning. 

Try to alternate meat or homemade and readymade dog food so your dog gets all the nutrients it needs. When feeding them home-made meals, extra food supplements may be needed for dogs that have DM in dogs, muscle and bone problems, and joint illnesses.

What Else to Give Them
   
For fiber and carbohydrates, give your dog oats, barley, corn, wheat, and rice—these foods help ensure good digestion, while giving your dog a clean colon. You can also give your dog vegetables and fruits but be careful, as vegetables and fruits are actually poisonous to dogs.

Never give your dog something sweet not unless it’s actually a dog treat. Chocolates should be kept away since it contains ingredients that could get the dog sick or even kill it. Dog treats can be jerky, dog cookies even bones, but be careful, some treats are not advisable for dogs that have certain illnesses like DM in dogs and diabetes.