Feeding a dog can be very confusing and even scary at times. Some of us like to share our food with our pets, but their system is very different from ours. This is why you need to be careful with what you feed them and know exactly what they can handle. Quality is also something you should care about, as it will affect everything from their mood to their longevity. Let's take a look at some of the dos and don'ts of feeding a dog.
Do – Care About Taste
Some people don’t have the money to feed their pets whole food or for top quality wet food. You shouldn’t feel guilty about feeding them dry food, but you should know that dogs care about taste very much, and you might have trouble getting them to eat the portions they need if you don’t do something about the taste.
Make sure that you invest in the best dry food that you can buy. Look for brands that try to go beyond the AAFCO guidelines and check the first ingredients. If it is a meat-based dry food, it has to be one of the first three ingredients. You should also avoid foods that have excessive soy and additives.
Don’t – Feed them Toxic Foods
Dogs have a long list of foods that can be harmful or downright deadly to them, and this can differ based on the breed. Things like chocolate, coffee, or any product that has caffeine in it should be avoided. Things like mushrooms, garlic, and onions should also be avoided. You should keep them away from nuts as well as they can lead to dehydration and even death in certain dogs.
Speak with your vet to make sure that you know which foods you can and can’t feed your dog. And don’t hesitate to ask them for additional nutrition tips either.
Do – Feed them Vegetables
Food restrictions should not stop you from feeding your dog some of your food, however. Vegetables are great for dogs because they're a rich source of fiber, carbs, and different minerals that are essential for their health and well-being.
Things like broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and green beans are not only safe to eat, but are full of nutrients too, and a great addition to regular dog food. Make sure that vegetables like broccoli and asparagus do not account for more than 5% of their diet, however, as it could cause digestive issues.
Don't – Give them too Many Treats
You have to be careful with treats because they are not always the healthiest, and your dog may start losing interest in regular food. Dog treats are often full of sugar and can lead to obesity. So, use them in moderation and as a reinforcement tool for good behavior.
Feeding a dog properly can get complicated at times, but once you know the basics, things become much easier. Follow the tips in this article, and never hesitate to speak with a professional if you're ever stumped or want to introduce something new to your dog's diet.