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Do you really know all there is to know about your canine
companion's nutritional needs? Many pet owners think they're
doing what's best for their dogs when it comes to food, but in
reality they rely on pure instinct more than science. Nutrition
isn't a guessing game, even when it comes to your pooch. Think
about it - if you were left to feed yourself based only on what
you craved and had no knowledge of what your body needs to
function, would you be eating 5 servings of fruit and veggies or
would you head straight for the Ding Dong case at the market?
1. Cover all of the bases.
A dog's diet can be as complex as any human's (including
yours!), and it's absolutely essential that you, as an owner,
hit all of the vital nutritional bases. A deficiency of certain
vitamins and nutrients can lead to upset tummies; overly dry or
oily skin, brittle bones, weight issues, and, in some of the
worst cases, death. A balanced and proper diet is the building
block of your dog's overall health - if he doesn't get the right
blend of nutrients, the most impeccable care otherwise won't
mean a thing. But with the right diet, his defences against
disease and disorders are infinitely stronger than a dog whose
owner hasn't put much thought into an eating plan.
2. Mix it up!
For the most part, pre-packaged food will help you cover all of
the major nutritional requirements a healthy, fairly young dog
has. This where many owners trip up simply because of the ease
of the decision; Most think that the major choice is between dry
and moist food, when in reality the best diet you can provide
your dog is one varied in ingredients, textures, and nutritional
value. Wolves where carnivores, and that instinct remains with
their our modern day dog; to this day. They continue to hunt
prey (poor Kitty), love sausage-flavoured treats, and adore the
great crunch they get when chowing down on a bone. Those varied
elements should give you a little bit of insight into how
diverse your dog's diet can be.
3. Move beyond meat.
Building some portion of his diet from meat gives you many of
the crucial nutrients he needs for energy and growth, but he
also needs fiber and carbohydrates to aid in digestion and
stability. You could throw down a bowl of dry food every day and
maybe give him a "treat" of moist food once a month, but how
would you like it if the tables were turned and he insisted on
feeding you pancakes every day for the rest of your life? Not
such a sunny outlook, is it?
4. Make it a real meal.
Listen, nobody ever said you had to rely on a bag or can of food
to feed your dog. You cook for your family all the time. Doesn't
your dog deserve similar treatment? Most owners say they'd love
to cook for their pups but just don't know where to start, and
that's where I come in. Now you can help fulfil all of your
dog's nutritional needs as well as his taste desires with just
one quick flip through my new book, 180 Delicious Gourmet Dog
Recipes. I know, I know, you're busy, and there's barely time to
cook your family a proper meal. That's why you'll love this book
- in addition to covering all of the usual recipes like
traditional dog chow and cookies, I've created several that are
healthy and delicious enough for you, your dog, and your family.
Being skeptical is natural; after all, I never dreamed I'd come
up with recipes I could easily share with my dogs! But how can
you pass up recipes like biscotti, muffins, omelettes, dinner
mints, and even sushi?
5. Give him some green.
Your dog needs a well-balanced diet, and the best way to
accomplish that is through a wide variety of ingredients. Did
you know that many dogs love veggies? In fact, if your dog likes
to nibble on grass, he may appreciate some of the
veggie-oriented recipes in the cookbook. Give it a shot and see
what you - and your dog - think. After all, the worst that could
happen is an improvement in your pooch's health!
The only set rule in feeding your pup is to make sure his meals
satisfy the unique nutritional requirements any dog has. You
don't have to stick to the bag or the can, and you don't have to
spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. Making dishes for your
dog can be a family event, and nothing expresses gratitude
better than a big, sloppy, wet kiss!
About the author:
Paul Duxbury owns http://www.my-dog.co.uk a leading sources of
free information and advice for all dog owners as well as
http://www.dog-lover.co.uk
Written by: Paul Duxbury