Is Natural Dog Food Worth It?
When it comes to feeding dogs, there's a difference of opinion between groups of dog owners.
On one side, owners insist that commercially-made dog food is the only choice for dog diets, as the nutrients in these products have been scientifically researched and optimized for the dog's needs.
On the other side, owners suggest that it's not right to feed dogs what we humans can't in conscience take in, and that the best diet for dogs would be tailored after our own - this is what these owners call "natural dog food.
" So is natural dog food worth it? It depends on many things.
It includes vegetables, legumes, and fruit into the dog's diet, which means that dogs on this diets take in more of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that most commercially made dog food products don't provide.
On the other hand, if you or anyone else in the household can't live up to the additional tasks of buying, washing, and cooking dog food (tasks that commercial dog food don't entail), then it might not be worth it.
This can be addressed, however, by simply preparing the dog's meals for the week over the weekend.
The rising popularity of this diets appears to be well-founded - there have been stories of dogs living past their normal life spans after being subjected to a natural dog food diet.
Dogs who normally reach old age by the age of nine, for instance, may still be very healthy at fifteen years of age.
When preparing them, keep these tips in mind: Choose fresh produce - organic if possible.
These are the best ingredients for a good meal, whether for your dog's health or your own.
Wash all produce well.
Even if the food comes in packs or is undeniably fresh, a few minutes soaking in clean water (and rinsing afterwards) can clean produce even further and bolster its appearance.
Include all the food groups in a meal.
A good natural dog food diet consists of a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
It may take a few experiments to know what kinds of natural food your dog likes, as well as how much it can eat in a meal, but it'll be good eats from there.
Cook all meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
Some foods may be harmful to your dog's health when uncooked.
Also, make sure you take out the bones in meat, poultry and seafood before serving the meal to your dog.
Make sure your dog has enough clean water to drink.
A dog needs about 1-2 liters of clean water a day (2-4.
5 pints).
Change his water at least once a day to make sure it's clean.
Dogs can survive on tap water, but if you can afford the extra mineral water, why not? Some veterinarians may be biased towards commercial dog food, and unfairly attribute any health problems your dog has to the natural diet.
It's important to find a holistic, open-minded vet - since your dog has a special diet, the chances are higher that such vets will know how to deal with the health of such dogs.
One more thing - always consult a good vet before feeding a weaning puppy natural dog food.
For some breeds, it may take a while before their digestive systems can adapt to natural dog food.
On one side, owners insist that commercially-made dog food is the only choice for dog diets, as the nutrients in these products have been scientifically researched and optimized for the dog's needs.
On the other side, owners suggest that it's not right to feed dogs what we humans can't in conscience take in, and that the best diet for dogs would be tailored after our own - this is what these owners call "natural dog food.
" So is natural dog food worth it? It depends on many things.
It includes vegetables, legumes, and fruit into the dog's diet, which means that dogs on this diets take in more of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that most commercially made dog food products don't provide.
On the other hand, if you or anyone else in the household can't live up to the additional tasks of buying, washing, and cooking dog food (tasks that commercial dog food don't entail), then it might not be worth it.
This can be addressed, however, by simply preparing the dog's meals for the week over the weekend.
The rising popularity of this diets appears to be well-founded - there have been stories of dogs living past their normal life spans after being subjected to a natural dog food diet.
Dogs who normally reach old age by the age of nine, for instance, may still be very healthy at fifteen years of age.
When preparing them, keep these tips in mind: Choose fresh produce - organic if possible.
These are the best ingredients for a good meal, whether for your dog's health or your own.
Wash all produce well.
Even if the food comes in packs or is undeniably fresh, a few minutes soaking in clean water (and rinsing afterwards) can clean produce even further and bolster its appearance.
Include all the food groups in a meal.
A good natural dog food diet consists of a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
It may take a few experiments to know what kinds of natural food your dog likes, as well as how much it can eat in a meal, but it'll be good eats from there.
Cook all meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
Some foods may be harmful to your dog's health when uncooked.
Also, make sure you take out the bones in meat, poultry and seafood before serving the meal to your dog.
Make sure your dog has enough clean water to drink.
A dog needs about 1-2 liters of clean water a day (2-4.
5 pints).
Change his water at least once a day to make sure it's clean.
Dogs can survive on tap water, but if you can afford the extra mineral water, why not? Some veterinarians may be biased towards commercial dog food, and unfairly attribute any health problems your dog has to the natural diet.
It's important to find a holistic, open-minded vet - since your dog has a special diet, the chances are higher that such vets will know how to deal with the health of such dogs.
One more thing - always consult a good vet before feeding a weaning puppy natural dog food.
For some breeds, it may take a while before their digestive systems can adapt to natural dog food.
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