Dog nutrition – believe me, I know how confusing it can be. There are so many different opinions and choices to consider. You also have to take in to consideration the type of dog you have and the dog’s level of activity. Does your pup have any special needs; overweight, underweight, diabetic, food allergies, pregnant or nursing?
So many considerations can leave your head spinning.
Proper nutrition is so very important and worth spending some time figuring out the best option for your fur-baby.
Consider this startling statistic:
“Today more than 95% of all chronic disease is caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of physical exercise.”
~ Mike Adams ~
This statistic not only applies to humans but all living beings, including our pets. Just as we need to be vigilant about what we put in our bodies, we need to do the same for our fur-babies.
Giving your puppy good food, healthy treats, and the necessary supplements will not only help him grow strong and healthy, but it will also affect his behavior and his ability to be trained to learn new things.
Every dog is different, and there are certain factors to consider when determining the diet program that will fit the needs of his growing body. However, there are also general rules that owners must follow to ensure that their pets are getting the balanced food and supplementation that their bodies require.
Optimal Food Choices
Dogs, like humans, are omnivores. This means that we need both meat and vegetables in order to be healthy. Our diet should include the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that is necessary to acquire optimum health. We also need an unlimited supply of water to keep our body functioning and alive.
Take It Easy On The Supplements
It is also not necessary to give your dog a separate vitamin and/or mineral supplement along with human food and his own food. The majority of supplements out there are ineffective and can even be dangerous to some level.
For example, providing your puppy with an extra calcium supplement is not at all beneficial. It doesn’t aid in bone growth, but actually does the opposite. In some cases, extra calcium in your puppy’s body can actually develop to certain types of bone problems. Adding a combination of supplements is just as harmful to your pet because they can create an imbalance to his diet.
Keep It Natural
Same as with us, be careful if choosing commercial dog foods for your pup. There are some good ones on the market but many have added fillers and preservatives (ask your vet for a recommendation). By following some simple guidelines, you can prepare nutritious food for your pet just as you prepare dinner for yourself. Your pup will most likely prefer the taste over the commercial food, appreciate the variety and it can be so much healthier. You are able to select the ingredients so you know exactly what your fur-baby is eating. In addition to the dog food, you may also give him a multivitamin such as Omega 3 oil and occasional liver tablets which, in my opinion, are one of the best treats you can give your dog. Omega 3 and liver tablets are available in most health food stores, pet stores, and online catalogs.
Other supplements to give your dog are natural, whole foods. A few examples of these are wheat grass, brewer’s yeast, bee pollen, and barley. These are food that contain nutrients from nature and will not interfere with the nutrients in your dog’s diet.
As always, check with your vet before giving your pup supplements or add anything new to his diet.
I know it can all seem overwhelming when it comes to your dog’s nutrition. I’ve been there and I know how difficult it can be to navigate the different options and opinions. But it is so worth it to make the effort. Food is so very important to the health of your pet. You would be amazed at the money you can save on vet bills and medications for ailments such as diabetes and skin and food allergies. And it is not just money saved but also potential added years to your pet’s lifespan.
If you need some help navigating all of the options and finding the best “fit” for your pup, check this out…
This bundle will help you make the best food decisions for your pup as well as cheat sheets and tools for quickly and easily implementing the changes and figuring out the best food combinations for optimal health.
Again, please check with your vet before beginning any new diet changes or if you have any questions or concerns.
I hope you find these nutrition tips helpful. Feel free to share with the other dog parents in your life.
Check back often as I plan on regularly providing nutrition tips to keep your pup healthy.
And again, CLICK HERE if you would like to really get started on easily implementing a new diet plan for your pup.
’til next time,
