As a loving pet owner you want to feed your dog the best food possible. The healthiest dog food
is always homemade. However, the following rating of the nutritional adequacy of pet foods for your dog will help you make an informed decision.
Seven Things You Should Know Before You Feed Your Dog:
1.) Meat and Nothing but Meat:
Contrary to what people think dogs in the wild don't eat just meat. They eat the contents of the intestines, which includes vegetables. They also eat the bones of animals which is a source of calcium. The bones are always raw and dogs in the wild know which ones to eat and which ones to leave alone. Sometimes they don't eat the meat as the particular meat may not be edible but the content of the intestines will include sources of proteins, like that of certain other animals. If you feed your dog nothing but meat and don't add the correct amount of vegetables and other nutrients found in fresh killed animals then you are not feeding your dog a healthy diet.
2.) Semi-Moist Dog Food:
These diets are very high in sugar and they have chemicals, dyes, and other additives to make them last long on the shelf, give them color, softness and an appearance that is pleasing to your eyes.
They look meaty...like real hamburger meat. Other than that they have no nutritional value for your dog and the diet is harmful.
3.) Generic Brand Dog Foods
Avoid these at all cost. They are often substandard foods and have highly questionable ingredients. The cheap generic brand pet foods have been written about for many years in veterinary literature as being inadequate and poor in quality. They usually have severe mineral deficiencies.
4.) Name Brand Commercial Dog Foods:
For a healthy young dog and up to middle-aged these foods are adequate but not the best. They are still loaded with chemicals, preservatives and dyes. Usually the companies put price before quality. With these foods a healthy dog up to thirty pounds will consume nine pounds of chemicals in one year.
5.) Top of the Line Name Brand Dog Foods:
These are the brands you might find in your veterinarian's office. They feature higher quality ingredients than the cheaper name brands but they still use artificial preservatives and chemicals.
6.) Natural Dog Food Products:
Many of these use vitamin C and vitamin E as natural preservatives and they add chelated minerals and amino acids for better absorption. They are usually made with the finest quality ingredients. You want to pick one with the lowest quantity of protein. Too much protein can stress the immune system, kidneys and liver. Make sure they do not have any inferior products like "wheat flour" though. Read the label. Wheat flour is really white flour, you want ground whole wheat or whole-wheat flour.
7.) Homemade Natural Diet
The absolute very best food you can feed your pet is a homemade diet made with fresh foods. The diet does not have to be raw if you are uncomfortable with that. The food can be cooked, but not overcooked. Meat can be medium rare and vegetables can be steamed. Chicken and turkey must be thoroughly cooked. Fresh fish is an excellent choice. You can also use the very highest quality dog food and mix it with broth, meat, chicken or turkey and add fresh vegetables and fruits. Pasta is O.K. but no sauces, spices or salt. But, a little olive oil is good for the skin.
If you are going to feed your dog a homemade meal it's always good to double check with your veterinarian first. Your vet has a complete record on your dog and will know if there are certain foods that your pet should not have. If your vet is not into homemade meals for your dog, which is a rarity nowadays, then find a good holistic veterinarian to work with.
| If you are ready to feed your dog the best possible diet then here are some sources to help you start introducing your pet to the delights and benefits of a NATURAL, HEALTHY DIET. |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment