Dog Diet Tips: The Dos And Don’ts
This is a partnered post.
Your dog’s diet matters. A healthy diet will reduce the risk of many health problems ranging from diabetes to kidney failure, helping your dog to live a longer and happier life. Here are just some of the most important dos and don’ts for giving your dog the nutrition that it needs.
Don’t feed your dog chocolate, grapes or onions
Certain human foods can be toxic to dogs including chocolate, grapes and onions. Poisoning may only result in vomiting or diarrhoea in some cases, but could also result in more serious organ failure or death if large quantities are eaten (in all cases, it’s best to see a vet straight away). A few other foods to be wary of include alcohol, coffee, macadamia nuts, mushrooms and chillies.
Do consider some human foods
Not all human foods are bad for dogs, providing they are consumed in moderation. In fact, certain foods that we eat such as eggs (cooked), carrots, chicken, green beans, cottage cheese and pumpkin can be great for your dog by providing important nutrients.
Do consider your dog’s breed
Certain breeds of dog may require more food than others. There could also be certain nutrients that specific breeds require more of. For instance, breeds like collies and beagles that require more exercise tend to eat more and require more protein. There are sites dedicated to particular breeds and their diets such as shihtzucenter.com. You can also get information from your vet.
Don’t overdo the treats
Treats can often be useful for training and obedience, but you should be careful of over-relying on them – many dog treats are high in fat. You can always make your own dog treats for a healthier option. You can find recipes for DIY dog treats online at sites like goodhousekeeping.com.
Do experiment with new dog food brands
There are lots of dog food brands out there that are worth trying. Don’t just settle for brands in your local store – there are many other brands that you can buy online, which can be cheaper and just as healthy. It’s always worth reading reviews to be sure that it is recommended by dog nutritionists. There’s no guarantee that your dog will love every brand, but you don’t know until you try. When changing brand, transitioning slowly between the two – a sudden change may cause an upset stomach if they are used to a specific brand.
Don’t feed your dog cat food
Cat food and dog food may look similar, but they often cater to very different nutritional needs. Your dog is unlikely to get the nutrients it requires from cat food, just as your cat won’t get the nutrition it needs from dog food. Cat food isn’t poisonous to dogs, so you shouldn’t worry if your dog does steal from the cat bowl, however dogs cannot live on it solely (some owners use it as a cheap alternative).