Healthy Food Keeps Your Pup In Top Condition

You hear all sorts of advice on how to provide healthy dog food for your pet - from pet food manufacturers, your veterinarian, friends and family - but what's the real story on giving your dog a diet to keep him in top form? We'll look at a few basic recommendations and some options for snazzy home cooking for your dog.

When buying dog food you want a product that breaks down to a ratio of 40% meat, 50% vegetables, and 10% grain, or something close to that. The meat component should be listed first and is commonly chicken, beef, or lamb. If you buy a cheaper product that doesn't have these ratios or ingredients you're not doing your pet any favor. Go after the best quality you can afford and you'll have a happier companion as a result.

Preservatives in food are a good thing, usually necessary but it's a good idea to see what preservatives are being used and then find out from a an expert source (usually your vet) if the preservative is known to have any undesirable properties. Some commonly used preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin are considered by some to be toxic, at least in large amounts. If you prepare your pet's meals at home the use of preservatives of this type is no longer an issue.

You can find a dog food recipe on the Internet, but the basic ingredients and ratios should be the same as they are for commercial food - 40% meat, 50% vegetables and 10% grain. Meat should be fully cooked and free of bones. Popular grains are brown rice or cooked oatmeal.

Given the proper ratios you can begin to experiment with your dog as the taste tester. Of course you don't want to give your pet things that taste good but are bad for it. Most people know that chocolate is not good for dogs. Fewer realize that grapes and raisins, as well as garlic, onions, mushrooms, and avocados can be very harmful. Don't salt the food for flavor as that isn't good either. Your goal is to provide a meal that your dog enjoys but also is safe.

Can you feed your dog a purely vegetarian diet? Most experts say that you can, but dogs are carnivores and they really are in top form with meat included in their diet. There's also the danger that your dog will grow bored with a vegetarian diet and become a finicky eater.

If you don't feel up to standing over a hot stove to cook for Fido you might check out your local health food store. Many have organic dog foods in stock. The Internet is also a good source of organic or holistic pet foods.

Your dog's health is primarily determined by it's diet so make an effort to insure that diet is a proper one. There are many options ranging from checking labels to ensure a proper mix of good ingredients to preparing your own or looking to your vet or health food store. This extra effort on your part will pay big dividends to both you and your best friend.