Basic Food Canine nutrition is a complicated but widely studied subject, and every dog owner has access to the experts. Brought to you by The Original Dog Bible
If you are like most dog owners, you probably buy bags of kibble at the grocery store or the pet supply store, scoop the proper amount according to package directions into your dog’s bowl once or twice a day, keep the water dish full, and consider that to be that. For some dogs, this nutritional strategy works. For others, it does not.
Not all dog food is the same. Are you sure the kibble or the canned or the semi-moist food you chose is providing your dog with the nutrition he needs to function at his best? Is your dog food of choice complete and balanced? Does it meet your dog’s special needs?
Read More: All About Bed Bugs – Pets Caring
Maybe you also supplement your dog’s food with table scraps. Does this improve or compromise your dog’s health? You’ve probably heard from some sources that a good-quality commercial kibble is all your dog ever needs. Other sources say that a healthy homemade diet is best. With so much conflicting information, it can be hard to decide what type of food is reasonable, affordable, and best for your dog’s health.
Dog owners typically spend more money on dog food than on any other pet-related expense. Knowing the basics of canine nutrition, how to read a dog food label, and what your dog really needs and doesn’t need for good health will help you make sure that your investment in canine nutrition is wise, contributing to rather than compromising your dog’s healthy life.
Read More : The Benefits Of Whey Protein Supplements For Dogs
Fortunately, you don’t have to do all the work on your own. Canine nutrition is a complicated subject, but it is also widely studied and every dog owner has access to the experts. The reputable breeder, animal shelter, or rescue group from which you adopted your dog can give you a lot of information about what your dog has been eating and how to continue feeding him. Your veterinarian knows about canine nutrition and can recommend a food that matches your dog’s needs. Some pet supply store employees also have been well trained in the merits of different brands of dog food and may have additional information, often in the form of take-home brochures from various product lines. A holistic pet store may have more information on natural foods, small stores may stick with the brand they have found to be superior, and larger chains may have a wide array of choices. Even the Internet has a lot of information about canine nutrition, although reputable Web sites from established authorities are likely to be the most reliable. (When in doubt, check with your veterinarian.)
Read More: Puppy Safety From A to Z – All You Should Know
Another important ally in the quest for information on sound canine nutrition is the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO is an organization that formulates regulations and enforcement strategies for the pet and livestock industries. State regulators may choose either to follow or not to follow AAFCO standards, but most pet food manufacturers choose to comply with the AAFCOs regulations so they can sport the AAFCO wording a complete and balanced diet on the feed bag, meaning that the food is acceptable as a complete diet without any other supplementation. The manufacturers of treats, by comparison, cant put the AAFCO wording on their bags because treats arent made to stand alone as a complete diet. The AAFCO wording indicates that the food sustains the animal for which it was manufactured, for growth or maintenance (whichever is specified). Growth foods are puppy foods, and maintenance foods are adult foods. Some foods are acceptable for both.
Finally, keep in mind that no one source will necessarily give you all the information you need. Gather information from several sources to make the best and most informed decision about what to feed your dog.
Image | Product | Price |
---|---|---|
Bully Max The Ultimate Canine SupplementBest Offer
| Price | |
Vita Bully Vitamins for Bully BreedsBest deal
| Price | |
Isopure Zero Carb
| Price |
People Food That’s Not For Dogs
I know that some of you guys really like to give your dogs food off the table. Yes, I love when my people give stuff to me, BUT what you may not know is, some people’s food you give to your dogs could actually be harming them. So here are some tips on what to NOT give your dog.
1) Dough. It can rise in their stomach if they eat too much. Since it’s mushy most of them don’t chew it which can also make them choke.
2) Chocolate. It can cause heart problems, kidney problems,s and vomiting/diarrhea.
3) Onions/Garlic. They can cause dogs to lose blood cells. Or not produce them. It can cause a loss of hunger. Also makes them dizzy. Though it takes quite a few pieces of onion to cause damage.
4) Avocados. YOU DON’T WANT TO GIVE THOSE TO YOUR DOG. They are absolutely horrible for them. They have a toxin in them that causes damage to their whole bodies.
5) Alcohol. Please watch out, even though you may not think your dog would get into it. If you have a beer on the table and walk off, your dog could spill it. If your dog consumes alcohol it could get alcohol poising very easily.
6) Grapes/Raisins. They can give dogs stomach and digestive system problems. Those problems can lead to vomiting and runs (Poops).
7) Energy Things. Any kind of energy things/bars can cause a fast heartbeat. This may lead to a heart attack.
8) Nuts. You really don’t want to give them nuts. Can cause stomach issues and intestine problems.
Always watch out for what you give them. You might not think anything about it, but it’s best to be safe than sorry.