Dogs are biologically diverse species; their nutritional requirement depends on different conditions. Deciding what to feed your dog is a big challenge; in fact, it’s the same thing you have to choose for your body.
At some point, nutrition labels will confuse you, and the ingredient list may be unpronounceable.
This is a big problem for dog lovers, and sometimes they don’t know what to do. If you want to feed your puppy the right Food, follow the five keys to nutrition below.
Always offer Water
Water is the most essential nutrient in dog health. Without water, their body will become dehydrated, and their entire body systems will be disrupted and, in severe conditions, can lead to death.
There are many techniques used to estimate water requirements in dogs. It depends on the temperature and the amount of exercise your dog does. First of all, keep a clean bowl of freshwater for your dog and refresh it daily.
If you provide clean, fresh water for your dog, he will stay hydrated; otherwise, water deficiency can occur due to various diseases such as cancer, diarrhea, and kidney disease.
If you want to check your dog’s hydration status, lift a fold of his loose skin over the shoulder area, and release it. If a dog is well hydrated, its skin will return to its place quickly. If the skin returns slowly, your dog is suffering from dehydration.
Choose the right Food
When it comes to feeding your dog, it is essential to provide them high quality, balanced food. If you have to choose between dry or wet foods, don’t just look at the nutrition label.
There are plenty of catchy phrases written on the label, but you should always look for the source of the ingredient.
For example, two different dog foods contain 20% protein, but their digestibility will vary depending on their source. According to veterinarian’s suggestions on thepets.net/ it is important always select a food brand with whole food ingredients.
Depending on your dog’s age, breed, and health, you can give them a low-calorie diet. Some dogs require little energy and need a small number of calories.
Buy a dog food that offers less than 350 calories per cup, because it is enough to keep your dogs satisfied and won’t gain weight. Always consult your vet before making any change in your dog diet.
Don’t skimp on Protein
Protein is an essential requirement for the dog, and they must need it to survive. Proteins are made of amino acids and are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Proteins also supply energy to the body.
Dogs require different amounts of Protein, and their requirement depends on their age, size, activity level, and other things. An adult dog requires 18 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis similarly;, puppies and lactating females need 22.5 percent protein on a dry matter basis.
Always look for the protein source; the essential protein source is lean meats, fish, eggs, and liver. You can also include plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and peas. Never use the grain source for Food, as they can cause allergies and skin problems in some dogs.
Don’t trim the Fat
Fat is a macronutrient made up of fatty acids. Dietary fats consist primarily of triglycerides and will provide the necessary nutrients to protect the organs, absorb vitamins, and regulate temperature.
Fat is also a concentrated source of energy, but it has almost twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates. The recommended amount of Fat for adult dogs is 3.3 g / MJ of metabolizable energy. The fat percentage is mainly different in different types of Food.
Fat is an essential nutrient to maintain proper dog health. Don’t use table scraps to fulfill your dog’s fat requirement. You can add low-mercury fish and fish oils to your dog’s diet, such as salmon, cod, and flounder. You can also add plant-based oils, such as flaxseed and hemp seed.
Make your own Dog Food
Many people think that homemade food is better than commercial Food and will give your furry friend all the necessary nutrients.
Many easy recipes will provide your dog with the proper nutrients, and you can say goodbye to commercial Food.
When preparing your dog’s Food, you should know all of your dog’s favorite foods. A common advantage of homemade dog food is that you know what’s going on in your dog’s bowl, and you can rotate recipes to give your dog a new gift every day.
Another plus is that there are no hidden ingredients that you can’t pronounce, and you can give your puppy a full nutritious feed. You can feed your dog homemade brown rice, ground turkey, carrots, zucchini, peas, spinach, and olive oil.
Only one problem with homemade Food is that it is challenging to balance the diet nutritionally, but you can ask your vet for proper formulation.
Conclusion
As pet owners, we love dogs, so it is crucial to meet their nutritional needs and feed them with the best diet possible. Our dogs depend on us for their Food to live a healthy life. The best thing we can do for them is to give them the best food ingredients.
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