Training Your Dog - Get the Diet Right!

By Andrew Strachan

The main ingredients in raising a dog are instilling good health and good training. This foundation leads the way to a healthy dog diet.

A key component in a dog diet is providing fresh meat. Not all household budgets can do this. Therefore, it is essential to provide a good dry food as the main staple of your dog diet. Keep the following in mind:

Like people food, dog food labels contain ingredients by proportion. The ingredient providing the most make up will be listed first and so on down the list.

When possible, avoid dog food products that list 'by products' at the top of that ingredient list. This is simply 'waste animal parts', which are not good for a dog in large quantities. High quality dog foods may list this on the ingredient chart but it will be towards the bottom, indicating a much lower percentage in the food.

Animal 'by products' foods are comprised of ingredients not suitable for human consumption. That alone is not what makes it less favorable for dogs. Over the long term, that ingredient will affect a dog's coat, muscles, bones and general health.

As an example, long-haired breed of dog feed healthy food will exhibit shiner coats and shed less. This is in addition to proper brushing and baths.

Experts recommend the proper ratio of healthy dog food to be: 40% meat; 30% vegetables and 30% starch.

The best digestible sources of protein for dogs are chicken, lamb and beef. These are essential nutrients for healthy coats, muscles, etc.

Proper vegetables such as carrots and squash are excellent choice for dogs. These provide the necessary vitamins and minerals for hormone and enzyme levels. These add up to good health and bone nutrition.

Starch can be provided from white and brown rice. This acts as an exceptional carbohydrate that breaks down inside the body to provide dogs energy and cell repair base.

Like with people, different dogs may require different diets. Golden Retrievers are prone to diets that do not include wheat products. Other dogs may have a problem digesting corn meal.

It is essential to double check all dog food labels and discuss food alternative with your vet when your dog has a special diet. Indicators that your dog is bothered by a food ingredient are soft stools, excessive scratching and frequent gas.

Dogs have different tastes for the same food. Some dogs may like dry dog food that is slightly watered. To do this, add water to a bowl of dry dog good and microwave for 30 seconds. Incorporate dry dog food into the diet on occasion to help with dental teeth cleanings.

Dog treats are often high in fat content. This is why dogs love them. Resist the urge to give a treat more than once or twice a day. Even then, select high quality dog treat brands.

Dog food prices make it obvious which are the better brands. High quality dog food typically costs twice as much but the long term benefits of lower vet bills and healthier dog makes up the difference in price.

Healthy coats, eye clarity and non existent health problems shine through in the long run. Having a healthy dog is priceless.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about dog training diets and different types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com Lots of help and advice too.