As a pet parent, you need to ensure that your furry friend gets the right nutrition from the food you give him.
This will keep your dog fit and healthy, ready to take on the activities they need to perform throughout the day.
This article lists down some useful nutrition tips that will make sure that your dog is getting enough nutrients, keeping him fit and healthy.
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Read the Label
One of the primary things that you need to do to make sure that your dog is getting enough nutrients is to read the label of the food packs.
In this case, read through the label of grain-inclusive dog foods and look for ones with a higher than average meat content.
The information on the label should also include a safe ratio of fate and protein.
When you carefully read through the label of the dog food you are keen on buying, you will most likely make a more informed purchasing decision.
Introduce Fresh Whole Foods
Another thing that you need to do to make sure that your dog is getting enough nutrients is to introduce fresh whole foods such as vegetables and fruits.
Some of the best fruits and vegetables that you can give your furry friend include apples, blackberries, cherries, and pears, as well as pumpkin, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
These are rich in fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive function.
Go for Foods Rich in Antioxidants
When choosing the right type of food to give your dog, you need to go for those rich in antioxidants and those with anti-inflammatory properties.
In this case, you need to exert the effort to research the ingredients of the food you are giving to your dog.
You should also take the time to look into the food’s manufacturing process. Keep in mind that for dogs, inflammation is listed as the leading cause of premature aging.
Consider Adding MCT Oil
There is also the option for you to add MCT oil to your dog’s diet as a source of fat. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that your dog’s body doesn’t store.
MCT is wonderful because it fosters the cognitive function of your dog’s brain, reducing the risk of seizures. It can also aid your dog’s weight loss and lower their blood sugar levels.
MCT oil can also aid in reducing inflammation. Just keep in mind to go for MCT oil without lauric acid.
Avoid Gluten
More often than not, dry dog foods contain gluten meal. This can eventually cause a strain in the liver and kidney of your dog.
This can be attributed to the fact that the wastes of your dog are retained. For this reason, inspect what you are feeding your dog regularly to ensure that it is free from corn gluten that can harm your furry friend’s organs even in small quantities.
Limit Treats
If you want to keep your dog fit and healthy, you need to limit the treats that you give him, especially if you are giving him ready-made ones.
On the other hand, you can opt to make fresh and healthy treats for your dog instead, such as dried coconut flakes.
You should also take the time to feed your dog according to whether he needs to gain or lose some weight. Keep in mind that a lean dog is one healthy dog.
Focus on Dental Health
Giving your dog the right nutrients he needs is also good for his teeth and gums.
In this case, you may want to get creative in keeping your dog’s teeth plaque-free, which can also lead to healthy gums.
When your dog’s dental health is at its best, you can expect him to eat the foods that you give him effortlessly. In this way, he will be able to garner the right nutrients that he needs.
Hydrate Properly
You need to ensure that your dog is properly hydrated, but you have to go a step further, rethinking your water.
If you are giving your dog tap water, invest in a durable and reliable water filter that will ensure that your dog is drinking safe and potable water without any contaminants.
There is even the option for you to give your dog alkaline water to help with nutrient absorption.
Clean Food Bowls
Make sure that you take the time to clean the food bowls of your dog.
In this case, you can wash their food and water bowls with apple cider vinegar, which is a chemical-free alternative to using commercial cleaning products that may be harmful to your dog’s health.
The great thing about this natural cleaner is that it is also odorless while it is effective in disinfecting.
Other Helpful Tips
Finally, explore other helpful tips for your dog’s skincare, exercise, and toilet times because all these can affect your dog’s overall health and well-being.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid putting any product on your dog’s skin that you will not likely eat.
In parallel to this, make sure to involve your dog with exercises that are appropriate for his size and age. Remember that diet and exercise always go hand in hand.
When it comes to toilet times, you need to ensure that your dog can go whenever he needs to because holding on for a long time can prove to be harmful to your dog’s health.
To make sure that your dog is getting enough nutrients, make sure that you read the label of their food packages.
It would help if you also took the time to introduce fresh whole foods to your dog, opting for ones rich in antioxidants.
You can also consider adding MCT oil to their diet but make sure to avoid gluten. Limit the treats you give to your dog and get creative when it comes to feeding him.
Keep in mind that your dog should be hydrated properly and that his food bowls are always clean. All these are geared towards ensuring that you are giving the proper nutrition for your dog to keep them healthy.
