Besides Cuddles, Your Dog Needs A Balanced Diet Too

Have a furry friend at home? Besides all the cuddles, it needs a complete and balanced diet to stay healthy.

Dogs have different nutritional needs at different points in their life. The dietary requirement of a pup is different from that of an adult dog. Also, different dogs have different nutritional needs, depending on their breed, size and levels of daily activity. 

What is balanced dog food? 

If you have a pup that is 8-16-weeks-old, feeding them kibble will ensure they get all the nutrients they need. You can add rice and cooked meats to their diet. Your pup would need quite a few small meals all through the day. Adult dogs, however, should not be fed more than once or twice a day.

A balanced dog food must contain carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. While dogs also need protein, but to only feed them meats is a recipe for disaster and ill-health. Protein should make up for a quarter of an adult dog’s diet.

Carbohydrates should make up for the bulk of your dog food—ensure the kibble contains grains like oats, wheat and barley. For a healthy and shiny coat, your dog needs fats in its diet, but check against excess calories. Vitamins and minerals are important too, for an efficient immune system and proper bone development. Along with nutritious food, ensure your dog stays hydrated. 

Factors to consider 

Commercial dog food is available in both wet and dry form. Reading the label is extremely important to know if the food has the nutritional balance you are looking for. Avoid food that contains artificial flavours, colours and excess preservatives.

It is always preferable to let your dog taste a bit of the kibble before you zero in on a brand. Check if your dog can digest the food and likes the flavours. If the new food is making your dog sick, it’s time to take it to a veterinarian. You can also consult your vet before setting on a new diet for your dog.