A dog’s diet affects every aspect of their health and well being. You undoubtedly want only the very best for your furry friend. When it comes to choosing the best for your dog’s diet, you have so many options available. It can be hard to determine which food will have the most positive effect on your dog’s diet and health. Which is better, canned dog food or dry kibble?
The debate between canned dog food and kibble has continued since the two varieties have been on the market. What are the advantages of canned dog food as the main component of your dog’s diet? Is dry kibble superior to canned dog food? Possibly, it is simply personal preference between the two varieties.
To help you decide, let’s take a look at the advantages of each type of dog food as part of a healthy and balanced diet for your pet. To get the best advice, schedule a visit with the veterinarian to discuss your dog’s diet. The two of you can talk about how each type of dog food will specifically relate to your pet.
Canned dog food, as the main component of your dog’s diet, has gotten a negative stigma over the years. Many pet owners feel that the cost of canned dog food is high and unappealing, especially for the larger breeds who require greater amounts of food daily.
A significant advantage of canned dog food is the quality. Frequently, you will find that canned dog food offers large chunks of real meat for your pet. Fewer additives and fillers are found in most brands of canned dog food. Knowing the importance of high-quality ingredients, canned dog food certainly has its place in a healthy, balanced dog diet.
Another advantage of canned dog food in your dog’s diet is palatability. Dogs will commonly take to canned dog food quickly. This can be a true advantage when you are dealing with a picky eater.
Over the course of your dog’s lifetime, there may be several occasions when you need to switch your dog’s diet. If is important to know the proper method to change your dog’s diet to ease your pet through the transition.
Many reasons exist that may cause you to feel the need to switch your dog’s diet. A puppy, for example, must change from milk during nursing to dog food. Your adult dog may need to transition to a dog food diet specifically designed for senior dogs. Health reasons may be yet another cause for a switch.
After consulting with your vet about the change to your dog’s diet, you will want to consider all of your options. Upon making the final decision, you will want to make the change gradually and over time. Do not stop feeding one type of diet on Sunday evening and begin a completely new regimen on Monday morning. Such a drastic change will undoubtedly create some serious results.
Switching your dog’s diet too quickly can result in your dog having an upset stomach. Diarrhea is likely to result.
The proper way to switch your dog’s diet takes several days. Over the course of two weeks, gradually reduce the amount of the original diet and slowly increase the food for the new diet. For example, if you typically feed your pet a diet of 3 and 1/2 cups of kibble per day, you will only want to change the diet at the rate of 1/4 cup each day. Keep in mind if you feed your dog’s diet twice daily, divide the amount in half at each feeding.
Does your pet’s skin and coat look shiny and healthy, or is your dog’s fur lacking the silky appearance you prefer? Could this indicate the need for more fatty acids in your dog’s diet?
A dog’s diet affects all aspects of his body including the skin and coat. If your dog’s diet contains adequate amounts of fatty acids, his coat and skin should appear healthy. Fatty acids in your dog’s diet will prevent trouble with dry skin and dandruff, for example. A dull coat may indicate a need for supplements of fatty acids in your dog’s diet.
Studies indicate that essential fatty acids, called EFAs, contribute to healthy skin and coat, as well as general health. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, for instance, can play a critical role in your dog’s overall well being.
Do not assume that adding fatty acid supplements to your dog’s diet is always a good idea. If your dog’s coat is in good condition, adding more EFAs will not automatically improve health. The fatty acid supplements, such as omega 3 and 6, are only for dog’s with diagnosed skin problems. Always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s diet. Your vet will be happy to discuss with you the best form of EFAs and the appropriate dose to add to your dog’s diet.