Just like us, our furry friends need a healthy diet and plenty of exercises to lead a long life and thrive. Improving your pet’s diet is painless. Check these top ten dog care tips to make sure he or she is Top Dog.
1. Quality over Quantity
Vets worldwide recommend a high-quality commercial dry dog food. These are readily available from your local vet or supermarket and don’t have to break the bank either. Nutrient-wise, this is all your dog needs. Simply follow the guidelines on the pack and ensure that the list of ingredients includes animal protein and fat, like chicken, beef or lamb etc. Most brands of commercial pet food offer food especially for puppies, juniors, adults, and seniors. Whichever stage of life your dog is at; commercial pet food is the easiest solution for complete nutritional value and this is one of the best dog care tips there is.
2. What’s Cooking?
You may like to cook for your dog, regularly, or as an extra supplement to dry food. It’s super easy! In a single pot boil up half veggies and half meat of your (or your dog’s) choice. Using 3 to 4 different vegetables will ensure more vitamins and minerals and you can cook batches to freeze. You can bulk up the fiber in your homemade doggie meals by adding lentils to the mix. Older dogs will benefit from bone broth, known to relieve arthritic pain, as it becomes more difficult for them to eat.
3. Easy Enzymes
For optimal digestive health, consider giving your dog enzymes. Enzymes are tiny protein molecules in cells which work as catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions in the body, such as digestion. The benefits that enzymes bring to your dog are, among others, a healthy immune system, healthy teeth, and gums and healthy skin and fur. Enzyme supplements are available to buy, or you could use natural supplements like yogurt and cottage cheese or fresh fruit, specifically pineapple, Papaya and Melon.
4. A Splash of Oil
Oils make a great supplement to a dog’s diet and it is one of the most overlooked dog care tips we’ve seen. Coconut oil is a popular and cost-effective substitute and dogs usually love it. You can pour a little over the dry food. It contains caprylic acid, which is anti-fungal and can help relieve itching and infections. Salmon oil and sardine oil are also great choices for those Omega 3 fats. You can pour out excess oil over the dry food, or give them tinned sardines in oil for an extra treat. Other great economical supplements are olive oil and sunflower oil. Healthy fats keep things running smoothly and keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.
5. Give Dog a Bone
Giving a dog a bone is one of the easiest dog care tips there is. Gnawing on a bone is natural behavior for dogs and can keep them entertained for hours. Bones are good for your dog’s teeth, for stimulating the production and release of saliva enzymes, and can be a good source of calcium, potassium and phosphorous.
With an increasing trend to feed dogs a diet containing raw foods, the jury is still out on whether it’s safe. Some vets encourage the use of raw bones for your dog as a supplement, citing increased health benefits, whereas others point to the dangers of salmonella poisoning and e. Coli infections. If you decide to give your dog raw bones, do your homework first to learn about the risks. Cooked bones may present a danger of breaking as they are more brittle and may cause problems in the throat and digestive tract. Most vets advise against giving any cooked bones to dogs, especially chicken bones.
Recreational bones could be the answer. Ask your vet!
6. Keep it fresh
Although dogs are carnivores, they will eat fresh fruit and vegetables and this can be a simple way of supplementing your dog’s diet. Although the main ingredient of your dog’s meals should be animal protein, an occasional piece of fresh fruit or vegetable is a good way to boost nutrition. Vegetables are great for a healthy gut and contain plenty of fiber and water. The best fruit and veg for your dog to snack on are asparagus, apple, spinach, melon, blueberries, pumpkin and green beans.
7. Power Protein
Although a good quality commercial dog food is balanced and complete, you may like to give your dog a protein boost by cooking them some lean meat or liver. The liver is a fantastic source of protein, vitamins, and iron, even more so than meat. Pick up some living on the next supermarket run or at the pet shop as dehydrated dog treats. Another way to pack in the protein is lightly scrambled egg.
8. Dogs Breath
Oral care is also essential for your dog to stay healthy. Carrots make great crunchy treats for your puppy or dog. Not only are they full of vitamins but they are just the thing for good teeth cleaning and can help get rid of plaque and prevent tooth decay. To keep your dog’s breath fresh try chopping up some parsley into its food. Some may have thought the breath is not important, but in fact, it is essential to a dog’s health. One of the most disregarded dog care tips we’ve seen.
9. Drinking Water
Water should be available continually for your dog, especially in the summer months. Water is an essential part of a balanced canine diet. Refill your dog’s water bowl daily. Water carries and helps the absorption of nutrients, aids in digestion and regulates body temperature. It also lubricates the joints and removes waste. Every important body function requires water and your dog will become ill quickly without an adequate supply.
10. Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that are dangerous and should never be given. Chocolate is the number one culprit. The Theobromine it contains is not harmful to humans but can cause a lot of problems in for our canine companions and can even be fatal. Salty food is another thing that is not recommended as it may cause sodium ion poisoning. So even if Rover is hovering under your chip packet, don’t let him have any.
Xylitol, found in sweets, peanut butter and ba, ed goods, can cause an abrupt insulin surge that can lead to an immediate drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Xylitol can be fatal for your dog. The best bet is to avoid these foods altogether. Similarly, grapes and raisins are known to cause renal failure in dogs. Sugary foods are just as bad for your dog as they are for you. Although not dangerous in the short term the long-term effects such as obesity and diabetes can affect your dog’s health.
Keeping your dog in prime condition is easy with these ten dog care tips. Equally important is fresh air, exercise, including off-lead walks, and companionship. What tips do you have for improving a dog’s diet?
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