When it comes to feeding your dog, providing the proper nutrition, correct portion size and feeding frequency is paramount. To establish a healthy diet for a dog, optimum nutrition and ideal weight management goals are mandatory to achieving good health and vitality.
Nutritional Requirements
The nutritional requirement guidelines for commercial dog food have been developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The six basic nutrients required as part of a dog’s regular diet are:
- Water – Filtered Tap or Purified
- Proteins – Meats, Fish, Eggs, Plant-based such as Beans, Lentils
- Fats – Low mercury Fish and Fish Oil; Plant-based Oils, such as Flaxseed, Sunflower and Olive Oil
- Carbohydrates – Dog-friendly Vegetables, Fruits, Legumes and gluten-free Grains
- Minerals – Including Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, etc.
- Vitamins – A, B, C, D, E and K
Make sure that your dog’s food meets the AAFCO standards. Be advised that these are guidelines only. Your dog’s diet may need to be adjusted based on specific health status determined by your veterinarian.
Store Bought -vs- Homemade
In reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of store bought -vs- homemade dog food, nutrition needs to be the primary focus. Initially, it appears that store bought dog food is the healthier option because all dog food manufactured in the United States must meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements for balanced nutrition. The ingredients used in store bought dog food are regulated by AAFCO, who is responsible for the enforcement of safe production and labeling.
However, the leading reason against choosing store bought dog food are the abundance of pet food recalls in the past 15 years. These recalls were attributed to food products causing serious illness, including kidney failure, and more tragically deaths in thousands of dogs in the U.S. Another top reason against store bought dog food is the use of questionable ingredients such as preservatives, other chemical additives, and nutritionally empty, filler ingredients which are not healthy
for your dog.
By preparing homemade dog food, you avoid these two extremely detrimental drawbacks of store-bought food. You are in full control of what your dog eats. Use vet approved recipes that incorporate the 6 basic nutrients your dog requires (listed above). Experts recommend the ratio of Proteins, Vegetables and Grains each be 1/3 to 1/4 of a dog’s diet.
Be advised of foods harmful to dogs which include Alcohol, Avocado, Chocolate, Citrus, Coconut and Coconut Oil, Grapes and Raisins, Macadamia Nuts, Milk and Dairy, Nuts, Onions, Garlic, and Chives.
Preparing homemade food requires time and diligence but assures quality and nutritional control over your dog’s food.
If you decide to make changes to your dog’s diet, do so gradually to prevent diarrhea or other digestion problems.
Cost comparison of homemade -vs- store bought is arbitrary since both options offer a variety of pricing based on quality of ingredients used in homemade -vs- availability of a spectrum of choices ranging from premium to budget brands for store bought. Whatever your choice, do not jeopardize the health and nutritional well-being of your pet based on cost considerations.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to ensure your dog’s best life and to avoid obesity-related issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, heart disease, and joint pain/arthritis to name just a few.
It is visually very easy to determine if your dog is at its ideal weight. You don’t even need a scale. Just look at your dog from both above and side views. For an ideal weight, a dog’s waist can be easily observed behind the rib cage when viewed from both above and side. Also, ribs can be felt without excess fat covering them.
Conversely, in underweight dogs, the backbone, ribs and pelvic bone are predominately visible. These can be felt without presence of fat. For overweight dogs, it is difficult to both see and feel these bone structures because of heavy fat coverage. Also, a waistline is absent or barely visible. For both under and overweight dogs, the type and amount of food must be adjusted.
Clearly, it needs to be determined if your dog is eating the correct food with correct portion size. For overweight dogs, there is a good selection of food targeting weight loss. For homemade food, alter their diet to include low-fat proteins and simple carbohydrates. It is very important to consult with your vet about their recommendation for low calorie recipes and portion size. Reduce the number of treats, which should account for only 10% of their daily calorie intake, and/or switch to low calorie treats such as air-popped popcorn or frozen green beans, mini carrots, etc.
Also key for overweight dogs is exercise. Depending on your dog’s current activity level, age and overall state of health, set aside time each day for a walk, perhaps 30-40 minutes, and stick with it. Over time, increase either the speed, length or both of walks as your dog gains proficiency and stamina. If you’re just beginning or your dog isn’t used to exercising, ask your vet for a recommended starting point and suggested increased increments.
For underweight dogs, other than feeding a weight gain diet and appropriate portion size, again, consult with your vet to determine other possible health causes and recommendations.
How Much and How Often
It’s very important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct portion size and feeding frequency to maintain the activity level and ideal weight for your dog.
Life Stage Nutrition and Breed Issues
The nutritional requirements for your dog changes at different life stages and should be reflected in changes to their diet.
These life stages are identified as Puppy, Adult and Senior. Each stage dictates different nutritional requirements.
Feeding your dog according to its life stage is recommended to maintain overall health and quality of life. With store bought food, this can be identified in the AAFCO Statement found on the label. For homemade food, select veterinarian approved recipes for specific life stage nutrition.
For large breed puppies (weigh more than 50 pounds as an adult) and breeds, such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, at risk for hip or elbow dysplasia and other growth abnormalities, it is recommended that you feed a puppy food specially formulated for large breed puppies. These specially formulated diets have the optimal ratio of proteins and calcium for moderating rapid bone growth which could result in joint disorders.
Daily Supplements
Especially when feeding homemade diets, daily supplements provide essential nutrients that could be lacking. Benefits of nutritional supplements include providing strong immune system support, essential fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat, and maintenance of healthy joints and bones.
Consult with your vet to select the best supplement for your dog. Consider possible drug interactions if your dog is already on medication and overdosing of certain vitamins or minerals which lowers the body’s absorption of essential nutrients. Use supplements formulated specifically for dogs, not humans. Beware, some human supplements are actually dangerous when given to a dog.
Conclusion
These are key issues for determining a healthy diet for your dog. Again, select a diet which provides optimum nutrition and ideal weight management for your dog. Always consult with your veterinarian for expert advice, taking into consideration the specific requirements of your dog. By following these healthy diet recommendations, you greatly improve your dog’s capacity for good health and vitality at every stage of life.