Best Nuitritional Foods For Your Dog

Feeding your dog goes beyond filling its dinner bowl. You need
to think about nutritional requirements, a balanced diet,
hygiene and a healthy start. Just like us, dogs need a good diet
for a healthy, enjoyable life.

Keep reading for great tips on what you should and shouldn't be
feeding your dog.

1. Read the Label

For good energy levels, a dog's diet should be high in meat
protein. So, if you're buying canned dog food, opt for turkey,
chicken or pork. Some grains and vegetables are great for
helping your dog's digestion, but meat is a required part of
their diet. Typically, a 20-30% protein content is a good
balance.

Also, while you don't necessarily have to purchase the most
expensive food on the market, don't skimp on your dog's food.
Quality is important when it comes to your dog's diet.

2. Don't Give a Dog a Bone

Not only does feeding scraps off the table to your dog promote
bad habits, but small and soft bones (especially chicken bones)
can break and create splinters in your dog's throat and
digestive tract, causing them to either choke or experience a
lot of discomfort.

3. Stay Away From Dairy

Milk and cheese may be excellent sources of calcium and
protein, but they are not appropriate for most animals and cause
serious diarrhea, especially in adult dogs. Just like humans,
many dogs experience varying levels of lactose intolerance, so
milk and dairy should be avoided.

4. Chocolate is Lethal

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be lethal to dogs.
Methylxanthine, alkaloids and theobromine are all found in
chocolate, but are almost indigestible by dogs. Vomiting,
hyperactivity, urination, diarrhea, and seizure are all symptoms
of chocolate poisoning and could all lead to coma or death.

5. Raw Fish and Eggs Should Be Avoided

Unlike a cat, a dog shouldn't be eating too much raw fish. This
can cause thiamine-deficiency which leads to weakness, fatigue,
loss of appetite and sometimes, though rare, death. Meanwhile,
excessive consumption of raw eggs can lead to skin breakouts and
loss of hair. While not deadly, this can be uncomfortable and
unpleasant for the animal.

6. Find the Right Amount

Avoid over-feeding your pet. Just like in humans, obesity can
lead to a large number of health problems like heart disease and
an increased risk of stroke. Most dogs enjoy a measured amount
of food twice a day, so don't overindulge your favorite furry
friend. A persistently overweight dog faces health risks just as
do humans, so routinely providing too much food is actually
harmful.

Health problems can be the result in a dog that does not eat
good quality food. Foods filled with fatty products and do not
have sufficient protein are not recommended. A puppy, for
example, should be fed food that is designed for dogs of that
early development period. And the opposite is true for canines
getting up in age - there is also food specifically to meet
their health needs.

With the right diets, dogs are designed to live fairly lengthy
and quite contented lives. By doing your part with their
nutritional needs, you can actually enhance both.

About The Author: For practical dog necessities information,
please visit http://www.dog- necessities. com, a popular site
providing great insights concerning dog care issues such as
http://www.dog- necessities. com/dog-medical- supplies. shtml, dog
training, canine allergies, insurance for pet travel, and much
more.