Beef up your homemade dog meals with vitamins and mineralsEating healthier isn't just a trend for humans,ย dogs can also benefit from consuming meals with more nutrients. Some owners have even begun taking the time to intimately prepare gourmet food for their four-legged friends, but this has veterinarians concerned.KDVR Denver reported that big name brands are getting into the craze, creating products that are
packed with healthy ingredients like chicken, brown rice and seasonal veggies. These also come in a variety of styles, from frozen to mix and serve options. More owners are looking to feed their dogs meals that theyย would be comfortable eating.However, veterinarian Kevin Fitzgerald, V.M.D., from the Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, is concerned that these foods aren't enough to meet the daily needs of canines."My worry with that is are these rations they`re making nutritionally complete?" said Fitzgerald, quoted by the news source.Talking with your dog's vet is an important step before attempting to cook lavish meals. Multivitamins and supplements that focus on specific aspects of canine health - mobility, oral hygiene and immune systems, for example - should be included to ensure that your furry friend receives the proper nutrients from the meals.
Dog food supplements to considerThere are numerous options for owners to choose from that can add substantial nutrients to a dog's diet. While certain foods may also serve as viable sources, these additions can enhance meals to ensure that canines are happy and healthy pets, according to The Whole Dog Journal.
- Calcium: In order to build stronger bones and teeth in their later years, dogs need to have their homemade diets supplemented with calcium. The best standard to follow is 800 to 1,000 mg per pound of food. Because some multivitamin options may not contain enough, owners can use a clean coffee grinder to break down eggshells into powder. Adding this into the food mixture ensures that your pet gets his or her daily dose of fortifying calcium.
- Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids are important to boost both human and canine immune systems. They provide EPA and DHA to diets that help fight off bacteria and other pathogens, while also reducing inflammation. If you frequently don't serve fish to your dog, consider adding this into the diet regimen. Theย WDJ recommended owners include about 300 mg EPA and DHA combined for every 20 to 30 pounds of dog weight.
- Vitamin D: As dogs get older, they can begin to develop digestive issues and Vitamin D supplements can help them break down foods. Some homemade diets can be short on vitamins and minerals, especially those that don't include enough vegetables or organ meatย like chicken liver.
While supplements help meet the daily requirements for canines, it's important to not overdo it. Smaller dogs are more susceptible to overloaded vitamins and minerals, and certain supplements might recommend the same dose for canines that weigh 10 pounds and 100 pounds. Pay attention to what's on the label and adjust dosages accordingly to ensure your dog stays healthy. Always consult with your veterinarian when deciding on homemade meals for your canine.