For many pet owners, dogs are part of the family. You want the best for your four-legged friend, and this means providing him or her with access to nutritious foods. More and more dog foods are being introduced into the market each year. This can make it challenging for pet owners to find a food that will meet the nutritional needs of their dogs.
If you want to improve your dog's diet, look for these ingredients when shopping for dog food in the future:
1. High Quality Protein
One of the most essential ingredients you can look for in a dog food is the inclusion of high-quality protein. These proteins can come from a variety of sources, including chicken, lamb, and beef. Varying the protein source can help create interest for your dog and ensure that he or she doesn't get bored with the food you provide.
Protein is the building block of life, and without adequate protein in his or her diet your dog might experience growth and development problems. Recommended protein levels can vary based on age, breed, and activity level, so consult with your veterinarian or local animal hospital to determine how much protein your dog needs each day for optimal health.
2. Fat
Your dog's diet needs to be rich in healthy fats. Fat provides an immediate source of energy for your pet, allowing him or her to expend this energy by playing with your family. If your dog has been lethargic and there is no medical explanation for the sudden drop in energy, a diet that is lacking in healthy fats could be to blame.
Look for ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed, chicken fat, or safflower when buying food for your dog to ensure that your pet will be getting enough healthy fats in his or her diet.
3. Minerals
Minerals are essential to proper health. Your dog relies on the minerals in his or her food source to help generate bone and cartilage, and to balance fluid regulation. A mineral deficiency can lead to serious health problems, so you should be looking for reliable sources of minerals when shopping for dog food.
Check the ingredient list for items like molasses (which supplies valuable sulfur), whole grains (which supply zinc, sodium, and chloride), and beans (which supply magnesium). These ingredients will help to ensure that the dog food you purchase will supply your pet with the minerals essential for good health.
Share10 April 2018
Hello everyone. My name is Vern Mitchell. Welcome to my website about pet care. When I was a young kid, I helped the neighborhood families take care of their pets during the vacation season. As my neighbors went on their trips, I would go by their houses to feed and play with their pets. Throughout this journey, I learned about the care techniques required for almost every step of pet. On this website, I would like to help others understand how to care for pets of all kinds. Thank you for coming by my website about pet care. Come back soon!