Do you think that your dog only needs food and daily walks? Have you been giving them snacks and vitamins? If your answer is yes to both, your dog is already in good hands, since you know how to treat them well and give them the best life. But if your answer is no to the latter—or even both—then you have to keep reading to provide the best meal for your dog.
How to Choose the Right Dog Food
Even though it sounds like a simple task, choosing the right food is never that easy. There are several primary things to consider to ensure your pup is eating well.
1. Always check the ingredient list.
When was the last time you checked the ingredients list in anything, let alone dog food? There's always a chance you have zero idea what the list says.
The first thing you must know is the specific way to write this list. The primary ingredients taking up the most significant proportion have to be the first item. So when you see a dog food that puts poultry as the first ingredient, it means that it may have more protein than carbs.
2. Ensures that it has the necessary nutrition
So, after knowing the composition ratio and whether it has more carbs than protein, you need to check the other claims it makes. Some brands may claim they have more protein, fiber, or whatever else. And you must cross-check this with the ingredients.
Another thing you should do is to check the other ingredients for safety, especially additives and preservatives. When you look at dry or even canned food, you'll see additives to extend their shelf life. You also have to take into account other chemicals they may add to the mix.
3. Texture and Preferences
Naturally, dogs aren't picky eaters like cats. But it doesn't mean that they don't have any preferences when it comes to what they eat.
You can see from how quickly they finish their meals to know what they like. If your pup prefers meat with gravy, they finish it faster than when you give them a pate-like food.
Knowing which texture they prefer will help you build their menu and choose the right brand. As you surely don't want to see them pouting or even refusing to eat.
4. Smell and Flavors
Don't worry, it doesn't mean you have to try dog food or know the flavors. But at the very least, you're familiar with how the primary protein tastes and smells.
For example, a dog food that primarily uses beef may have a more pungent smell and flavor than one with chicken. You can check what they like by letting them try several flavors in a short time. Try giving them a beef-based meal today and then a pork-based meal tomorrow, and see which one they find more appealing.
What is the essential nutrition for dogs?
1. Protein
Never forget that your dog is a carnivore at heart; thus, protein plays a huge role in their diet. However, it doesn't mean that you only have to feed them a large chunk of meat all the time. Ingesting too much protein can also cause some serious health issues, such as digestive issues or even renal problems.
The recommended protein intake is 22%-30% per meal. It's crucial to keep the numbers high enough but not above the recommendation.
You should consult your vet to get some suggestions. And even more so in case your dog requires a low-protein diet after a serious liver issue.
2. Vitamins
Yes, your dog also needs the same set of vitamins as you do. They need vitamin A for their sight, vitamin C for their immune system, vitamin D for their bones, and vitamin B for digestion and metabolism.
The easiest way to give your dog vitamins is by adding supplements to their meals. You can also give chewable vitamins once or twice a week. However, keep in mind not to overdo this, as overdosing on vitamins is real and can bear fatal consequences.
3. Micronutrients
Even though your pup only needs a fraction of these nutrients, they are still essential and affect the general well-being. These micronutrients include iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Iron and magnesium deficiencies may cause your dog to be lethargic throughout the day. While having too much also can cause liver and kidney problems. You have to check whether you've been feeding your pup enough micronutrients in each meal.
4. Macronutrients
Carbohydrates and fat are macronutrients that everybody knows but takes for granted. Again, you may have assumed that your dog only needs protein. But did you know that a good amount of fatty acids in the meal will improve your dog's coat and that fiber also helps prevent some digestive issues?
Unlike protein, there is no recommended limit for carbs your dog should take. However, having no bad carbs doesn't mean you should feed them rice and potatoes instead of meat. After all, having too many carbohydrates means they will be far more energetic since they have too much sugar in their blood.
Choosing the Right Supplements to Take
If you're a new dog owner, all of this new information about dog breeds and their meals can be overwhelming. Your confusion is highly understandable, since you purely want to provide the best life. However, it can also lead you to get all of the available supplements for your dog, regardless of their effects and benefits.
When choosing a supplement, you must specify a specific result as the primary effect. For example, add probiotics and extra fiber when your pup has digestive issues. You can also boost their appetite and immune system by adding fish oils.
You should never hesitate to ask your vet for tips on your dog's meals and general well-being. After all, each dog is unique in their needs and preferences. Your vet will guide you in choosing the best meal with the most complete and balanced nutrition to suit your dog's needs.
