Dogs, just like their human counterparts, need proper nutrition in order to maximize their health. While it's sometimes hard for humans to overcome bad habits and years of improper nutrition, dogs have the advantage that they can only eat what you feed them. To ensure that your dog stays as healthy as possible, here are some helpful tips.
Your first step should always be to discuss your pet's health needs with a veterinarian. This professional can help you fix upon a healthy weight for your dog and offer suggestions about how much to feed your pet each day. The amount you feed a dog depends up the animal's size, ideal weight, age and activity level.
If you are wondering about dry food versus wet food, both can be a good option. Dogs often prefer the taste of wet food, but that doesn't mean they won't enjoy a good kibble as well, and you can always mix a few tablespoons of wet food in the dish to improve flavor. Wet food does have water in it, which might be beneficial for dogs that tend not to drink a great deal. Obviously dry food has a longer shelf life and can sit in a bowl during the day, where wet food shouldn't sit around for many hours. In general, it is the quality of the food that is most important, so buy the absolutely best food you can afford. Check for ingredients you actually recognize without tons of additives.
It is important to note that a dog's nutritional needs are much different than that of a person. For instance, humans need carbohydrates, but dogs actually do not need them. Still, look at the dog foods on the pet food shelves and you will see plenty of carbs listed in the ingredients. These carbs typically will not harm your pet, but just like with humans, look for very healthy carbs such as those with whole grains, sweet potatoes, barley and millet. Typically, also look for foods where sources of protein are listed above carb sources on the list of ingredients.
There are many foods that a dog should never eat. Most people know that chocolate is unsafe for dogs, but there are other healthy items that you might think are ok. Avocadoes, for instance, are considered healthy for most humans, but this fruit contains a toxin called persin, which can be dangerous for pets in large quantities. It is found in the meat, seed, leaves and bark of the avocado tree. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and dairy products can cause digestive upset. Any food with a large pit or seed also can be a danger if your pet consumes the large seed. These are just a few foods to avoid giving to your pet.
Dogs love to explore, sniff and sample leaves and other items found in nature, but this can be harmful to your pet. If your dog is the curious type that loves a snack of leaves or rocks, proper obedience training can help. Using dog training DVDs, you can teach your dog helpful dog training skills that will ensure that your dog doesn't run off and explore areas where their health could be in danger. In addition, your dog will learn to cease chewing on something when you command, which can be helpful if they get a hold of something potentially harmful.
Your first step should always be to discuss your pet's health needs with a veterinarian. This professional can help you fix upon a healthy weight for your dog and offer suggestions about how much to feed your pet each day. The amount you feed a dog depends up the animal's size, ideal weight, age and activity level.
If you are wondering about dry food versus wet food, both can be a good option. Dogs often prefer the taste of wet food, but that doesn't mean they won't enjoy a good kibble as well, and you can always mix a few tablespoons of wet food in the dish to improve flavor. Wet food does have water in it, which might be beneficial for dogs that tend not to drink a great deal. Obviously dry food has a longer shelf life and can sit in a bowl during the day, where wet food shouldn't sit around for many hours. In general, it is the quality of the food that is most important, so buy the absolutely best food you can afford. Check for ingredients you actually recognize without tons of additives.
It is important to note that a dog's nutritional needs are much different than that of a person. For instance, humans need carbohydrates, but dogs actually do not need them. Still, look at the dog foods on the pet food shelves and you will see plenty of carbs listed in the ingredients. These carbs typically will not harm your pet, but just like with humans, look for very healthy carbs such as those with whole grains, sweet potatoes, barley and millet. Typically, also look for foods where sources of protein are listed above carb sources on the list of ingredients.
There are many foods that a dog should never eat. Most people know that chocolate is unsafe for dogs, but there are other healthy items that you might think are ok. Avocadoes, for instance, are considered healthy for most humans, but this fruit contains a toxin called persin, which can be dangerous for pets in large quantities. It is found in the meat, seed, leaves and bark of the avocado tree. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and dairy products can cause digestive upset. Any food with a large pit or seed also can be a danger if your pet consumes the large seed. These are just a few foods to avoid giving to your pet.
Dogs love to explore, sniff and sample leaves and other items found in nature, but this can be harmful to your pet. If your dog is the curious type that loves a snack of leaves or rocks, proper obedience training can help. Using dog training DVDs, you can teach your dog helpful dog training skills that will ensure that your dog doesn't run off and explore areas where their health could be in danger. In addition, your dog will learn to cease chewing on something when you command, which can be helpful if they get a hold of something potentially harmful.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan enjoys watching dog show. For more information about the best DVD dog training videos, or to discover dog training video online, please check out the TheDogsWay site now.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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