We all want the best for our pets. Our four-legged friends make us happy every day. The least we can do for them is to play with them, take to reliable veterinarian from time to time and feed them well.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in your dog’s well-being, growth, and life expectancy. So, buying a random package of dog food from the closest supermarket might not be enough. Every pet should have specific diet. Here are some tips on how to improve your dog’s nutrition:
Know What To Avoid
At least once in your life, you probably had a temptation to give your dog something from your dinner table. Hopefully, you haven’t done it and not planning on doing so. Some foods can be toxic for dogs. Feeding your pets with people food can lead to severe health problems and gain weight.
Your little friend should avoid eating foods high in sugar, avocado, cooked bones, garlic, dairy products, raw meat, cat food, fat trimmings, and macadamia nuts. As a responsible pet owner you should know very well the list of produces that your dog can eat. Also, make sure your dog doesn’t drink alcohol, coffee, or tea accidentally. Drinking these liquids can cause abnormal acidity, weak breathing, lack of coordination, and even death.
An interesting fact is that dogs have taste buds just like humans; it allows them to feel the taste and distinguish salty foods from the bitter ones. But it doesn’t mean you can go to the restaurants together.
If you have ever been wondering whether dogs can eat eggs or other human foods, find below a list of unexpected things that you and your puppy can eat together:
Carrots
Oranges
Eggs
Mushrooms
Celery
Potatoes
Green peas
Oatmeal
Watermelon
Pineapple
Corn
Apples
Create a meal schedule
It is recommended to feed pets on a regular schedule instead of giving them your leftover meals when you have some. To figure out how much food you need to give your pet, read the instructions on the dog food package. It is better to feed your dog twice per day: early in the morning and late in the evening.
Also, creating a meal schedule for your four-legged friend will help with house training. Usually, dogs need a toilet break half an hour after eating.
Sticking to the schedule and giving the same portion is very important for your puppy. Overfeeding your dog can lead to obesity, heavy breathing, and a shortened life span. Avoid giving him random snacks even if ‘he is such a good boy.’ He will not love you less if you don’t give him something from your table. You are responsible for your pet, so think of his health in the first place.
Give water
You can give your puppy the best quality of food, but he will not feel well if you forget to give him water.
Water helps maintain normal body temperature, aids in digestion, and makes movement easier. Dehydration can damage body organs of your dog and cause death. That’s why you should give your puppy plenty of water. Before you go out, make sure to leave a few bowls of drinkable water. Also, you should have a bottle of water and a pot when you are traveling long hours in the car.
Vitamins
These are the vitamins and elements your dog needs to stay healthy: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus, and B-complex vitamins. There is no need to give him extra vitamins since he gets all of them from the food you give him. In fact, it is dangerous to give your pet any vitamins or mineral supplements without the vet’s approval.
By the way, did you know that your dog doesn’t need Vitamin C because his body makes it?
Take age into account
One thing that the pet owners don’t know about is that the dogs’ nutrition needs depend on their age. It means you can’t feed your pet the same food during all his life.
If you have a puppy, you should only give him puppy food. It differs from food made for adult dogs – it has more calories and protein. Puppies are very active, so feeding them well can help them grow healthy and strong.
Once your pup gets older, make a slow switch to adult dog food. For instance, you can mix puppy food with another kind – it will help your doggy gets used to it. If you don’t make a slow change and give him adult dog food straight away, he may experience dog diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Apply the same strategy once your dog becomes a senior. It is necessary since senior dogs need fewer calories than adult ones. If you forget to switch food, your four-legged friend may hay some health issues, including diabetes, kidney disease, and intestinal conditions. If you want the best for your pet, follow this simple advice.