Are you looking for ways to improve your pup’s behavior? Then you’re in the right place! Many pet owners struggle with trying to get their pets to behave in the way they would like, but what many don’t realize is that diet plays a major role in determining a dog’s behavior. In this blog post, we will be exploring how or what to feed your dog to help improve their behavior.
The art of choosing the perfect food
When it comes to choosing the perfect food for your furry friend, there are many factors to consider. The type of food you select for your dog is a major factor in their behavior and overall health. It’s important to choose a food that not only meets their nutritional needs, but also suits their individual lifestyle.
The first step in choosing the right food is to look at the label. There are a few important things to keep in mind when reading labels. The first is the list of ingredients. Foods with a short list of recognizable ingredients are usually best as they tend to be more natural and less processed. The second important item to look for is the guaranteed analysis, which provides information on how much protein, fat, and fiber is in the food. Be sure to read the nutrition label closely, as some foods may contain high levels of grains or carbohydrates, which may not be ideal for your dog.
The next step is to determine the type of food that is best suited for your dog. If your pup has sensitivities, then selecting an all-natural formula may be best. If your dog is an active breed, you may want to look for a food with higher levels of proteins and fats to fuel their activity level. Conversely, if you have a senior pup, you may want to select a formula with fewer calories and less fat. Ultimately, you know your pup best, so take the time to find out what works for them!
So, as you can see, there is no one perfect food. I will catch some heat here, but just because the kibble or can comes from your vet's office does not make it a quality food.
Each dog has different needs and we need to consider those as we look for their food. The key thing to take away here is research. Research ingredients, where they are sourced, how they are prepared, where the food is made, who makes it, etc.
I will catch some heat here, but just because the kibble or can comes from your vet's office does not make it a quality food.
How much should I be feeding my dog?
When it comes to determining how much food to feed your dog, there is no “one size fits all” answer. Each breed and individual animal has different needs. Your best bet is to look up the recommended amount for your particular breed and age.
It’s also important to take into account the activity level of your pup. Dogs who get more exercise need more food than those that are more sedentary. In general, the better the quality of the food the less you will have to feed.
In a perfect world we should be feeding to maintain our dog's ideal weight.
It’s also important to remember that treats should be counted as part of their daily calorie intake. Too many treats can lead to unhealthy weight gain, so make sure to keep the treats to a minimum. If you’re looking for healthier treat options, try fresh fruit or vegetable slices like carrots or apples.
What type of food should I avoid feeding my dog?
When selecting the right type of food for your pup, it is important to consider what ingredients are in the food and what types of nutrients they provide. Many commercially produced dog foods contain fillers, preservatives, dyes, and other additives that can be unhealthy for your pup. It is important to avoid feeding your dog these types of food.
Some of the specific ingredients that you should avoid feeding your pup include corn, soy, wheat, gluten, artificial colors and flavors, sugar, fillers such as sawdust or wood shavings, preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, and by-products such as beaks and feet.
In addition to avoiding these types of ingredients, it is important to ensure that the food you are providing your pup is balanced with adequate amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Many commercially produced dog foods are not nutritionally balanced. As such, they can lead to health problems in your pup.
When looking for food we need to understand how the food is processed and where the ingredients are sourced. Most commercial kibble that you find is cooked on such high heat that there are no nutrients left. not to mention where the ingredients are sourced and the quality of those ingredients. Scary.
When choosing the right food for your pup, make sure to look for quality sources of proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. These will help ensure that your pup gets the nutrition they need for optimal health. Ingredients should be recognizable, sourced naturally and serve a nutritional purpose. Additionally, look for food that does not contain any of the aforementioned harmful ingredients. By avoiding these types of food and opting for a nutritionally balanced diet, you can help ensure that your pup has a healthy and happy life!
The benefits of a raw diet
Raw diets have been gaining popularity among dog owners who are looking for an alternative to traditional processed kibble. Or should I say pet owners are finally realizing they need to feed their pet healthier diets. While this type of diet isn't right for every pet, those who choose to switch may see a variety of benefits, including improved digestion, weight management, and better overall health.
One of the biggest advantages of a raw diet is improved digestion and overall gut health. Raw foods provide your pup with essential enzymes that help break down food into absorbable nutrients. This can help reduce digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, raw diets often contain more protein and fewer carbohydrates than processed kibble, which helps promote a healthy weight for your pup.
Raw diets can also help improve your dog's coat and skin health. As natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fresh meats can help reduce inflammation and keep your pup's coat looking shiny and healthy. Plus, feeding raw bones can help to clean your dog's teeth naturally.
Finally, many pet owners report seeing an improvement in their dog's behavior after switching to a raw diet. This could be due to a combination of improved digestion and nutrition, but it could also be due to the fact that many dogs love the taste of fresh food!
Overall, a raw diet may not be the right choice for every pup, but those who make the switch can look forward to improved digestion, weight management, coat health, and even behavior.
We must remember that a species-appropriate diet is the ideal diet for our pets. There are some great pre-made raw brands out there that ready to serve and balanced.
How to transition your dog onto a raw diet
Making the transition from kibble to a raw diet can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips to help you ease your pup into their new and improved meal plan.
1. Start slowly: Start off by introducing just one or two of the new ingredients or a few bites of the pre-made raw at a time. Make sure that your dog is comfortable with the new food before adding more. If your pup is having any negative reactions to the food, such as vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to switch back to the old diet for a few days before continuing.
2. Make it tasty: Add something like a bit of plain yogurt or some chopped fruit to make the food more appealing. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional
supplements like digestive enzymes, immune support, Daily Defense, probiotics to help your pup adjust to the new diet.
3. Stick with it: Once you've started the transition process, stick with it. Don't give up on the new food if your pup is hesitant at first. It can take several weeks before they are fully adjusted to the new diet. Their body may still crave the sugars, etc from their old food.
4. Seek professional help: If you're still having trouble transitioning your pup to a raw diet, consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist for advice. They can help you determine the best approach for your pet.
Transitioning your pup onto a raw diet can seem intimidating, but with patience and persistence, you can provide them with a delicious and nutritious meal plan that will help keep them healthy and happy for years to come!
If you aren't able to feed raw there are ways to still improve your dog's health. Add raw goat milk, supplements, fresh vegetables to improve immunity, freeze dried raw as toppers. the possibilities are endless.
Stay tunes as I will be covering some brands in one of my next blogs.
A documentary that exposes Pet Sciencethe inner workings of the commercial pet food industry with interviews from veterinarians and pet owners whose pets died. It is streaming on a lot of sources like Amazon Prime. Click here to go check it out.
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