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