In the wild, a dog’s diet is primarily meat, but unlike cats they also get a portion of their nutrition from fruits and other plants, excluding grains. Over the period of their domestication their stomachs and diets have become more accustomed to human food, but it is still important to keep them to their natural diet.
Raw meat is a very important part of your dog's diet. The meat should be human grade, it is the healthiest and there is no reason your dog should be fed anything less. It contains the moisture dogs need to be properly hydrated. It also provides the necessary protein and vitamins to stay healthy.
Dogs love bones. Whether their bone is a tasty treat or a health concern depends entirely on the type of bone given. The main concern is that small bones or bone fragments can get stuck in your dog's windpipe, esophagus, stomach, or intestines and may cause many types of injuries.
There are several ways to insure that your dog has no regrets about her snack. The first is to make sure the bone is larger than your dog's mouth. This insures that your dog will not be able to swallow it whole. The second is to give only raw bones. Cooked bones have a tendency to splinter.
Remember that balance is the key. Too many raw bones may cause your pet constipation. To avoid this dogs should be given only one or two bones per week. With several days in between each bone, your dog's stomach is given a break to cleanse itself. It is advised to avoid large marrow bones, lamb cutlets, large knuckle bones, and T-bones as your dog may crack or chip their teeth on them. Dogs should also be supervised when given bones, just to be on the safe side.
Kibble can be a healthy part of your dog's diet, but it should not be your companion’s only food source. Even with water, dry kibble can lead to dehydration and urinary tract problems. Kibble should be accompanied by a canned or moister dog food. In addition, most commercial kibble contains large amounts of grains and fillers. This only accomplishes filling your dog up with empty calories. The diet that will keep your dog healthiest and happiest should contain whole foods, lean meats, vegetables and fruits while minimizing grains.
Adult dogs should usually be fed twice a day, preferably around the same time. Having a regular feeding routine will provide insulin for your dog. This helps her blood sugar levels stay balanced, giving her steady energy throughout the day with a healthy body and mind.
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