Dog Nutrition

The basics of canine nutrition

Proper dog nutrition is imperative to raising a healthy pet. A dog diet must consist of a complex mix of protein, lipids, sugars and various minerals. There is no food that is perfect for every dog. Stage of life, health conditions and even breed affect the nutrition that is right for your dog.

Dog Diet Trends

There are several trends in canine nutrition right now. While some are healthy and harmless, others can lead to problems down the road. Consult a veterinarian before committing your pet to a plan. Two dog diets are quite popular right now: the BARF (bones and raw food) diet and the vegetarian diet.

BARF Diet

Proponents of the BARF diet claim that raw meat and bones are the original diet of dogs and lead to healthy teeth and added vitality. Many vets worry that pieces of bone can become lodged in the throat or tear open the intestinal tract. Another worry is that raw meat can carry a range of bacteria that can be deadly for both dogs and humans, and the chance of infection is substantially higher if hygiene is not constantly considered.

Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian dog food is available in store-bought varieties as well as homemade recipes. While the health benefits of vegetarianism are no longer questioned for humans, dogs are by nature carnivores. Their intestinal tract is shorter than ours, making it difficult for them to process a diet primarily made of plant foods. Dogs need much more protein and calcium than we do, and too many carbohydrates are unhealthy for them. A vegetarian dog diet with a few animal-sourced proteins, such as dairy and eggs, is a better alternative than a purely vegan diet.

Dogs with Special Dietary Needs

Special canine nutrition must be considered when dealing with a pet that is overweight or suffers from canine diabetes. Special diet dog food is available for pets that need to lose weight. Commercial foods have the benefit of being low in fat but high in fiber. If a dog is already on a special diet due to health, though, it may be better to feed it less of the higher-fat special dog food than to switch to a diet dog food.

For dogs with diabetes, a proper diet is vital to their health. Food should be high in fiber and protein while containing limited fats and carbohydrates. They must be fed each meal at the same time every day in order to maintain their insulin levels. They will need to eat once before their insulin injection and again several hours later.

Your dog's health can be guaranteed for many years with careful attention to proper nutrition. By remembering that every dog is different and consulting with your vet before following the latest trend in canine diets, it is possible to find the most beneficial food for your pet.