Canine Care 101: Diet and Nutritional Requirements

Pet owners are responsible for the health, happiness, and well-being of their dogs. A balanced diet is at the very core of canine health because the right type of food eaten coupled with the right amount will boost the immune system of these faithful animals. There are many different brands of dog food being sold in pet stores and supermarkets today, but it is important for pet owners to be very discerning. Choosing the right food is critical to their pet's overall health. There should be adequate support behind every claim from manufacturers that their product is "the best." It is up to pet owners to find out for themselves whether the brand offered suits their pet's nutritional needs. A dog's digestive system can be as fickle and sensitive as that of a human being. Sometimes, dogs don't take very well to frequent changing of dog food brands. Pet owners must realize that instead of trying things out and risking the dog's health (after all, it's the animal that has to adjust to the dietary changes) this is what they need to do. Responsible pet owners sit down and study the components of the product first and determine whether the nutritional content fit their dog's needs. Typical dog foods contain a major protein ingredient that is incorporated with grains that serve as sources of carbohydrates and fiber. Nevertheless, gluten-a popular carbohydrate source used in dog food, can sometimes cause allergies in canines. This is a rare occurrence, but it could happen and when it does, your pet dog could suffer greatly. This entails that owners of dog breeds that are prone to certain ailments and sensitivity reactions must consult with their pet's veterinarian before deciding on a particular diet or dog food brand. The key to ensuring good nutrition for your favorite canine friend and companion is learning about the daily requirements that suit a particular dog breed and size. Age is another important consideration. Very young puppies will have a different set of nutritional needs than adolescent or an adult dog. Generally, the recommendation from veterinarians is for dogs to have a daily diet that is composed of 70% meat and 30% filler. This may be the standard, but it can be adjusted based in the health status of the animal. What do we mean by this? If the dog is sick or prone to developing illness the meat allotment can be increased to meet increased needs. In the meantime, if the dog is older and packing excess pounds, owners must consider serving low fat meat such as turkey, chicken, and fish instead of beef. Here's one more reminder about dog foods. The practice of feeding pet animals with commercially available food products has been around for many decades. However, some of the brands that are being sold today may contain low quality ingredients and a variety of harmful chemicals. Your pet deserves to be fed something that is also fit for human consumption. Make sure that every dish served to your canine companion is of the highest quality. Dogs are man's best friend. They are a good stress reliever and they are faithful especially if you give them the best care. Find out more about dogs in my website www.bestdogfooddiet.com. Learn more about it and other topics like Homemade Dog Food Recipes