Your dog is indeed your best friend. It gives you so much affection, and in return, all it demands is love and food. While you can never go wrong with showering your pets with love, you might make some mistakes when feeding them. Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s health, and that’s why you must know what suits your dog’s health in the best possible manner.
Many pet owners prefer to feed non-vegetarian meals to their dogs, while others go for a vegetarian diet. And no, none of them is wrong. So if you are wondering what is healthy dog’s diet? We have the answer for you. It is more about the nutrient content your dog consumes and less about what food items go on its plate. You must ensure that whatever you are feeding your dog is nutritious. Let’s dive deeper and explore more!
So, what is a “healthy diet” for your dog?
Before we head any further, we would like to say that every dog is different, as are their nutrient requirements. If you are not offering a healthy diet to your dog, you are most likely to observe changes in its behavior. Your dog might become extremely lazy or throw up after eating. So, what to do in such cases? Get a vet’s appointment. You must find a trusted and reliable pet clinic in your area, like Alta Vista Animal Hospital. The professional will prepare a perfect, nutritious dog’s diet plan.
However, there are some tips you can follow to maintain your dog’s health before getting in touch with a vet, and here are those.
Tips to follow
First, here are some food items that you must avoid.
No processed food
Processed food is as bad for your dog as it is for you. Such food will never give your dog the required amount of nutrients, which will affect its health. Your dog might suffer from chronic inflammation from processed food, leading to severe health issues such as arthritis, chronic elevation of liver enzymes, immune thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel disease. So, if you have been offering processed food to your dog, it is time to stop!
No sugary food
Sugary food items are a big no-no for your dogs. Why? It can cause various health issues, such as obesity, dental health, and diabetes. Even if you think offering something sweet to your dog once a day will not affect its health, you are wrong.
No theobromine, aka chocolate
You already know this will be on the list because it is a well-known fact that chocolates are unhealthy for your dogs. However, most people do not understand why. The simple reason is that it has theobromine, which is not harmful to humans but can be highly toxic to your dog. It is found in every kind of chocolate, but mainly in dark chocolate and baking chocolate. Your dog may get extremely thirsty, experience diarrhea, or even vomit.
No salty food
Yes, salt is also as bad as sugar for your dog. Salt can lead to a harmful health condition called sodium ion poisoning. Excessive thirst or urination are two joint health issues your dog faces if you feed them too much salty food. Also, some common problems are vomiting, diarrhea, high body temperature, seizures, and bloating.
There you have it. These are some food items you must avoid feeding your furry friend. Now, it is time to check out some.
Food items that are healthy for your dog.
Apples
Apples are a great addition to your dog’s diet. They are rich in fiber, which improves your dog’s digestive system. If your dog has been dealing with many gut problems lately, you must consider feeding it apples. Apples also offer vitamin A and C, which help improve your dog’s overall health. These vitamins keep various diseases away from your dog.
Fish
Fish is also an excellent option for your dog’s meal. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can enhance your dog’s immune system. It also improves the skin and coat of your pet. Salmon and tuna are ideal for your dog. However, fish is not the only seafood option that you can consider. Shrimp is also good for your dog’s health. This seafood item contains Vitamin B that maintains your dog’s digestive health, and contributes to healthy blood circulation. One of the most important things to consider is cooking the shrimp and fish before feeding them to your dog, as these foods may have parasites that can harm your dog’s health.
Watermelon
It is entirely safe for your dog to enjoy its watermelon time. However, you need to remove all the seeds because they can block the intestine. In addition, you need to make sure to remove the rind of the fruit as it might lead to a brutal stomach ache. Watermelon has a high water content, which makes it an ideal food item for summertime. It also has vitamins A, C, and B-6 that can improve various aspects of your dog’s health.
In the end
It is crucial to take care of your dog’s diet, and that’s why you should know what should go in your dog’s bowl. Even after following all the tips, you read online, if your dog is getting sick, you must get in touch with a professional who will not just find the root cause of your dog’s health issues but will also provide you with the right solution to them. Make sure to find a reliable and trusted team of vets just like Alta Vista, which is one of the top leading pet hospitals in Vancouver, Canada. You can visit the website to learn more.
