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All The Right Food,
Meeting Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs
While it is true that most dogs will eat just about everything, it is
not equally true that eating everything is good for them. Your dog requires
a balanced diet of healthy food to be healthy, happy and fit. It is up
to you to ensure he or she is eating a properly balanced meal.
What is the Proper Diet For Your Dog
The right diet for your dog is one that is properly balanced. It contains
the right amounts of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
The big 3 nutrients, however, are protein, fat and carbohydrates. Proteins
are required to build up and keep functioning your dog’s blood,
bones, body tissues, hair, immune system, nails and organs. Among the
best sources fo proteins are meat, dairy products, eggs and soy.
Fats are the major source of calories or energy for your pet. Your dog
needs fats to ensure a healthy coat, skin, eyes and brain. A common source
of fats is meat fats and vegetable oils. Carbohydrates, however, are the
last of the big 3 basics for dogs. They supply energy. Carbohydrates are
cheaper additives to dog food. They usually are provided in the form of
cooked cereal grains.
Size, breed and physical health affect the amount and type of food your
dog can utilize. In addition, the needs of each dog vary according to
age. A puppy requires higher amounts of protein than a mature dog. A senior
dog may function best on light or calorie-reduced food.
Types Of Dog Food
Dog food comes in 3 basic forms: wet, semi moist (or soft) and dry. Wet
food comes in cans, dry food in bags and soft food in pouches. Each type
of dog food has its advantages. Pouches, for example, are easy to use.
They are quick to serve without measuring. They are also more expensive
than the other options. Soft food also has a tendency to be high in salt
and sugar.
Canned or wet food is soft and palatable. You can give your dog more wet
food than dry without fearing a weight gain. Wet food is favored by finicky
eaters. It is also very expensive.
Dry food is the most common food for dogs. They usually contain between
18-40% protein. Fat content ranges from 7-22% while carbohydrates are
between 12-50%. Dry food is the least expensive. It comes in different
shapes, flavors and colors. It is also one of the best sources of nutrition
for your dog. A benefit is its ability to help clean your dog’s
teeth
Whatever you or your dog’s preferences, be sure to read the labels.
Make sure he or she is getting the best nutrition possible. Select a quality
food and stick with it.
Special Diets
Your dog may not be average when he or she comes to their nutritional
requirements. Your dog may require a special diet to reach and maintain
their full potential.
Talk to your vet before purchasing the right kind of food for these dogs
$ Dog on a diet - He or she needs a high fiber food.
$ Stressed dogs
$ Seniors
$ Puppies
$ High energy dogs
$ All dogs with a medical condition
Remember, the goal in feeding your canine is to choose not only a quality
food, but one that the dog enjoys. And do not forget the water.
Content provided by Lenny Stewart of Oh
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