Dog food and diets are two highly passionate topics online among pet owners. Do you choose the chicken and sweet potato mix? Or perhaps the salmon and pea recipe? Many say one diet is better than others, but there are different ideas about what’s best for your dog.
With so many dog foods available, you might not know where to begin. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right diet for your dog.
Understand What Your Dog Needs
The exact nutritional needs of a dog vary depending on its age. A young puppy, an adult, and a senior dog are different. A young puppy should have a diet high in protein to grow. By comparison, senior dogs require fewer calories.
Look Up Dog Food Reviews Online
As you start comparing dog food brands, look up what you have online to read reviews and see the business reputation. Ignore low-quality foods and opt for something tastier for your dog.
Choose Portions According to Calories
Calculate your dog’s calories daily and ensure you feed it accordingly. Measure to avoid overfeeding. The frequency of meals matters; young dogs need more frequent meals, and adult dogs can enjoy 1-2 meals daily.
Adjust Diets According to Health
As a dog ages, their diet may need to change as well. If there are specific health conditions or if your dog requires a different calorie amount than what you have planned, don’t hesitate to switch up what you’re doing with their diet.
Activity Level Dictates Portion Sizes
Active dog breeds need more calories and a protein-heavy diet to get enough energy and health maintenance. Less active dogs can’t eat the same without expecting weight gain. Ensure portion sizes match the energy expenditure of your favourite pup.
Monitor for Allergies or Sensitivities
Common allergens for dogs are chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy. Do not be surprised if you need to alter a dog’s diet if it exhibits itching, digestive issues, or ear infections. Limited-ingredient diets or hypoallergenic dog food formulas are sometimes necessary.
Pick Quality Ingredients
Nothing beats high-quality dog food. There is no replacement for dog food that’s premium by design. Look for foods with whole ingredients without very little or any artificial colours and preservatives.
They May Require a Grain-Free Diet
Fortunately, a dog with grain sensitivities can get away with a grain-free diet. If it’s unnecessary, though, there are some benefits to the fibre and nutrients a dog gets from consuming whole grains, such as oats and barley.
Consider Dog-Safe Fruits and Veggies
For added nutrients, fruits and vegetables get high marks. Favourites to give to a dog include blueberries, carrots, and spinach. In these, you have lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Use fruits and veggies for treats or to supplement an existing commercial diet.
Steer Clear of Toxic Foods
Be cautious, as toxic dog foods, such as grapes, onions, and garlic, should never be fed to a puppy. These can cause not only digestive upset but can sometimes be fatal.
Get the Best Protein You Can
Dogs need protein, whether the source is chicken, beef, or fish. For dogs with protein allergies, there are novel proteins you may be able to provide them that work, such as lamb, venison, and duck.
Fat Content in Your Dog Food Matters
A dog’s diet needs fat. Healthy fats, such as omega-3s or omega-6s, support skin and coat health. Fat content can help comfort dogs prone to dry skin or allergies. Fats are also amazing for a dog’s fur coat, ensuring it looks its best.
Be Cautious of Carbs for a Dog
Dogs can get nutrients from complex carbs like sweet potatoes and brown rice, but they don’t need a lot. Many dog food makers add fillers, like corn and wheat, to up the carb count, but these can upset their stomachs. Be careful about how much you feed them.
Wet, Dry, and Raw Food
Dry kibble is convenient, promotes dental health, and can be fairly high-quality bought from the best brands. Wet food is palatable and a favourite for senior dogs in particular. Raw food can help build up a nutritionally complete dog food diet.
Most Dogs Don’t Need Supplements
Feed your dog supplements only if it needs them. Most don’t. Your dog may be recommended glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, probiotics for digestion and nutrient absorption, or other medicines and supplements to keep its health in tip-top shape.
Maximize Water Intake
A dog cannot have too much water. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water at all times. Monitor their water intake, especially if one is moving out. For added hydration, consider adding water or broth to food.
Introduce Probiotics
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that keep your dog’s gut healthy. They’re usually helpful, especially for dogs with digestive issues. You can get them in powders, capsules, or mixed into wet or dry dog food.
Some store-bought dog foods already have probiotics, which is handy if your dog often has an upset stomach. But ask your vet before adding new supplements, especially if your dog has health concerns.
Tailor the Diet
Every dog is unique, so its diet should match its lifestyle. If your dog is active and likes running, it will need more calories and protein to recover its muscles and keep up its energy.
Working dogs might need to eat more often or have higher-calorie food to stay energetic during the day. Less active dogs do better with smaller meals and fewer carbs, so they don’t gain extra weight. Laid-back dogs need fewer calories to keep a healthy weight. Think about your dog’s daily routine and adjust food portions accordingly.
Rotation Diet
A rotation diet is about giving your dog different kinds of food regularly. Instead of feeding just one type of protein, like chicken or beef, you rotate among several options. This variety keeps meals interesting. It prevents your dog from developing sensitivity to one type of protein over time. It also introduces nutrients from different sources.
To start, choose two or three protein sources to rotate between. Maybe try chicken, lamb, and fish? If your dog has only been eating one protein for a long time, introduce the new ones slowly.
