Dogs should consume a diet which mimics that found in nature as closely as possible, consisting of meat, fish, and some vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and celery bites.
However, it’s also essential to recognize which foods should not be given to dogs. For instance, apricot and cherry seeds and pits can contain cyanide which may cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures and in extreme cases death by oxygen deprivation.
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Picky eaters
An unwilling eater can be an ongoing battle for pet owners. Yet they need food in order to receive all of the essential vitamins and minerals their bodies require; some dogs simply have smaller appetites than others; thankfully there are ways of encouraging them to consume enough.
An animal’s diet can have an impactful impact on its appetite. If they are used to getting table scraps instead of commercial foods such as kibble, this could decrease its interest. For optimal results it may be wiser not to offer this source of sustenance anymore. To encourage proper feeding behavior it would be advisable to discontinue this practice and instead provide only commercial foods instead.
Suddenly changing appetite could be a telltale sign of illness or anxiety in your dog, so make an appointment to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Some pets become selective eaters due to allergies to certain proteins; this may cause stomach upset leading them to refuse eating altogether. Try gradually introducing new food by mixing in cooked pumpkin or grated carrots into their meal to aid with their digestion.
Overeaters
Many pet parents may not realize the potential health hazards posed by overeating canines. While obesity may be obvious, overeating may also result in other issues like bloat. Hormonal disorders as well as particular breeds that tend to gain weight quickly may contribute to this weight gain.
At times, dogs may eat too much due to an imbalanced hormone environment. This could be caused by hypothyroidism and diabetes causing hypersensitivity towards food that leads to frequent cravings causing them to remain hungry all of the time.
Other causes of overeating in dogs could include parasites and nutritional deficiencies, so if your pup suddenly begins eating more food and treats than normal, take them immediately to a vet for tests and recommendations for diet changes that will make your pup feel better – this is particularly crucial if symptoms of bloat appear, such as abdominal distention and unproductive retching or gagging.
Unhealthy ingredients
Many dog foods contain unhealthy ingredients like tallow and lard that lack nutrition, providing excessive omega-6 fatty acids to the dog that may be responsible for arthritis, hip/joint issues and other ailments. To stay away from such toxic dog food ingredients try switching over to more beneficial sources of fat like named fish oils or olive oil instead.
Other unhealthy dog food ingredients may contain unnamed meat by-products, which refers to animal parts unsuitable for human consumption (feathers, hooves, hair, hide or offal). Instead of opting for these fillers try looking for animal meals or whole deboned meats as alternatives.
Artificial flavours should also be avoided as they provide no nutritional benefit and can lead to health issues like gastrointestinal irritation, allergies, obesity and depression in your pup. Sugar substitutes have also been linked with high blood sugar levels and diabetes in dogs; for optimal nutrition look for natural ingredients like fresh fruits and vegetables or meaty dry kibble. Finally avoid processed food that has been cooked at high temperatures which kill enzymes and destroy nutrients – this will provide your dog with all they need!
Changes in diet
If your dog’s eating habits suddenly change, this could be an indicator of an upset stomach. This could be caused by viral infection, inflammation or something trapped inside their tummy as well as them eating food that’s unhealthy for them.
Food scraps such as fruit pieces, cooked vegetables or low-fat cheese may be fed to dogs as treats – though be wary of any extra treats that could add up and cause weight gain for your canine friend – which could result in heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.
Cucumbers make an excellent treat for your pup as they are low in calories, fat and sodium – just be sure to avoid pickled cucumbers as these could make your pet sick! Unsalted air-popped popcorn contains riboflavin and thiamine as well as protein, iron and fibre; just ensure all kernels pop before offering to your dog as any unpopped ones pose a choking risk!
