Three Steps to Enhance Your Furry Friend’s Diet
While physical activities play a significant role in ensuring a dog’s well-being, the importance of its diet cannot be underestimated. Every pet owner has their own approach to raising their four-legged companions, and as time progresses, adapting their dietary habits becomes essential for longevity and vitality. In this discussion, we’ll explore how to elevate your canine companion’s diet.
The dietary choices we make can serve as the foundation for a prolonged and healthy life or, conversely, have adverse effects. Let’s invest time and affection in our puppies, ensuring they stay with us for an extended period. Offering your dog fresh, organic food is paramount. Not only does it fortify their physique, but it also enhances their mental well-being, making them more resilient during stressful times.
My two dogs are healthy, thin, and full of energy. Their diet primarily consists of home-cooked meals prepared by me. I would like to invite you in this endeavor because, in discussions with other owners who also cook for their pets, we have often explored the idea that commercial kibble feeding may not offer the same benefits as homemade meals. Remember, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach! Even a small change or occasional inclusion of homemade food can be a significant bonus for your furry companion.
- Incorporate Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
As discussed in our previous blog, „Yeses and Noes in a dog’s menu or what is good and what is dangerous for a dog to eat!“, not all foods are suitable for dogs. If you missed it, consider revisiting, as it lays the foundation for understanding canine nutrition.
Fresh, natural foods like fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and live enzymes beneficial for digestion. To avoid losing these benefits due to thermal processing, opt for raw options, such as sliced and peeled apples or bananas, cucumbers, carrots, or green peppers (without seeds). These fresh foods offer a comprehensive range of essential substances, setting them apart from industrially prepared substitutes. Organic foods contain vital nutritional cofactors that synergistically aid the absorption and utilization of nutrients. Additionally, raw fruits and vegetables contribute to your faithful friend’s dental hygiene.
- Introduce Probiotics and Antioxidants – Prioritize Gut Health:
The digestive system wields a significant impact on your pet’s overall well-being, influencing mood, self-control, energy levels, and motivation. Within the intricate landscape of the intestinal tract, a delicate balance of beneficial bacteria is essential. Elevate your dog’s mood and vitality by incorporating natural probiotics and antioxidants into their daily diet, whether as delectable snacks or well-deserved rewards.
For optimal gastrointestinal flora, consider natural yogurt or skyr as the go-to probiotic sources. Natural yogurt boasts rich levels of calcium, B vitamins—especially B12 and riboflavin—contributing to heart health and neural tube defect prevention. Additionally, its high protein content stimulates metabolism, fostering increased energy expenditure. Ensure the probiotic efficacy by selecting yogurt with live, active cultures.
Consuming probiotic-rich yogurt fortifies your pet’s immune system, demonstrating benefits such as inflammation reduction, combating various health conditions from viral infections to intestinal disorders.
Also let’s not overlook the significance of natural antioxidants in the battle against free radicals and the aging process. These powerful warriors, including Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), and Vitamin E, are present in numerous foods, earning them the designation of Super Foods
But what are they?
Antioxidants are molecules capable of inhibiting oxidation caused by free radicals or oxidative stress.
Where can we find them and in what form are they suitable for the dog?
Here are some dog-friendly options that you can offer in moderation: blueberries, peaches (without pits), strawberries, seedless pears, watermelon, melon (in moderation), and apples!
BONUS: Treat your beloved pet to a light snack by serving 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt paired with blueberries, bananas, or other fruits.
Include vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, and pumpkin in your dog’s diet, preferably cooked for gentle consumption as not all are suitable for raw intake. Only the carrot can be given also raw. Enrich your pet’s health and vitality with a diverse array of whole foods, teeming with probiotics and antioxidants.
- Be Informed, Not a Marketing Victim
I am familiar with the allure of enticingly packaged dog treats found in stores, having succumbed to their appeal on numerous occasions. It’s not a coincidence; there’s an entire industry dedicated to these products, complete with marketing strategies, salespeople, advertising campaigns, brochures, and promoters offering free samples. Escaping their influence is challenging, especially considering dogs’ undeniable love for these treats.
The attractiveness of these treats is often enhanced by the inclusion of flavorings, sweeteners, preservatives, and various other ingredients designed to tantalize a dog’s sense of smell. Additionally, these additives serve a practical purpose, making the treats durable and ensuring a prolonged shelf life. Unfortunately, my firsthand experience has revealed their potential impact on my dogs’ health.
Upon noticing deviations from the norm during routine examinations and “Complete Blood Count” tests, I consulted my vet, who attributed the issues to the consumption of commercial dog treats. This revelation highlighted that these treats are not as safe as they might seem. Three months after discontinuing store-bought treats and opting for homemade alternatives, I retested my dogs’ blood, and the results were reassuringly within the normal range. Hooray! Abby and Artie, far from deprived, now enjoy homemade treats, with their favorite being Banana Oatmeal Cookies. While these may not be as durable, their quick consumption is a testament to their appeal.
I share this personal experience as an illustrative example of the adage “We are what we eat,” extending it to our canine companions. It’s essential not to be swayed by marketing tactics. Those creating the ads are not the ones that produce the food; their goal is to maximize popularity. To make informed choices, scrutinize labels and consider preparing your own treats at home. In the recipes section you will find several suggestions that I’ve personally tried and found satisfying for my dogs.
