source: thelabradorsite.com

How Important Diet is for Your Dog

People who have pets consider them to be an equal member of their family so understandably, they take great care of them. The most important aspect of having dogs in your household is the food you feed them, so that is going to be the subject of this article.

Ensuring that your four-legged friend is eating high-quality food is not going to help them grow and become stronger but it is also going to prevent some illnesses that might occur in the future.  They need a well-balanced diet just like you do. Because of this, there are different types of dog food for each stage of the animal’s life. For example, puppy food has more vitamins and fats that they need to thrive.

source: npr.org

Firstly, the canines have to eat food that is high in proteins. They are what make your dog grow from a cute little furry puppy to a big strong hound. They are also the main constituent of every cell in their body, from skin and hair to other tissues and vital organs. As you know, the main source of protein is meat which is why you should always check that the label on the can includes these words.

Furthermore, you know how you try to only eat good fats and avoid the bad ones? You should do the same thing when choosing the food for your friend. Their diet has to be rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are not only the source of energy but are also important for the hormone balance and prevention of different kinds of allergies.

The next item on our list is carbohydrates. Generally speaking, these are considered to be bad, but it is only because the dog food contains a large amount of these. However, when some specific types are included in the smaller amount they are extremely beneficial. Why? Well, they are the main source of fibers which, as you know, are essential for the digestive system which is then important when it comes to the absorption of all nutrients.

source; petplan.com

Finally, we have to discuss vitamins and minerals. These literally affect every part of the pup’s body. They will make the immune system stronger meaning that the pet is unlikely to become ill, and they also ensure that the metabolism is functioning normally. Minerals are important for the bones as well as the teeth.

We have discussed some essential nutrients, but we cannot conclude this article without mentioning some bad habits that people have when it comes to feeding their pets. First of all, do not give them too many treats! Yes, these are used during the training process and are very efficient. However, you should avoid them as much as possible. They contain unnecessary extra calories that your companion does not need. Similarly, you should avoid giving them table scraps. Yes, we know, they look at you with those beautiful eyes, and sometimes it might be hard to resist them, but you have to. While it’s really important to take care of your pet’s nutrition, it’s also important to keep them physically active and in good shape. An article from Bivvy insurance suggests  that training with your pet can be a great way to blow off some steam and enjoy a sunny afternoon while saving money on expensive gym membership.

All in all, in this article we have talked about different nutrients that are of crucial importance for maintaining the health of your furry friend. On the other hand, if you are already faced with some diseases, you should check out dogcancer.com to learn more about the right diet when undergoing treatments.

About Peter Janos