In the same ways that humans thrive when we eat a balanced diet, nutrients such as proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals are also essential to the health and well-being of your dog. Good food means the development of healthy skin and coat, the protection of vital organs and tissues, and growth of teeth and bones. Determining the right food and right quantity for your dog is in a way just like determining the right foods for people— it depends on their unique needs and any special health issues. Puppy food, for example, is specially formulated for growth, while senior canines may need high-fiber foods to aid with digestion. While there are similarities between a human's diet and nutrition and a pet's, the actual foods and quantities are much different, which is why you should avoid feeding human food to dogs. You might need a low-fat diet, especially after the holiday season, but since Rover gets most of his energy from fat, his food should contain at least 20% fat.
An estimated 35% of pets in the USA are overweight— most commonly caused by too much food and not enough exercise (sound familiar?!). If you are a very active adult, you know that you can eat more because you will burn more calories without gaining weight. Same for dogs. Ask your veterinarian about the ideal weight for your pet. Be sure to give your dog enough physical activity, and be aware that as pets gold older, they become less active and need fewer calories than a younger pet, so their food intact should be adjusted. The best way to know for sure if you are over feeding your dog, or yourself for that matter, is to measure portions and not just guess or fill up the bowl. Specially formulated diet dog foods can help get your canine companion back on track if he or she is over weight.
Just like you do at the grocery store when buying people food, read pet food labels, too. According to a recent survey, only 4 in 10 pet parents say they understand pet food labels. Pretty packaging featuring healthy looking animals and ingredients don't always reflect what is inside, so take the time to read the small print on the label. A common term you will see on a pet food label is Guaranteed Analysis. This is the overall fat, protein, fiber, and moisture content of the food. Look for a healthy balance of nutrients and moisture. Pay particular attention to the first 5-8 ingredients on the label to make sure there is a healthy combination of high-quality proteins. Meat should be high on the list, not grains or fillers. The sources listed should be natural names you recognize such as chicken, chicken liver, carrots, blueberries and more.
An estimated 35% of pets in the USA are overweight— most commonly caused by too much food and not enough exercise (sound familiar?!). If you are a very active adult, you know that you can eat more because you will burn more calories without gaining weight. Same for dogs. Ask your veterinarian about the ideal weight for your pet. Be sure to give your dog enough physical activity, and be aware that as pets gold older, they become less active and need fewer calories than a younger pet, so their food intact should be adjusted. The best way to know for sure if you are over feeding your dog, or yourself for that matter, is to measure portions and not just guess or fill up the bowl. Specially formulated diet dog foods can help get your canine companion back on track if he or she is over weight.
Just like you do at the grocery store when buying people food, read pet food labels, too. According to a recent survey, only 4 in 10 pet parents say they understand pet food labels. Pretty packaging featuring healthy looking animals and ingredients don't always reflect what is inside, so take the time to read the small print on the label. A common term you will see on a pet food label is Guaranteed Analysis. This is the overall fat, protein, fiber, and moisture content of the food. Look for a healthy balance of nutrients and moisture. Pay particular attention to the first 5-8 ingredients on the label to make sure there is a healthy combination of high-quality proteins. Meat should be high on the list, not grains or fillers. The sources listed should be natural names you recognize such as chicken, chicken liver, carrots, blueberries and more.
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