“Canine Nutrition Simplifed"

When it comes to your dog’s diet, there are many different factors that play a big role in deciding whether or not the diet your dog has is healthy. Not only is what your dog eats important, but also how much he eats, as well as when he eats. Your dog’s diet will have a lasting effect, so it is best to be sure that you are providing him with a healthy diet that is able to meet every need, both inside and out.

What your dog eats can determine whether or not your dog will be able to maintain a healthy body both inside and out. If your dog’s diet consists of plenty of protein, vegetables, and some sort of oil, your dog is probably healthy, and off to a good start to a long life. However, if your dog’s diet lacks protein or vegetables, or you are over-feeding him with table scraps, you should definitely change what your dog eats.
While table scraps are okay in moderation, too much food from the table can unbalance your dog’s diet and cause him to gain weight, especially if you are not exercising him enough. The same goes with doggy treats. Your dog’s diet should not consist of a lot of treats. Two or three treats a day is okay. Remember, treats should be used to reward your dog, not as food.
If you want your dog’s diet to consist of healthful food, make sure that the dog food you have chosen for him contain the necessary amounts of protein, vegetables, oils, and other nutrients. Most important is protein. Despite what you may have heard about protein, it is vital in your dog’s diet. Protein not only provides energy for your dog, but it also helps keep bodily tissues strong and continuously growing. Protein is able to make enzymes, which are known to help with metabolism, as well as adding many different vitamins and minerals to the body. Protein is an amino acid, which helps aid in forming hair, skin, and muscles.

Maybe you’re one of those people who hate vegetables. Slide ‘em under the table, your dog will love them! Your dog’s diet should also consist of some sort of vegetable. If the food you feed your dog does not contain at least 25% vegetables, you can supplement his diet with vegetables. Any type of vegetable is fine, accept onions and garlic. Healthful vegetables for dogs include carrots, cabbage, broccoli, and leafy vegetables. Vegetables can be raw or cooked. The best part about it is that most dogs actually enjoy vegetables!
A dog’s diet should be healthy and nutritious, just like ours. Try to eliminate or reduce the "junk food″ of your dog’s diet. This includes treats and table scraps. While your dog may enjoy them, they aren’t healthy if given on a regular basis. Treats should be given only when your dog needs to be praised, or when your dog is used to receiving them. Stick to no more than three treats a day.
While cutting down on table scraps and treats, add more vegetables and protein to your dog’s diet. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your dog fit. Dogs that are overweight are generally prone to have more health problems, so its important that you as an owner keep up with a healthy diet for your dog, as well as a daily exercise routine.
canine nutrition
pet health
Tricia DeHoek is a dog lover who has owned dogs for over 20 years. She has taken up the study of canine nutrition in response to multiple experiences with unexplained health issues with her pets throughout the years. She contributes to Canine-Nutritionist.com as well as operating her own dog grooming business.
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