Every dog owner knows it’s important to feed your pooch the right food. The UK is home to 9.6 million pet dogs and it can seem like there’s a different type of food on the shelf for each one.
It might seem difficult to know where to begin when it comes to choosing the best diet but there are a few basic guidelines to follow which will help determine what’s right for your dog.
We’ll take a look at why you should be feeding your dog a balanced diet and what this might involve.
The consequences of an improper diet
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from ill health if they’re given the wrong types of food. A dog’s diet should be nutritious and promote health and wellbeing.
Dogs can be affected by many conditions due to a poor diet,including obesity – often seen in dogs who are over-fed or given too much fat. Other risks include heart disease, diarrhoea and pancreatitis.
Whilst it can be tempting to feed your dog scraps of food when having lunch or a snack, there are no nutritious benefitsand it could lead to a number of conditions if done regularly.
What should I be feeding my dog?
Dog food should be appropriate for the stage of life – puppy, adult or senior – as these foods will be made up of different components, depending on their nutrition needs. You should choose a complete, balanced food of good quality and make sure you feed your dog the right portion size, which should be stated on the packet. There are many options available including dry food and kibble and it could be trial and error as to what suits your dog.
Some dogs have allergies or intolerances. If this is the case, consider feeding yours a dog food developed especially for those with sensitive stomachs. It’s always a good idea to get your dog checked at a reputable vets if they’re suffering with symptoms, however, to rule out other causes.
Always have fresh drinking water available, no matter what type of food you’re giving your dog.
Dog treats
Healthy treats, specifically developed for dogs, are fine to feed your pooch, as long as they’re given alongside a balanced diet. If you want to give your dog bones, make sure they’re raw, not cooked, and are big enough so there’s no danger of swallowing or choking. Raw bones can help to maintain a healthy mouth but make sure not to feed them too many – once or twice a week is enough.
Toxic food
There are a number of foods that can be toxic if eaten by you dog. These include, but are not limited to: • Grapes• Raisins• Chocolate• Dairy products• Onions• Garlic• Mushrooms
If your dog eats any of these, it’s a good idea to consult your vet, even if you think it was only a small amount.
Whilst it can be difficult to decide what the best food is, following these tips should help you give your dog a complete, balanced and nutritious diet.
