Friday, September 17, 2010

What are some of the general nutritional needs of a dog?

We often think of our pets as family members, but the dogs are not human and dogs have different nutritional needs than men. They need protein, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals as we do, but they have different proportions of us.
All dogs need protein, but some need more than others. Puppies and working dogs will require more for their energy. Your dog should get his protein from meat and byproducts, but be very careful about the dog food you buy. Read the label to know for certain what is in the food. Warning - some of them may frighten you.
One of the most misunderstood dog food factor should turn bold. Yes, fat is your dog when he has too much fat, but fat is also important for normal function. Fats help your dog's coat is of dehydration and his or her skin healthy. Fats also allow the fat-soluble vitamin that is used by the body.
About half of your dog's diet should consist of carbohydrates. It may be in the form of rice, corn, oats, and especially the vegetables. No onions though - it is deadly for dogs.
If your dog has skin problems or develop - he or she may be allergic to a particular type of carbohydrates and may need to switch to another. It really helps to know exactly what your dog gets carbohydrates, so you can easily limit. If you do a commercial food with a wide range of carbohydrates, you may need an allergy test done at the vet.
Take a daily vitamin? Does your dog? Dogs need vitamins and minerals as well. Basically we need all the vitamins - C, A, E and minerals like zinc, magnesium and calcium (to name but a few) are necessary for the health of our dog. And like the people they need to be given the right amount. Your dog should get many of the vitamins he needs from his food, but there are liquid supplements that there should not be forgotten as a healthy, happy, energetic pet.
When buying a commercially made dog food for your pet feed, want to make sure that is filled with preservative and shoddy grain fillers. This gives your dog the equivalent of a bad hamburger. Your best bet is to read the ingredients list and figure out what is really in the product. There are many varieties of all natural on the market today that may be more appropriate.
The higher price of dog food is probably in a better quality of the ingredients. They can easily be absorbed and used by the system of your dog. Although they cost more, a decision on the food really can not be based on costs. I am not in favor of more expensive - but do you think will cost more - fresh, lean meat and fresh vegetables in yogurt, raw eggs and kelp - or the gray pellets full of wheat, soil and variety of food preservatives?
But - there is now held in various cities that sell fresh nutritious food for cheaper than the commercial varieties in the supermarket. We just have to find it!

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