Diet Guide For Dogs

A dogs' nutritional needs differs from humans. WhatBuying Dog Food Tips
we believe as healthy for us often is not sufficient orDogs need proper nutrition in order to be healthy,
appropriate for dogs. To ensure your dog receives thehappy and for their coat to be soft and glossy. The
best nutrition you need to understand a dog's specificcost of any dog food and its brand is only important if
needs and how to address these needs. Taking caredogs could read or pay for the meal. The easiest and
of man's best friend does take a little preparation andbest way to find out which food is best for your dog is
know-how.to observe how their response is to the food they
There are essential nutrients needed to grow, go andtake in.
glow. If your dog does not receive correct nutrients itThe following are tips you should remember when
will possibly result in poor health, stunted growth infeeding dog kibbles, nibbles or any kind of treats.
puppies, lethargy and a shortened life span.- Chocolate is lethal to dogs. The major components
Dogs need five basic nutrients for survival:are methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine in regular
carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.chocolate and are digested and excreted by humans
These serve different functions in sustaining the healthin under 3 hours but the same compounds when
and well being of the dog and out guide will help youingested by dogs stays inside them for 18 hours and
ensure your dog receives these nutrients.this has been proven to be fatal. Symptoms of
1. Proteinschocolate poisoning include vomiting, excessive
Proteins are the health building block; they areurination, hyperactivity, diarrhea and these can be
chemicals made of amino acids. Your dog canfollowed by seizure, coma and ultimately death.
produce some of these chemicals in their own bodies- Read the label of hte product. Dogs must have a diet
but the rest need to be supplied through food intake.rich in meat protein,so when you purchase canned
The best sources of these amino acids are meat andfoods look for chicken, turkey, any red meat, pork or
its by products. Dogs can extract proteins from theseother animal by products as these keep the dog's coat
a lot easier than it can with plant sources. Repeat:smooth and healthy. Dogs prefer meat-based diets
meat.because they are easily digestible and is a great
Choose foods that have an adequate amount ofsource of energy.
protein to help your puppies and dogs grow.- Don't give a dog just any bone. Contrary to popular
2. Fatsbelief, feeding bones to dogs is not necessarily a good
Fat is something everyone tries to avoid it because itidea. Small soft bones gnawed and eaten by dogs can
can cause many health problems, but dogs, however,splinter inside their throat and cause them to choke.
just like man, also have a need for the nutrientsChicken necks do not splinter, neither does the brisket
contained in fat.bone of any animal, so these are good to give the dog
The right amount of fat is necessary to promote goodas they also provide gum and teeth care when the
skin health and to carry fat-soluble vitamins. Fats aredog gnaws on them. Dogs have short digestive tracts
also essential to kidney function and reproductiveand also they have no saliva amylase, the enzyme
health - and they make food more tastier too. Toothat humans have that is used to pre-digest starch.
much fat will result of course in obesity and lethargy.- Dog food supplements are unnecessary only if you
3. Carbohydratesare sure that your dog receives a regular intake of
Fifty percent of your dog's diet must consist ofcomplete and balanced food nutrients. Good sources
carbohydrates, necessary for energy. Corn andof carbohydrates include rice, corn, oatmeal, wheat. A
soybeans are two of the more popular sources of thishighly specialized nutrition diet is only necessary if your
nutrient. If this source is clean and of good nutritionaldog does not have enough physical activity or is
quality then ensure you dog's diet contains at leastcurrently undergoing a stressful routine change.
50% of these. Other carbohydrates include cooked- Raw fish and eggs are forbidden in a dog's diet.
rice and the dry cereals prepared specifically for dogs.Consistent consumption of raw eggs makes a dog's
4. Vitamins and Mineralsskin flaky as eggs lessen the biotin available in their
A dog needs an exact amount of vitamins andbody and the usual results are dermatitis and hair loss.
minerals to be healthy, and although your dog mayRaw fish creates a thiamine-deficiency in a dog, and
receive these nutrients from its general food intake,its effects are loss of appetite, abnormal posture,
vitamin supplements for your dog should beweakness and sometimes death.
considered. Today the formulated commercial dogFeed your dog a healthy diet as outlined above and he
feeds also make it easier for owners to ensure theirwill have always a beautiful coat and give you many
dogs receive good nutrition.years of companionship.