What You Don’t Know About Dog Nutrition

A recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, suggests around 55.8% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight. Is your pooch one of them?

Most of us don’t pay much attention to our dogs’ diets, beyond buying them the kibble they enjoy best. Yet, nutrition is an essential part of animal health, regardless of which species you’re raising.

So, if you’re wondering if you’re on the right track when caring for your dog, keep reading to find out what you need to know about dog nutrition.

The Basics of Dog Nutrition

Optimum dog health starts with great nutrition. A well-fed dog is less likely to fall ill, and they’ll have plenty of energy for fun and games. 

Your dog’s diet should consist of the following necessities:

• 61-66% carbohydrates from cereals like rice, wheat, or corn
• 20-25% protein like fish, pork, beef, or poultry
• 14% fat from eggs, meat, and dairy

Be sure to check the fine print when buying dog food. Good quality food should contain sodium, selenium, and iron. Most foods with the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) seal should meet the requirements.

Know your dog. If you notice any weight changes or unhealthy-looking poop, it’s likely due to their diet. Research the companies you buy your dog food from to ensure they conduct extensive testing on their products. 

Different diets suit different dogs. According to DogFoodPoint, even individual dog breeds may do better on different dog foods.

All dogs need ad-lib access to fresh, clean water around the clock.

Feeding Your Puppy

If you’re raising a dog from puppyhood, you must ensure they get everything they need during this stage of rapid growth and physical development.

If your female dog has had puppies, you should feed her puppy food while she’s lactating to give the little ones the best start in life. 

Always buy your puppy dog food that’s made especially for them. They require more fat, protein, phosphorous, and calcium than adult dogs.

If you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, you’ll likely find yourself in a quandary about how to feed your dog. Unfortunately, dogs are carnivores by nature, and they need meat in their diets.

The best you can do for them is ensure that you source the meat for their diet from an organic, free-range source.

Is Wet, Raw, or Dry Food Best?

Any balance dog food is good for your dog’s health, so feeding wet or dry food is a matter of personal choice. Adding some kibble to their food does help remove tarter from their teeth and can help prevent gum disease. 

Remember, feeding a wet diet can work out six times more expensive than feeding ordinary kibble, so many dog owners opt for a mixed diet rather than one or the other.

Raw food is the latest trend in dog nutrition, but veterinarians are doubtful whether this has any real benefits. Since dogs naturally eat meat, a raw meat diet will meet their nutritional requirements, but it’s a time-consuming and risky way to feed your pet.

Always source your dog’s raw food from a reputable butcher and store it safely in your fridge. It can easily become contaminated with bacteria.

Are Human Foods Okay for Dogs?

Vets agree that it’s okay to share human food with your dog as long as you stay away from harmful things like onions, grapes, garlic, and avocado. 

Feeding your dog from the table will lead to bad habits like begging, or stealing, so always feed them after you’ve finished eating, and don’t overdo these treats. 

Adding some human foods like vegetables, low-sodium broth, or cottage cheese to their meal can help fussy eaters gobble up their food more readily. 

How Much to Feed Your Dog

Up to the age of six months, puppies should eat three to four meals a day to keep their blood sugar stable and ensure healthy growth. 

After that, twice a day is best for adult dogs. Use the feeding table on the back of your dog food bag as a guide to how much you should feed your dog according to its size, age, and activity levels. 

Regardless of what the bag says, the best way to know if you’re feeding your dog properly is by keeping an eye on its condition.

Depending on their breed, your dog should look well-covered with a soft, shiny coat, and bright eyes. Fat dogs are prone to serious health issues like cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and bladder stones.

If they don’t look sleek and healthy, they might be lacking something in their diet, or have an illness. Always consult your vet if you have any questions about your dog’s health or diet. 

We all love spoiling our pups with treats, but it’s best to feed these sparingly. Some treats are very high in fat and may add too many calories to your dog’s diet. 

Instead of feeding them expensive store-bought treats, rather spoil them with healthy snacks like raw or steamed vegetables. Celery, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and cucumbers are all safe for dogs to eat.

Make the Most of Your Time With Your Pet

Ensuring your best friend enjoys optimum dog nutrition is part of your responsibility as a pet owner. It will ensure they live a long, happy, healthy life and save you the heartache and veterinary bills associated with a poor diet. 

A healthy well-fed dog is always ready for a game, a walk, or a cuddle, so it’s worth taking a little extra care of their needs. 

Would you like some more advice on daily life? Browse our blog for useful information on a wide range of topics.