What Should Dogs Be Eating to Stay Healthy

Dogs are omnivores, which means they require a balanced diet that includes a mix of protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. A high-quality commercial dog food that meets their nutritional needs is a great place to start.

A good dog food should contain at least 22% protein from animal sources, such as chicken or beef. This helps to support their overall health and well-being.

In addition to protein, dogs also need a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish oil or flaxseed oil. These healthy fats help to keep their coat shiny and their skin healthy.

A balanced diet also includes complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice or sweet potatoes, which provide sustained energy and support digestive health.

Choosing the right food for your dog can be overwhelming with so many options available. A good complete food should provide all the essential nutrients for your dog.

Dry food can be a good option for your dog's teeth, but it's essential to consider your dog's life stage when selecting a food. Most foods are now available to suit the different life stages: puppy, adult, and senior.

Puppies can move on to adult food once they've stopped growing, but the timing will vary depending on their size and breed. Always check the food manufacturer's guidance and speak to your vet to decide the right timing for your dog.

It's also crucial to introduce new foods slowly to ensure your dog tolerates the food and does not experience any gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.

When deciding what type of food to feed your dog, you'll find many options on the market. There are complete dry diets, wet food with or without biscuit mixers, and fresh dog food.

Dry food can be good for your dog's teeth, but it's essential to provide all the essential nutrients for your dog. A good complete food should offer everything your dog needs.

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It's generally recommended to buy commercial dog food rather than making your own, as it's difficult to give your dog everything they need with a homemade or raw food diet. Always seek veterinary advice first.

Most dog foods are now available to suit different life stages: puppy, adult, and senior. These have been formulated carefully to match the needs of dogs at different ages.

You should transition your dog to the next food gradually as they get older. Puppies can move on to adult food once they've stopped growing.

The basis of your dog's diet should be a high-quality, balanced, premium commercial dog food. This food should be appropriate for their life stage and health status.

Fresh drinking water must be available at all times, and you should not offer your dog milk as it can cause gastrointestinal upsets.

Feeding bones can be a tricky topic. Bones and raw meat are not recommended as they can break teeth and cause internal blockages.

For another approach, see: Dogs Eating Bones

Dogs have evolved significantly from their wolf ancestors and can now digest starch and fat, making bones unnecessary in their diet.

Raw bones also carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill. Always introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive issues.

Dental chews are a good alternative to provide your pet with entertainment that assists with teeth cleaning, as recommended by the global Veterinary Oral Health Council.

Introducing new foods to your dog's diet requires a gradual approach to ensure they tolerate the food and don't experience any gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.

It's essential to introduce one type of fruit at a time, with just a piece or two a day, to see how your dog reacts.

Start by cutting the fruit into small pieces and removing any seeds, rinds, or pits prior to giving it to your dog, as these parts can contain toxins that can make dogs unwell.

A sudden change in diet can cause an upset stomach, so it's best to introduce new foods over the course of a few days to a week, replacing a small amount of your dog's current food with their new food, and gradually increasing the proportion of new food.

Broaden your view: Dogs Eating Fruit

When it comes to feeding your dog, it's essential to consider their individual needs.

Check the food packet for a guide to work out the right amount of food for your dog, but be aware that these are only guidelines.

You'll need to monitor your dog's weight and body condition to ensure they're getting the right amount of food for their activity levels and metabolism.

A high-quality, balanced premium commercial dog food should be the basis of your dog's diet, and it's best to choose one that's suitable for their life stage and health status.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times, but don't offer your dog milk as it can cause gastrointestinal upsets.

The basis of your dog's diet should be a high-quality, balanced premium commercial dog food appropriate for their life stage and health status.

To determine the right amount of food for your dog, check the food packet for a guide, but be aware that these are only guidelines, and you may need to adjust according to your dog's individual needs.

Your vet can help you weigh your dog, assess their body condition score, and provide advice on the right amount of food.

Fresh drinking water must be available at all times, but don't offer your dog milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets.

Puppies need to be fed small, frequent meals throughout the day, which can be reduced as they get older.

Here's a rough guide to puppy feeding:

To avoid bloat, adult dogs should be fed at least twice a day and not exercised immediately before or after eating, especially for deep-chested breeds like Boxers and German Shepherds.

Be careful not to overfeed your dog, as obesity increases their risk of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

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Changing your dog's food can be a challenge, but it's essential to do it gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach.

The basis of your dog's diet should be a high-quality, balanced commercial dog food that's suitable for their life stage and health status.

To introduce a new diet, start by replacing a small amount of their current food with the new food over the course of a few days to a week. This will help their digestive system adjust to the change.

Fresh drinking water must be available at all times, but avoid offering milk as it can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Your dog's vet will be able to provide advice on the best food for their specific needs.

As you're introducing new foods, go slowly to ensure your dog tolerates them and doesn't experience any gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. This is especially important when introducing new fruits or treats.

To feed your dog fruit safely, cut it into small pieces and remove any seeds, rinds, or pits prior to giving it to them. These parts of the fruit often contain toxins that can make dogs unwell or even be deadly.

Dogs can eat many human foods, but it's essential to introduce them in moderation. Apples are a great option for overweight or senior pets, high in fiber and low in fat. Carrots are another excellent choice, rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and biotin.

Plain green beans are a nutritious snack for dogs, providing protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin K. They can be eaten cooked or raw, but be sure to chop them up first to prevent choking. Green beans are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great option for dogs who need to manage their weight.

Some fruits are safe for dogs to eat, including apples, apricots, blueberries, cantaloupe, mango, pears, pineapple, strawberries, and watermelon. However, always remove the seeds, pits, and leaves from these fruits before serving them to your dog.

Dogs can also eat cooked vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber and vitamins. Butternut squash is another option, high in vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, vision, and cardiovascular function.

Fish like salmon, shrimp, and tuna are safe for dogs to eat, but they should not be fed constantly. Choose fish canned in spring water rather than oil or brine, and avoid fish bones. Plain, boiled chicken is also a good option when a dog has an upset stomach.

Here is a list of some safe foods for dogs:

Dogs love treats, and they can be a great way to reward good behavior. Always give your dog treats in moderation, aiming for no more than 10 per cent of their diet to be made up of treats.

You can choose from a wide variety of treats, but be aware that some can be high in sugar, milk products, and fat. Always check the ingredients to ensure you're giving your dog the best.

Some dogs go crazy for soft and smelly treats like cheese, sausage, or chicken. These can be used as a "gold star" reward for good behavior, and can even help keep your dog's focus in distracting environments.

Here are some healthy alternatives to bought treats:

Remember to avoid feeding your dog table scraps, as many human foods can cause digestive upsets or even be toxic. Stick to healthy, dog-friendly snacks to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

As the weather warms up, it's time to think about refreshing summer snacks for your furry friend. Always give your dog treats in moderation, no more than 10 per cent of their diet should be made up of treats.

You can use a variety of fruits and vegetables as healthy alternatives to bought treats. Carrots, broccoli, and strawberries are all safe and delicious options for your dog.

Some human foods can be toxic to dogs, so be careful what you give them. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, as they can cause digestive upsets and contribute to obesity.

Here are three simple summer treats you can make for your dog:

Remember to always check with your vet for advice on the best way to include treats in your dog's diet.

Peanut butter is a safe treat for dogs in moderation, as long as it's unsalted and doesn't contain added sugar or sweeteners.

Peanut butter is a nutrient-rich food that contains vitamins E and B, niacin, healthy fats, and protein.

However, it's crucial to check the ingredients, as some peanut butters contain xylitol, a toxic sweetener for dogs.

If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, contact a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) right away.

Unseasoned, cooked pork is also a safe treat for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

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Coconut products can be a great addition to your dog's diet. They may help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and benefit the skin.

Coconut oil, in particular, has been studied for its potential benefits. A 2018 study found that coconut oil supplements may help reduce seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

If you're considering adding coconut products to your dog's diet, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first.