Introduction
Nourishment is something that every owner is concerned with when it comes to their dogs. Some think that buying dog food at a local pet store will keep their dog healthy. Most commercially produced dog food contain ingredients that are more for preserving the food, then the dog. Making healthy dog food at home, the owner knows exactly what is going into the dogs food, plus can customize the diet according to the needs of the dog. This will keep your dog healthy, active and long living.
The diets of dogs closely follow that of their human owners. Proper diet and exercise will keep you dog trim, along with proper nutrition will keep it healthy. A well balanced diet will prevent common dog health problems.
Proteins are necessary for all areas of a dogs growth, bone structure and immune system. Proteins are one of the most important aspect of a dogs diet, they are burned as calories which give the dog energy.
The intake of fat is not viewed the same in a dogs diet as it is in a humans. The dog needs fat for energy, also it is needed for kidney functions and to produce a good coat and skin for a dog. Just as humans need a balanced diet, proteins, fats and carbohydrates should be the make up of a dogs diet. Carbohydrate are another source of energy for a dog.
When reading the ingredients of a commercially produced supply of dog food, do not be fooled into thinking this is the best food available for your dog. Most commercially produced products have inferior quality items (cheaper) in them that barely meet the nutritional guideline for dogs. Something that should be paid attention to is the percent of digestible protein in a product. By products of chicken and meat have far fewer digestible protein then the actual meat or chicken itself. If grains are listed as an ingredient they are not protein, they are carbohydrates.
By making your own dog food, you are monitoring the intake of your dog. You can correct any area’s of concern. You can make food that is specific to your dogs needs and likes. Many home made dog food recipes call for ingredients such as bananas, honey, vegetables, apples plus meats such as beef, chicken, turkey and fish. By masking home made dog food you can steer you pet away form preservative, additives and artificial flavors.
There are many reasons for giving your dog the best nutrition available, but the one that is most important is that you love your dog.