Lots
of great information about dogs diets.
Recently there has been a lot of
interest, and concern, among dog owners regarding their dog's diet. Much of
this worrying stems from doubts about the quality of off-the-shelf dog food and
supplements. Many dog owners are turning to more natural ingredients, and many
develop their own dogs diets to suit their breed.
It is pretty much an accepted fact
that commercial dog food may not be all that healthy for your dog. Of course,
there are numerous brands differing substantially in price and touted quality,
and no doubt there is substantial difference between them. But can they really
replace dog food recipes made with fresh natural ingredients? Most would say
not.
Also, dogs with ailments such as
diabetes, heart disease and cancer usually require a special diet, as do
working dogs. Your local vet is the best source of dietary information specific
to certain diseases and lifestyles. There are also many good books that you can
use as a reference to help you decide what to feed your dog. Remember that dogs
diets are probably the single most important factor in keeping your dog
healthy.
But going all natural can also be
dangerous. Dogs are not humans and things we normally eat can be dangerous if fed
to your dog. Many dog owners have concerns about fruit, for example. Should you
feed bananas, grapes, and apples to your dog? And what about chocolate? This
website has lots of information about specific foods and whether you should
give them to your dog or not.
The most important thing to keep in
mind is that your dog needs a balanced diet just as us humans do. They need a
whole host of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. They also need to be kept
off junk food and food that contributes to obesity. A dog eating a bad diet
will become listless and lethargic, and will either grow too thin or too fat.
Its immune system will be compromised and weakened, so it will become sick more
often and take longer to get better.
As a dog owner it is your responsibility
to ensure your pet has the best possible diet so that it can be healthy and
happy for the duration of its life. A proper diet can extend a dog's lifespan
whereas unhealthy dogs diets may severely shorten it. Take the time to read up
on all aspects of dog nutrition and consult your local veterinarian to make
sure your dog gets the best diet possible.