When choosing what to feed your dog, it is important to consider several factors. These include the ingredients in dog food, common household foods that are toxic to dogs, GMO corn in pet foods, and meat and fish. In addition, it is important to choose a dog food that is rich in protein and fatty acids.
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Ingredients in dog food
There are a number of different ingredients in dog food. You need to know what they are and make sure that they are safe for your dog. For starters, you need to avoid artificial preservatives. These substances are often harmful to dogs. Rendering fats are another culprit. They enhance flavor but can also harbor harmful microorganisms. Propylene glycol is an ingredient that has been approved for human use, but is toxic for dogs.
Common household foods that are toxic to dogs
Many of the foods you find around the house are toxic to dogs, and you may not realize it. These household items contain toxic ingredients that can cause a dog to develop toxic shock or even die. One such common household food is anti-freeze. This substance contains the active ingredient ethylene glycol, which can be lethal to your dog. It is sweet tasting and odourless but can cause serious damage to a dog’s system. It can be fatal, and symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning in dogs usually appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours of exposure. Luckily, there is an antidote that can help your dog recover, but it will only be effective for eight to twelve hours.
GMO corn in pet food
Corn is a cheap source of calories, and it’s an important part of the kibble machinery. In addition, it can dilute more expensive ingredients, like meat. While dog food companies often claim that corn is low on the glycemic index, this is not true. It doesn’t actually raise the blood sugar levels of dogs and cats any less than other ingredients.
Meat and fish
There are plenty of fish choices that are safe for dogs, including many species of herring and flounder. Other options include salmon pike and ocean whitefish. These types of fish can be grilled or baked. They are not highly contaminated with mercury, and your dog won’t taste salt or seasoning from them. If you’re preparing fish for your dog, opt for skinless fillets and avoid bones.
Vegetables
Providing your dog with a variety of vegetables can help reduce your dog’s weight and provide a nutritious source of nutrition. Vegetables contain antioxidants, fiber, minerals, enzymes, phytonutrients, and other important nutrients. They are also low-calorie, making them a healthy choice for dog owners who want to cut their pet’s calorie intake.
Eggs
Eggs are a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. However, they should only comprise 10% of your dog’s total calorie intake. If you are unsure, ask your vet.
Rice
Cooked rice is a great addition to your dog’s diet. However, be careful to limit the amount of rice your dog consumes. Your dog’s body needs a balance of fat, carbohydrates and protein to function properly. While dogs can tolerate small amounts of rice, too much can lead to gastrointestinal problems and weight gain. To prevent this problem, make sure that your dog only eats about a third of a cup of rice per day.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great food for dogs and is rich in antioxidants. Its seeds are high in magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It is also a good source of healthy oils and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It can be ground in a food processor or high-powered blender. However, it is important to start out slowly and use small amounts of pumpkin seeds.
Carrots
Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals, and they are an ideal snack for your dog. They are rich in Vitamin A, which helps support healthy eyes, skin, and coat. The vitamin also plays a crucial role in regulating bowel movements and maintaining the health of the digestive system. Dogs need a certain amount of Vitamin A in their diet to be healthy, but too much can cause gastrointestinal upset. To avoid this problem, it’s a good idea to introduce a new food slowly to your dog’s diet.
