Getting a dog home is like bringing a baby home. You need to take care of them, pay attention to what habits they are developing and work with them in terms of discipline and health. And one of the major roles of a dog parent is to make sure your dog is eating the right things and is healthy. So, we decided to jot down some basic but very important points on what to know about dog food if you’re a pet parent. Scroll down to check them out.
1. Stop Feeding Them Random Things
Pet parents know how puppy eyes do the trick when it comes to food. But food consumption is very different from humans to dogs. We all know how chocolate should never be fed to dogs, but there are so many other foods that look completely harmless but could seriously affect your dog’s health if fed. A few things to stay clear of are grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, raisins, and bones. Yes, bones! A lot of people believe bones are healthy for dogs but in reality, they actually break and sliver and can even cause them to choke or puncture their intestinal tract.
2. They’re Definitely Not Wolves
Dogs might share 98% of their DNA with wolves and have descended from wolves, but it in no way implies that they should be given the same diet as one. Dogs do not require a raw diet and there are no studies to prove otherwise. In fact, feeding dogs a raw diet has dangers associated with it for both humans and dogs. Because just like any raw meats, the raw diet we feed to dogs also carries pathogens that could cause food poisoning.
3. Always Prefer Fresh Food
As we all know, canned food goes through extreme processing to make sure they are shelf-stable. This in turn takes out most of the natural nutrients from the food. And to make up for it, a lot of synthetic minerals and vitamins are added back to the food along with artificial flavouring. When it comes to absorbing nutrients, fresh food is always better and easier.
4. Go For Not Wheat, Protein-Rich Diets
If you want more energy and less GI problems for your dog then stick to a diet that is lower in wheat and higher in protein.
5. Keep Their Food & Water Bowl Clean
This is a no-brainer but still a very important one. Maintaining proper hygiene with regards to your pet’s food and water bowls is crucial. It can affect their health. Just like how we humans would not reuse the same food bowl without washing it for a week straight, the same level of hygiene should be maintained for your dogs. Letting their bowls sit on the floor for days can allow bacteria to grow and in turn, cause illnesses associated with contaminated dishes. The illnesses can range from mild upset stomach to even diarrhea and vomiting. Keep a habit of washing their utensils daily with proper dish soap and rinsing.
These are just a few of the many things every dog parent should know. If you do have any more suggestions about pet food, feel free to share them with us in the comments below!
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