So, you’re standing in the kitchen. You’re looking at the can in your hand and wondering if it’s the right choice. You call out to your dog. That patter of paws against a wooden floor when you’ve called your dog’s name is easily the best sound in the world.
You feed your dog and they seem very happy. But dogs will eat anything? How do you actually know what foods are best for your dog’s health?
We’re here to help with a simple guide on how to help your four-legged friend get the best food they can.
Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food can be a perfect choice. It creates a balanced diet. It’s full of protein to help development. It can be an entire meal in a tin. And, usually, it’s a little cheaper.
There are a few pitfalls to avoid, however. Sometimes wet dog food has byproducts in it of other foods. Sometimes there are artificial sweeteners and food binders. Sometimes the ingredients aren’t even specified!
The best thing to do in this case is research brands and find one that you can trust. If you stick to a trusted brand, there’s little that can go wrong. You may be thinking how dog food companies get away with adding things that aren’t good for dogs into their foods, but just think about what human food companies sometimes get away with!
High Fiber Dog Food
High fiber diets are great for dogs that suffer from a lot of illnesses. If your dog often sinks to its paws and looks up at you with that heart-breaking expression, consider switching to a diet with higher fiber. In no time at all, they’ll be on their feet and spin in excitement when you even hint at the w-word.
High fiber diets can fight illnesses related to your dog’s stomach. This isn’t the only benefit by far, though! High fiber diets are brilliant for humans and dogs alike for so many reasons. It’ll help your dog regulate its weight and it’ll even help fill them up, even if that seems impossible!
When you’re looking for the right high fiber foods, though, avoid whole grain wheat, corn, oats and oat bran, nuts, fruit and veg (but more on fruit later), barley, beans, and seeds.
Fruit
Dogs can eat fruit, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll be the best option for them. Dogs are descended from wolves and their instincts for feeding are still tucked away somewhere between their fluffy ears.
In general, fruit can be ok, but it doesn’t mean that it’s particularly healthy. Also, as dogs can’t digest seeds it can cause unforeseen problems with apples and watermelons.
So, fruit can be a great alternative to a treat. Sometimes it’s best to avoid it, though.
Treats, Treats, Treats!
Treats are great for your best friend for so many reasons. They help train them, they can be nutritious, and they love them! The difficult thing is to not cave in and give them an extra one when they look up at you with those big eyes.
Getting the right treats (see also ‘Is It Safe For A Dog To Chew Pig Ears?‘) for your dog is therefore very important.
You want some that are nutritional, low calorie, no grains, naturally sourced, and of course, ones that taste great! So, keep your eyes open for treats that tick all of these boxes.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods that are simply bad for humans can be dire for dogs. There are obvious ones, like chocolate, but there are a few more that you may not fully know about. You need to make sure these foods are safely put away, so your little food fiend doesn’t accidentally eat them! It’ll certainly save you a trip to the V E T.
Foods containing the additive Xylitol, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, onions, garlic, chive, raw or undercooked meat, eggs, bones (see also ‘Pros And Cons Of Dogs Chewing Cow Hooves‘), grapes and raisins, salt and salty snack foods, nuts, alcohol, and medications that aren’t prescribed to your dog are all foods to be avoided.
If your dog needs something to chew on and you’re a bit wary of bones, there are a lot of dog sticks that can help with gum disease at the same time!
Getting the Best Deals
Owning a pet can be expensive. Especially if your dog has long hair. With a husky, those grooming bills can go through the roof!
There’s a lot you have to do right, but the costs can add up.
Luckily, with the right eye, there are lots of sites out there that can help you get discounts on your purchases.
Fetch Them Now!
So now that you know a bit more about what you’re looking for, you can go out and help your dog be even happier! (If that’s even possible).
Just remember two things: Dogs are carnivores and so the fruit doesn’t necessarily need be on the menu. Food that’s good for humans is generally good for dogs. Think of what you want to put into your body. Fiber, protein and plenty of water. You don’t want to add too much sugar or much without nutritional value. It’s exactly the same for your dog!
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