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Healthy Dog Food For A Healthy Fido |
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Written by Jolie Mitchel
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Saturday, 03 May 2008 |
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With all of the attention we pay to our own health, it is amazing that we can overlook the nutritional needs of one of the most important members of the family-our dogs. Just as humans benefit from a healthy diet, so do our four-legged friends. In this article, we'll discuss what makes a healthy dog food and how to find one that's right for your canine pal.
by JolieMitchel
With all of the attention we pay to our own health, it is amazing that we can overlook the nutritional needs of one of the most important members of the family-our dogs. Just as humans benefit from a healthy diet, so do our four-legged friends. In this article, we'll discuss what makes a healthy dog food and how to find one that's right for your canine pal.
One way to find a healthy dog food is to check the lable. The best food option for your dog will be one that contains close to 40% vegetable, 40% meat, and between 10% and 20% whole grains or complex carbohydrates. These percentages and others can be found on the lable. The percentages do not have to be exact, however they should break down into percentages close to these.
Deciding whether or not your dog food ingredients are healthy is very simple. The top ingredient on the lable should be a meat protien. If the lable describes a meat by-product the product does not have as much nutritional value. The same is true for "fillers". These items do not have a great nutrional value. Things like rice and oats (grains) are good any where on the lable except the top.
The best way to avoid dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides, is to go organic.Most of the ingredients in organic dog foods will be the same as regular food, but with less of the dangerous stuff. Organic dog food producers are more humane to their chickens and cows as well.
Just like every human has special dietary needs, so does every dog. Consult with your veterinarian to find the precise blend of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that your dog needs, as well as to determine if your pet has specific mineral and vitamin requirements. Choose a food or mix of foods that fulfills all of the essential criteria.
When making changes to your dog's nutritional regimen, you should switch to the new food gradually. This will be easier on your dog's digestive system and will psychologically make your dog more likely to accept their new healthy dog food. Add the new food over a period of several weeks, increasing the proportion of new to old every few days. If your dog doesn't react well, stop making changes until they have fully adjusted and then return to your transition plan.
There are also ways to make your own healthy dog food. The process of making the food takes more time than buying it, but it is not at all hard. The Internet as well as books can offer great recipes and ideas. Another great benifit to home made dog food is that it is very economical. Of course, you should always consult your veterinanry before feeding your homemade food to Fido to ensure helth as well as saftey.
Finally, expect to see results, but not instantly. Results of a healthier diet will increase over weeks and months. Keep in mind that an older dog may need additional care and time before results become noticable. Even when the results are not appearant, providing your dog with a healthy diet will improve their quality of life.
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