Balance is important in every area of our lives, but for our dogs it’s probably most critical in their nutrition.
A dog that eats an unbalanced food that does not contain all the essential nutrients he needs is likely to suffer health problems and live a shorter and less happy life.
How Do I Know My Dog Food is Balanced?
A balanced pet food for your dog should contain protein (from an animal), vegetables, whole grains, fat, and micronutrients (omega 3 fatty acids for skin and brain function; and for large breed puppies and older dogs, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate).
Dogs also require more than 50 key nutrients, the most vital of which are vitamin C and minerals magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. The balance between these nutrients is important, too. “The body is a very complex organic place where biochemical reactions are going on,” explains Kerri Marshall, DVM, a licensed veterinarian and chief veterinary officer at Trupanion.
Should I Change My Dog Food According to My Dog's Lifestage?
Yes! Like humans, dogs have different nutritional needs depending on their life stage. Puppies, and lactating and pregnant females in particular, need plenty of calcium and magnesium for bone health and growth; older animals typically need fewer minerals to avoid kidney damage.
Lækre Tips
Because of these different requirements, “be sure to always buy pet food that’s specifically balanced for the life stage of your pet,” says Dr. Marshall.
If your dog has one of a number of diseases, such as arthritis or renal disease, his problems could worsen if you feed him an incorrectly balanced food. To avoid problems, there are foods that are especially designed for these issues, which dogs can eat indefinitely.
And, says Dr. Marshall, there are even foods specifically balanced for shorter-term medical problems like obesity, bladder infections, vomiting, kidney stones, and anemia.
If your dog is on a special food for a short-term medical problem or a short-term life stage like being a puppy or pregnancy, be sure to switch onto the new dog food — or back to the old food — gradually, warns Dr. Marshall, or your dog could suffer vomiting or diarrhea from the sudden change. The transition should take at least a week.
For the complete article on balanced dog food and choosing the best food for your dog’s health, visit petMD!
Anbefalede produkter til katte med nyreproblemer
Healthy Mobility Medium Adult hundefoder
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Medium Breed Adult hundefoder med kylling er avanceret ernæring til at understøtte ledsundheden og forbedre mobiliteten.
Hypoallergenic Large Breed Adult hundefoder med laks
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Medium Adult hundefoder med laks er et fuldfoder til voksne store hunderacer på 1-5 år. Det er sammensat til hunde med sart hud og mave, med begrænsede nye proteinkilder af høj kvalitet og uden korn.
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Adult Small & Mini Hundefoder Kylling
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Small & Mini Breed Adult hundefoder med kylling er avanceret ernæring, der understøtter leddenes sundhed og forbedrer mobiliteten.
Healthy Mobility Large Breed Adult hundefoder
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Large Breed Adult hundefoder med kylling er avanceret ernæring til at understøtte ledsundheden og forbedre mobiliteten.
Relaterede artikler
Keeping Your Dog From Begging at the Dinner Table
Learn how to stop your dog from begging at the dinner table, and understand how it can help contribute to his health.
Helpful Tips for Exercising with Your Dog
Though it may seem like your four-legged friend loves nothing more than to nap on the couch, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy just like people do.
Grooming Suggestions for Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy
Signs of a healthy dog include healthy skin and a healthy coat. This article provides information on the appearance of a healthy coat, the importance of grooming, brushing, bathing and nutrition in the care of maintaining a healthy dog.
Vet's Advice About A Dog Diet
Just like every other pet owner, vets are responsible for giving their pets the best possible nutrition, exercise and care needed to keep them healthy and happy.
Sæt din hund på diæt uden at den opdager det
Vores kaloriefattige sammensætning hjælper dig med at kontrollere din hunds vægt. Den er fyldt med protein af høj kvalitet til at opbygge slanke muskler og lavet med udvalgte ingredienser for et velsmagende og nærende måltid. Klinisk dokumenterede antioxidanter, vitamin C+E, hjælper med at styrke et sundt immunsystem.
Sæt din hund på diæt uden at den opdager det
Vores kaloriefattige sammensætning hjælper dig med at kontrollere din hunds vægt. Den er fyldt med protein af høj kvalitet til at opbygge slanke muskler og lavet med udvalgte ingredienser for et velsmagende og nærende måltid. Klinisk dokumenterede antioxidanter, vitamin C+E, hjælper med at styrke et sundt immunsystem.