Good nutrition is very important for dogs. It helps them stay happy and healthy. There are various types of dog food brands available in the market but it can be hard to determine which is best for your four-legged best friend.
Therefore, it is best to do some research before buying dog food online in the USA. Here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind when deciding what to feed your dog.
What Dogs Actually Eat?
It is important to remember that just like humans, every dog has different digestive systems and behaviors. So, what diet might be fine for one dog might not be the right choice for another. When it comes to giving a daily diet to your dog, it is important to consult with your vet.
Domesticated dogs are mostly carnivores that occasionally eat omnivorous food. It is important to ensure your dog’s diet is balanced and full of nutrients.
It is acceptable to give your dog regular pet food or mix the regular diet with raw fish, rice, vegetables, or meat.
Some homeowners give raw meat to their dogs, and though it can be suitable for some dogs, there are always some considerations that you need to be aware of.
Some pet meats and bone products can contain preservatives that are not the dog for your dog.
If meat is not clean, it can risk both you and your dog getting a food-borne bacterial infection.
Sometimes it is better to get suggestions from your vet because giving raw food to your dog can sometimes increase the risk of medical conditions.
How Much Food Your Dog Needs?
The quantity of food your dog can eat depends upon the size, breed, and age of the dog as well as how regularly they exercise. It is, however, important to ensure that your dog does not overfeed.
If you are not sure, ask your vet to assess the diet and nutrition of your dog. Always ensure that your dog is well hydrated. It means that you need to keep the water bowl filled all the time to help them drink properly.
Dogs have different digestive systems than humans. Also, some foods are safe for dogs, while some can be dangerous for dogs.
You can buy dog food online in the USA, however other than dog food available in the market, you can also feed them some other food items.
Although owners try to give regular dog food to their pets, sometimes, we can’t resist slipping them occasional food.
If you have been wondering what human food is safe for dogs, here is a list of food items that are safe and healthy for your canine friends.
● Cooked Chicken
As one of the most common ingredients, chicken is a human food that is also a healthy feed dog. Cooked chicken contains extra protein, and you can give it to your dog. In addition to being a savory treat, cooked chicken makes a healthy meal replacement if you are in a pinch and out of dog food.
● Baby Carrots
Another amazing food for your dog is baby carrots. Baby carrots are a low-calorie treat, and they are good for a dog’s teeth. Carrots are high in fiber and contain vitamin A and beta-carotene. You can feed your dog carrots but choose to slice them into small bite-sized pieces to avoid form choking.
● Yogurt
Yogurt is also safe for dogs. Yogurt contains calcium and protein that makes it a good food for dogs. It also contains some good bacteria that act as probiotics, and they are good for the digestive system of your dog.
Choose yogurt that does not contain artificial sugars and sweeteners. Greek yogurt is one of the best choices for dogs, and it has less lactose than regular yogurt.
Not only yogurt but milk and cheese are also safe for dogs and are in small quantities. Because dogs have low levels of lactose, and it can cause digestive problems.
● Fish
Tuna, shrimp, salmon are all safe to be consumed by dogs, and they are good sources of protein. Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids which can keep a dog’s immune system healthy.
Shrimp contains B vitamins that maintain a dog’s digestive system and promote blood circulation in them. It is important to cook fish because uncooked fish can contain harmful parasites.
● Eggs
Scrambling eggs are also a great source of protein, not only for humans but for dogs also. In addition to being rich in protein, they are also a good source of easily digestible selenium and riboflavin. To avoid the risk of salmonella and other bacteria, it is important to eat cooked eggs.
● Apple Slices
Apple slices are also safe to be consumed by dogs. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A making them a fantastic treat for your furry friend.
They are also known to clean residue for dog teeth which helps freshen their breath. However, take out the seeds before feeding them to the dig and keep the size small so the dog does not choke from the slice.
● Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another human food that is also safe for dogs. Cooked oatmeal is a great source of fiber, and it is also beneficial for dogs with irritable bowel issues,
The dogs that are allergic to wheat can also consume oatmeal. Make sure to cook oatmeal before feeding it to your dog, and to avoid extra sugar intake select the oatmeal with no sugar or additional flavor.
Final Thought
These are some of the food items that are safe and healthy for your pet. However, it is preferable to give the original dog food manufactured for them. But you can also give them a few other food items as a treat.
If you are not sure about a particular food item to be safe for your dog, it is better to consult with your vet first.
Author Bio
Alex Fineman completed his veterinary degree from Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2018. He then worked as an associate veterinarian for two years. Now Alex is running his pet clinic. He also writes blogs on animal health as a hobby.