Just like with us, everything in our canine children's lives starts with what they eat. Their health, how long they live and how well they feel depends a lot on the food we give them.
Think about it, they can't choose their menu, they can't decide what to eat. We are their only option and they totally trust what we offer them. So it's super important that we choose well for them.
There are several ways to feed our dog, but it is crucial to know the advantages and disadvantages of each option in order to choose the one that we can maintain in the long term.
As Hippocrates said, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." In the case of our dogs, a healthy diet not only nourishes, but also acts as a preventative measure, avoiding countless visits to the vet, unnecessary suffering and the expense of medication.
A good diet is the first line of defense in your dog's health.
Dogs have a shorter life span than we do, but the healthy habits we instill in them can add more and better quality years to our time together. Ultimately, good nutrition is key to enjoying a long and happy life together.
Today I want us to talk about 2 types of diet:
Commercial food: Feed or croquettes
For years, the idea has been promoted that feed or kibble is the ideal diet for dogs, under the premise that they are formulated to offer a perfect nutritional balance.
But to what extent is this true? Remember that dogs, descendants of wolves, are carnivores by nature. This means that their diet should be centred on meat. However, many kibbles contain a high proportion of cereals, meat by-products, and preservatives, elements that are not part of a carnivore's natural diet.
Not all croquettes are of low quality; there are brands that offer better quality products.
To determine if a brand of kibble is good, it's essential to check the ingredient list. Look for those whose first ingredients are identifiable meats (such as chicken, beef, lamb) and that contain a lower proportion of grains or by-products. This is closer to a natural and balanced diet for your dog.
Homemade cooked natural food:
Homemade, cooked natural dog food has gained popularity as an alternative to commercial kibble.
This option involves preparing balanced meals at home that are appropriate for the nutritional needs of dogs, using fresh and natural ingredients. In theory, being descendants of wolves, dogs benefit from a diet rich in meat and animal proteins, with less inclusion of cereals and artificial additives.
When preparing homemade food for your dog, it is essential to ensure that the diet is complete and balanced. This includes an appropriate proportion of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
It is common to use ingredients such as lean meat, vegetables, and some healthy carbohydrates such as rice or quinoa. However, it is crucial to avoid foods that can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, or garlic.
Although homemade feeding can be more natural and personalized, it also requires a good understanding of canine nutritional needs to avoid deficiencies or imbalances.
BARF feeding:
The BARF diet ("Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" or "Bones and Raw Food") has caught the attention of many dog parents looking to offer their faithful companions a diet more in line with their natural needs.
This nutritional approach is based on the premise of offering dogs raw, unprocessed food, mimicking the wild diet of their ancestors, the wolves. Raw meat, meaty bones, organs and vegetables are key components of this natural food option.
The BARF diet offers a variety of potential benefits for your dog's health and well-being, from improved dental and skin health, more efficient digestion, reduced allergies and food sensitivities, a shiny coat and increased energy.
Now, while this type of diet can be very good in most cases, it also presents certain contraindications and challenges such as: the risk of bacterial contamination due to poor food handling, nutritional imbalances if it is not well planned for your dog's needs and, depending on the breed of your four-legged friend, it could cause digestive problems or food allergies.
It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to design an appropriate diet for your dog, taking into account his age, breed, activity level and any specific health conditions.
Remember, choosing the perfect diet depends on your furry friend's age, energy, and overall health.
Do you have any questions? Leave them in the comments! We are here to help your furry friend eat like a king.