The Patio Expert Pages

Pet food is not automatically human food nor scraps of cooked food. Being a dog owner, it is our responsibility to care for them properly and feed them nutritious and delicious food.Being our "best friend", we should be sensitive and careful on what we feed them because we could be giving food that's harmless for their health. Their soft coats that we love to snuggle into can be attained when they have sufficient vitamins and minerals - same with good teeth, bones, skin and their overall health. Feeding them right will strengthen their immune system to fight bacteria and parasites, too.

Dogs don't just need vitamins and minerals, they need the other essential compounds like carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fat.In their regular meal, one-third of a dog's food must contain protein, which they usually get from whole meat, eggs and fish, because it helps build strong muscles and a healthier coat, nails and skin. And fat isn't always bad for your dogs because it helps boost their metabolism and it transports vitamins into their system.And, of course, they need carbohydrates to remain active and energetic, and have a healthy digestive system.

As keepers of our pets, it is important to know which foods we should be careful not to give our dogs. Like humans, dogs can fall victim to malnutrition, obesity and health disorders such as cancer, arthritis, bowel disease, bladder and kidney stones, diabetes and skin problems, to name a few. Long time dog owners know, as new dog owners should, that many dishes and snacks in your home should not find its way into your dog's mouth, namely: chocolate, cooked chicken bones, beans, dairy products, garlic, onions and pork. To personally monitor their pet's food intake, many owners end up preparing homemade dog food themselves.

Homemade dog food offer a lot of benefits such as ensuring your dog's good health and it saves you a lot of money.While it takes time and effort to learn what to feed them, making your dog's food is economical and results-oriented as you will see good changes in their health. Just remember not to add preservatives and added spices, especially garlic, and to balance their diet and add variety to it. Cooked good grains such as brown rice and whole wheat can be included as small portions in their meal. There are many kinds of dog food in the market, and one is the premium dog food that promises dog food using only the best ingredients.These kinds are known to use ingredients without fillers or by-products and, known for its sophistication, these kinds of dog food often come in different shapes and color.

But before you start concocting your own recipes, you should see your pup's veterinarian to understand exactly what your pet needs.

In knowing your dog's dietary needs and what food they also enjoy eating, one should always consult a veterinarian. It doesn't matter whether you purchase dog foods or make them yourself, knowing more from professionals is the way to go.They can tell you what your pet dog needs based on its size, breed, age and level of activity.And if you're just learning how to feed your dog properly, don't forget to incorporate the healthy food slowly in their diet instead of changing it too fast. Like humans, dogs need to adjust to new foods, too.