A well balanced diet can add years to your dog’s life

Feeding a dog the same diet for years on end can lead to malnutrition and liver or kidney problems. Dog food that is purchased on the market today is not always the best food for your dog. These foods sometimes do not contain the right type of nutrient levels for dogs, and sometimes over the counter pet foods have been found to contain hazardous materials. Even a healthy dog food should not be the only diet that a dog eats all of its life; processing the same type of food for a lifetime can lead to health problems and an overall poor health condition.

The best type of diet for your dog that will add to the longevity of your dog’s life should include reliable pet foods and home cooked foods. Veterinarian recommended pet foods combined with home cooked foods such as rice, meat dishes, and vegetables will give your dog all of the necessary nutrients needed to maintain a healthy diet. Never feed your dog pork products, but instead give meats such as chicken, lamb, turkey, and fish. Try to keep in mind that while dogs need plenty of protein, they also benefit from nutritious and fresh fruits and vegetables.

A Dog’s Diet Should Change Throughout Its Life

In order for your dog to stay healthy, it is important that you feed your dog a diet suited to the age of your dog. There are specific diets created for puppies, just as there are senior diets for elderly dogs. Protein rich diets which help puppies to grow can harm an elderly dog’s kidneys, and diets rich in carbohydrates but low in proteins can lead to health problems in puppies. Feed your dog a puppy diet until he or she is 6 months old, and then gradually switch to a diet suited for young dogs. As your dog grows older you will need to make small adjustments to the diet periodically; these little diet changes will help your dog to stay healthy, and will add years to your dog’s life.

Change how much you feed your dog

You will also need to change the amount of food that you feed your dog over the course of the dog’s life. High-energy puppies and young adults require larger amounts of food then older dogs, which are taking it a bit easy in their later years. If you notice that your aging dog is gaining weight even though you are feeding the same amount of food have a blood test performed to ensure that the dog’s thyroid function is normal; then try placing the dog on a light diet food and slowly reduce the amount of food the dog eats.

The Dangers Of Obesity

Loving pet owners sometimes spoil their dogs with food. Chubby dogs may look cute, but the health problems that these dogs can suffer from are serious and sometimes lethal. Dogs that are even slightly obese are at higher risks of developing heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems. Overweight dogs may also suffer from arthritis and muscle injuries. In severe cases a dog may become so overweight that the muscles around the knees actually tear and the dog is unable to walk without drastic surgical intervention; sometimes even surgery is not enough to help the dog recover and euthanization is necessary.

It is easier to keep a dog slim and healthy then to try to change an obese dog’s eating and lifestyle habits. Overweight dogs, and their frustrated owners, often struggle through diets; if your dog is overweight, have patience and stick to a diet and exercise plan for your dog. A nutritious diet plan, balanced meals that are given in the right amount, and plenty of play and exercise time will ensure that your dog remains at the right weight.

There is nothing wrong with a spoiled dog, but spoil your dog with love, affection, and plenty of toys instead of food.