Choosing The Best Dog Chow For Your Dog
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Dogs have lived with us for over 15, 000 years, but it was only in the mid-1800’s that the first food specifically designed for dogs was invented. Even then, it wasn’t until after the Second World War that the dog food industry started its ascent towards the multi-billion dollar colossus that it is today.
So what were dogs fed for the thousands of years before then? The truth is they were pretty much left to scrounge or hunt for their own meals. Occasionally, they may have been thrown a bone from the master’s table or given a treat by a kindly soul.
As dogs began to become more integral to the human family, they started to be fed more regular meals by their guardians. But these would have mainly been scraps from the table or the kitchen.
With the advent of the information age, there has been an explosion of television programs, websites and magazines about dogs. People have become more informed about dog nutrition, and more concerned about dog health.
There have been volumes written on canine nutrition, as well as the introduction of premium and super premium dog food brands. Add to that things like the raw dog food diet and it's easy to see why the average person can become quite confused about the best food for their dog.
So, I hear you ask, what food is best for my dog?
Well, depending on who you listen to, it could be anything from raw meat and vegetables, cooked homemade meals, or a premium, vet-approved brand of kibble.
All of these approaches have merit. But the important thing is balance and a menu that caters to the dog's omnivorous nature. All good dog food diets, whether raw, dry or home cooked, need to take this into account.
Try to split your dog's calorie intake three ways between meat, vegetables and fiber. Or feed a slightly higher percentage of meat and reduce the other two components proportionally.
If you’re like most dog owners though, time is an issue. In that case the best way to ensure that your dog gets a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet is to feed a vet approved, premium or super premium dog food.
Be sure to pick the right variety, whether puppy, senior, diet, large breed, small breed etc. There are even variants that are specially formulated for specific breeds.
Two things you should definitely avoid feeding your dog are cheap commercial dog food, and table scraps.
Most of the brands you find on the supermarket shelves fall into this category. They often have grain as their primary component and are therefore lacking in the nutrients needed in a healthy canine diet. There is also evidence to suggest that some of the colorings and preservatives used may be behind a whole catalog of ailments and diseases.
You should also avoid feeding your dog table scraps. Human food is generally not good for a dog as it is high in fat and may contain harmful ingredients like garlic or onions. A dog that is regularly fed from the table is also likely to become a habitual beggar.
To read more about best dog food, dog care, dog training and other helpful dog advice drop by at www.dogsanddogtraining.com