TIPS FOR BUYING DOG FOOD
It is not enough for dogs to have a full stomach after every
meal. Besides a non-sedentary lifestyle, pets need proper
nutrition in order to be healthy, happy and their coats soft and
glossy. The cost of dog food and its brand is only important if
dogs can read or pay for his meal. The easiest and best way to
find out which food is best for man's best friend is to observe
how their response is to the chow they take in.
The following are tips that one should remember in feeding dog
any kibbles, nibbles or whatever kinds of treats.
* Chocolate is lethal to dogs.
Specifically, the dark chocolate kind. The major components
methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine in regular chocolate is
digested & excreted by humans in as little as 3 hours but the
same compounds when ingested by dogs stays inside them for 18
hours. This has been proven to be fatal. Symptoms of chocolate
dog poisoning include vomiting, excessive urination,
hyperactivity, diarrhea, followed by seizure, coma, and death.
* Read the label.
Dogs should have a diet rich in meat protein. When purchasing
canned foods, look for chicken, turkey meat, pork or other
animal by products as these keep the dog's coat smooth and
healthy. Dogs prefer foods which contain high vegetable protein
levels because these are easily digestible and are a great
source of energy.
* Don't give a dog a bone!
Contrary to the popular nursery song, feeding bones to dogs is
not a good idea. Small soft bones gnawed and eaten by dogs feel
like splinters inside their throat causing them to choke.
Remember, dogs have short digestive tracts. They also have no
saliva amylase, an enzyme that is used to pre-digest starch.
* Dog food supplements are unnecessary...
...only if one is sure that their dog receives a regular intake
of complete and balanced food nutrients. Good sources of
carbohydrates include rice, corn, oatmeal, wheat. However, a
highly specialized nutrition is only necessary if dogs do not
get enough physical activity or are currently undergoing a
stressful routine change.
* Raw fish and eggs are a no-no.
Consistent consumption of raw eggs make a dog's skin breakout.
In canine terms - since eggs diminish the biotin available in
their body - dermatitis and hair loss are its usual effects. Raw
fish meanwhile results in thiamine-deficiency in a dog. Its
effects usually are loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness
and in some cases death.
Feed your dog a healthy diet and he will return the favor with a
beautiful coat and many years of companionship!
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