Taking Care Of Fido: Tips On Healthy Dog Food

submitted: May 3rd 2008 | by: JolieMitchel | Total views: 56 | Word Count: 570 | PDF View | Print Article

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.

Any healthy dog food will be about 40% meat, 40% vegetable, and 10-20% whole grains or other complex carbohydrate. The label will list these percentages, along with the percentages of moisture and other information. The solid contents of the food should break down into ratios close to the ones described here.

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.

The best way to avoid dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides, is to go organic.Most of the ingredients in organic dog foods will be the same as regular food, but with less of the dangerous stuff. Organic dog food producers are more humane to their chickens and cows 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.

Once you determine if your dog needs to switch to a healthier food, make the transition slowly. Your dog may have a hard time ajusting to the change. To help Fido in his transition, add the new dog food to the old dog food over a week or two, increasing the proportion of new food to old food daily. It is easier for Fido's digestive system to gradually swith. If your dog does not respond well to the change, stop where you are and give him time to adjust. Once he seems to have adjusted fully, continue the process until the old food is completly removed from his diet. This type of gradual transition will also help Fido accept the change easier.

There are also ways to make your own healthy dog food. The process of making the food takes more time than buying it, but it is not at all hard. The Internet as well as books can offer great recipes and ideas. Another great benifit to home made dog food is that it is very economical. Of course, you should always consult your veterinanry before feeding your homemade food to Fido to ensure helth as well as saftey.

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.

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About the Author

To find out more about dog food facts please visit ThePoochPlace.com and learn the secrets about natural organic dog food.


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