A growing number of dog owners want to know what their dogs are eating. Specialty foods
are advertised as the best thing yet, but are they really better for
our dogs than the food we can buy in the grocery store? How about high
protein dog food -
should dogs have it, or is it a problem? Here's what you should know,
and a few myths that aren't really true, to help you understand whether
high protein dog food is really worthwhile.
A lot of people are sure that high protein dog food is bad for our pets, but they're mistaken. We have studies proving that dogs of any age not only won't be hurt by a high protein diet (kidney problems and bone growth issues just don't occur the way some claim), but they'll actually be helped by it.
After all, to produce lean muscle, your dog needs to get the right nutrition, and protein is an important part of that. Remember to keep dogs with kidney problems on a diet with only moderate protein, but don't reduce it too much. Most dogs just don't eat enough.
Remember that dogs which aren't eating the kind of protein they need can have serious health and behavioral problems. Choosing a higher protein food can keep you away from expensive vet appointments and make day to day life easier. Choose foods that don't have too much fat or calcium, especially for younger large and giant breed dogs. Unfortunately, there are a few high protein dog foods that are up to a fifth fat - great for active and working dogs, and not so good for lazy ones.
Dogs that really enjoy their current food shouldn't be deprived. Instead, boost their protein intake by adding fresh, protein rich foods, from cottage cheese and low fat yogurt to eggs, meat, bone in canned fish and many others. You may find that just changing from a diet high in carbohydrates to one that's high in protein can eliminate many behavioral issues.
Remember that large and giant breed puppies shouldn't overfed, as it could cause developmental issues and health problems down the road. We all want big, healthy dogs, but too much growth too quickly can actually hurt our pets. Avoid calcium supplements and stick to appropriate puppy food, not adult dog food.
Many senior dogs eat low protein food, and it could be hurting them. Weight gain in dogs on a low protein diet is common, since their bodies encourage them to eat more to get the nutrients they need. Switch to high protein, low carbohydrate, moderate fat dog foods for your heavy or older dog, and see if something changes!
A lot of people are sure that high protein dog food is bad for our pets, but they're mistaken. We have studies proving that dogs of any age not only won't be hurt by a high protein diet (kidney problems and bone growth issues just don't occur the way some claim), but they'll actually be helped by it.
After all, to produce lean muscle, your dog needs to get the right nutrition, and protein is an important part of that. Remember to keep dogs with kidney problems on a diet with only moderate protein, but don't reduce it too much. Most dogs just don't eat enough.
Remember that dogs which aren't eating the kind of protein they need can have serious health and behavioral problems. Choosing a higher protein food can keep you away from expensive vet appointments and make day to day life easier. Choose foods that don't have too much fat or calcium, especially for younger large and giant breed dogs. Unfortunately, there are a few high protein dog foods that are up to a fifth fat - great for active and working dogs, and not so good for lazy ones.
Dogs that really enjoy their current food shouldn't be deprived. Instead, boost their protein intake by adding fresh, protein rich foods, from cottage cheese and low fat yogurt to eggs, meat, bone in canned fish and many others. You may find that just changing from a diet high in carbohydrates to one that's high in protein can eliminate many behavioral issues.
Remember that large and giant breed puppies shouldn't overfed, as it could cause developmental issues and health problems down the road. We all want big, healthy dogs, but too much growth too quickly can actually hurt our pets. Avoid calcium supplements and stick to appropriate puppy food, not adult dog food.
Many senior dogs eat low protein food, and it could be hurting them. Weight gain in dogs on a low protein diet is common, since their bodies encourage them to eat more to get the nutrients they need. Switch to high protein, low carbohydrate, moderate fat dog foods for your heavy or older dog, and see if something changes!
I am a Professional Dog Groomer and have been so for over 15
years. In that time I have seen countless instances of dogs eating
discount dog food or one of the brands you see endlessly on television
commercials. More often than not these are the dogs that have dry, itchy
skin, hot spots,lethargy, and/or ear infections, to name a few of the
problems that I encounter.
I would like to offer you a FREE 10 part mini course which will answer some of your questions about what you are, and should be, feeding your pet to insure optimal health!
Please visit our website Healthy Dog Food to get your pet started down the path to a healthy and happy life!
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Hayes
I would like to offer you a FREE 10 part mini course which will answer some of your questions about what you are, and should be, feeding your pet to insure optimal health!
Please visit our website Healthy Dog Food to get your pet started down the path to a healthy and happy life!
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