What to and What Not to Include In Your Dog’s Diet

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Your dog's daily diet plays an important role in keeping him/her healthy and in helping them live longer. A well-balanced diet is essential for their growth. Nutritional needs vary for different breeds and also according to your dog's age.  Your dog must be fed at proper times and with the proper amount. Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise. Over eating and overweight can put a strain on their health. Dogs are greedy little creatures and they enjoy eating. Some of us are prone to showing our affection by giving them a few extra treats and maybe even a few big meals. Avoid this and learn to resist those big, round puppy eyes when they beg for food.What should you feed your dog?

Make sure your dog has easy access to plenty of water. Staying hydrated is extremely important and if your dog is pretty energetic, he/she will definitely lap up a lot of water. Dry food tends to make dogs thirsty, try to balance the ratio between the amount of dry food you give your dog with amount of water you give.

Include protein rich foods such as chicken, beef, fish, eggs, soy and vegetables in your dog's daily diet. Proteins are essential for cell repair, maintenance and the overall growth of your dog.

While fats are necessary since they are a source of energy and help to maintain healthy coats, too much of fats can affect your dog's health. Include essential fats such as linoleic acid. Atleast 5% of your dog's diet should comprise of fats.

A source of energy and vital for the health of the intestines, your dog's diet needs to include the right amount of carbohydrates. Make sure your dog's daily diet includes fibers such as rice, wheat, and corn.

Consult your vet for advice on the right amounts of vitamins and minerals to give your dogs. Over supplementation can lead to poisoning and deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals can stunt your dog's growth and affect the health of their bones, teeth and fur. They are also very important in metabolic reactions taking place in your dog's body.Refrain from feeding your dog foods such as chocolates, salty food, ice cream, garlic, onions, etc. as it can poison them. Raw meat, fish and eggs should also be avoided as it can interfere with your dog's metabolism.Adult dogs need to be fed only twice a day while puppies may need to be fed upto four times a day. Try feeding your dog according to a proper schedule as this will regulate how their body functions.