Dogs need a balanced diet. What type of food you feed your pup depends on several factors, including age, breed, activity level and health issues. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice; alternatively consider these five whole-food based recipes as ways to improve his/her wellbeing.
As with human food, when searching for healthy dog food the first thing to consider should be meat quality – such as chicken, turkey and beef (after removal of bone, fat and excess connective tissue).
Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and quinoa provide slow-releasing energy sources that don’t result in sudden spikes and dips of blood sugar levels that come with more simple carbs.
Legumes provide both protein and fiber, making them a nutritious treat for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grains, as well as being abundant in antioxidants, vitamins A, B6, C & K and soluble fiber that regulate digestion to keep your pet feeling full and satisfied.
Searching for dog healthy foods should include essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids are an integral component of their nutrition; essential for cell function, heart health, brain development and development as a whole. They can be found in seeds or nuts among many vegetable sources.
Always look for sources of calcium, magnesium and potassium as these three minerals play an integral part of nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and cell division. You can find them in vegetables, meats and whole grains.
Vitamins are also very essential to your dog’s wellbeing, so make sure that the dog food you choose contains an array of B-vitamin supplements (biotin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamine). Vitamin supplements play a vital role in metabolism, digestion and immunity processes and can be found in vegetables, fruit, eggs livers or even brewer’s yeast.
Minerals are also an essential element of your dog’s wellbeing, so select food with natural and healthful sources of them such as seaweed for its rich supply of iodine; this mineral will support thyroid function as well as maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Good quality dog healthy food should provide your canine with an assortment of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, squash, green beans and apples that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A & C, potassium, calcium and fibre.
Finally, a high-quality dog food should contain extra supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health; probiotic and prebiotic ingredients to ensure a healthy digestive tract; food free of allergens to avoid reactions if your pup has allergies; additionally you should speak to your vet regarding specific considerations pertaining to health conditions, dietary restrictions or food allergies for your pup.
