What Dogs Eat: All About Canine Nutrition

One of the most asked questions about dogs by dog parents is what dogs eat. This question comes from a concern of what and what not to feed their dog. While it is extremely important to give your dog a balanced diet for their long and healthy life, it is also important to make sure that you are not overfeeding or underfeeding your dog. Here in this blog we will answer the question, ‘what dogs eat’ and everything else canine nutrition.

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What Dogs Eat

Each dog is different from the other and often preferences which include likes and dislikes in dogs can vary. But that does not mean that a dog does not require a wholesome nutritional diet.
While pondering upon the question on what dogs eat, it is important to know these things:
● When it comes to deciding your dog's diet, it is always helpful to consult your vet.
● The vet can help in making a nutritional diet chart for your dog and inform you what all food can be clubbed together for the dog.
● While dogs may eat a few omnivorous foods, they are carnivorous animals mostly.
● Kibble is a safe and good food to give your dog but you can also mix it with raw meat in case you want to increase the protein content.
● When finding out what dogs eat it is also pivotal to maintain food hygiene and clean the feeding dish of your dog regularly.
● A vital option for when wondering what to feed your dog is giving your dog boiled chicken.
● Keep a keen eye that the dog does not consume small bones as they can get stuck in the throat and even become a cause of constipation.

It is paramount to provide your dog with all that makes its diet nutritious and wholesome. The main requirements in the diet of a dog constitute: Fibre, Fats, Energy, Water, Proteins, Vitamins and minerals.

The Amount of Food to be Given

When your dog is a puppy, it should be fed more often. The feeding routine should take place between 4 to 5 times in a day. When the puppy becomes 6 months of age the feeding can be shifted to thrice a day. The same routine can be followed when your pup becomes an adult. An essential point to be kept in mind is the quantity of food depends on the size, breed and exercise requirements of the dog. Taking care of what your dog should be consuming also includes finding out how much a dog should eat.
Although the size of the serving you give your dog is mentioned on the packet of the dog food, you can also consult your vet or our Pawsome People at Zigly who will guide you. Pet parents make the mistake of overfeeding their dogs often which becomes a cause of serious health andweight problems that dogs develop. Feeding the right amount and at a fixed time is important.

Packaged Dog Food

An easy way to find out the kind of food good for dogs is by giving them packaged or commercial dog food. Believe it or not, most commercial dog food is made keeping in mind the nutritional requirements of a dog in mind. Since the need and quantity varies from breed to breed, the variety of packaged food available in the market is vast.
Dog food which is made especially for dogs contains fruits, vegetables, meats, vitamins and grains. The one thing you need to be careful about is picking up dog food which is for the stage in which your pooch is. For example, a puppy should only be given kibble for puppies and not adult dog food.

There is both wet and dry dog food available in the varities of dog food. While wet food is better suited for those dogs who do not drink a lot of water, dry food is better for the dental health of a dog.

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Food to be Kept Out of Reach

There is a thin line between what a dog should eat and what they shouldn't be allowed to eat. Pet parents can many times get confused about what to include and what not to include in a meal for a dog. Mentioned below are a few foods which should be kept out of reach at all times:
● Food that contains salt.
● Sugar or creamy confectionary.
● Foods and fruits that contain citrus.
● Lactose containing food, such as dairy products, since many dogs suffer from lactose intolerance. You can give milk or products that have lactose to dogs after speaking to your vet.
● Bread can be given to dogs but raw yeast dough is something they must be kept away from as it can give gastrointestinal troubles.
● Garlic and onion

Check Out: Lactose Intolerance in Dogs

Dog Treats

A favorite item in what dogs like to eat are treats, which are now available in all kinds, flavours and sizes. It is better to go light on feeding your dog treats and dog obesity is a serious problem. We are not saying that you should not give treats to your dog but it should not be used to substitute dog food, which is nourishing and wholesome.

Also Read: Find Out All About Healthy Dog Treats

This was all about what dogs eat and how you must ensure that your pooch gets a full, balanced diet. If you want your four legged baby to live a healthy life then taking care of the food consumed by your dog is important. If you have any queries about choosing the right dog food for your dog, reach out to our Pawsome People at Zigly who are always just a woof away!