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With all of the attention we pay to our own health, it is amazing that we can overlook the nutritional needs of one of the most important members of the family-our dogs. Just as humans benefit from a healthy diet, so do our four-legged friends. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a healthy dog food and how to find one that’s right for your canine pal.

40%-40%-20% is the magical proportion. a good dog food will be aproximatly 40% meat, 40% vegetable, and 20% complex carbohydrates or grains.The only way to select a dog food to match these pecentages is to check the lable. Here you will also find good information about moisture and other things. The contest listed on the lable should be close to the percentages above, but do not have to match exactly.

The ingredients on the package of the food you are feeding your dog now will tell you if it is a healthy choice for your pet. The first or second ingredient listed should be a meat protien, not to be confused with a meat by-product. Another thing to watch for is the presence of fillers, which do not provide good nutrition for Fido. While some grains like rice are good, they should not be located at the top of the list.

Organic foods for your dog are a good source of nutrition as well. While most of the ingredients are alike, the ones in organic food have less chemicals that other products contain as a result of dangerous processing methods. Organic dog food manufactures are less inhumane to their livestock as well.

Dogs, just as humans, have specific dietary needs in most cases. To find the best combonation of carbs., protiens and vitimins for your dog, you should consult your veterinarian. Following your veterinarian’s recommendation is the best choice for finding the food that will provide all the essitintials for your dog’s health.

When making changes to your dog’s nutritional regimen, you should switch to the new food gradually. This will be easier on your dog’s digestive system and will psychologically make your dog more likely to accept their new healthy dog food. Add the new food over a period of several weeks, increasing the proportion of new to old every few days. If your dog doesn’t react well, stop making changes until they have fully adjusted and then return to your transition plan.

Making your own dog food at home is a great nutrional and economical option as well. The task is simple, though it will take more time than feeding regular store-bought food. Books and the Internet are good resources for recipes. Before you begin feeding your dog a home-made meal, please consult your veterinarian to ensure health as well as safety.

Lastly, don’t expect an instant miracle. The effects of good nutrition appear over weeks and months, not days. And a good dog food is not a panacea; if your dog is older or has specific health problems, they may need more time to see results, and may need additional supplements or veterinary care. Still, if you are feeding your dog a healthy diet, you know that he or she is getting the best that you can give them.

Tags: Dogs

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