Dog nutrition: what can you feed your dog all year round?
Caring for a pet for many people is expressed, first of all, in its feeding. Many owners try to choose the best dog food and in their search they are trying to find a middle ground between tasty additives and healthy ingredients. Choosing the right food is not such a simple matter. After all, you need to take into account several determining factors: age, weight, dog breed. The character, lifestyle and activity of the pet can play a huge role in the choice.
Types of feed
All dog food is usually classified according to its consistency, which fully depends on the percentage of water in the composition. Dry food is produced under high temperatures. This heat treatment allows you to change the shape of food and present it in a more concentrated form, which significantly improves the digestibility of all components.
Wet food typically contains about 80% water. this ratio may vary slightly depending on the constituent components. These foods have the highest protein content with minimal carbohydrates.
Semi-moist food can be called a compromise between dry and wet. Such a menu may include both meat and fish that are familiar to the dog’s diet. In addition to satiating the animal, feed improves the digestion process and helps prevent the appearance of fungi and the formation of pathogenic bacteria. Propylene glycol, which is part of this type of feed, stands as a reliable shield against such misfortunes.
When choosing one form or another, dog owners are largely guided by the preferences of the animal, because There is no clear opinion among experts.
Useful labeling
For large dogs, food with large granules is best, which helps maintain bones and cartilage in a healthy and strong condition. To make selection easier (especially for novice breeders), the packages contain useful markings indicating the age of the pet:
– starter for very young puppies that have recently been born (up to 2 months);
– junior for teenage dogs (up to 10 months);
– adult is suitable for all middle-aged animals (from 1 year to 8 years);
– senior is recommended for those whose age is close to old age (from 6-8 years).
It is also worth carefully studying the notes characterizing the pet’s activity:
– energy will be equally useful for both active hunting breeds and those dogs that have suffered injury or surgery, as a result of which they need to replenish lost vitality;
– normal – ideal for those who lead a quiet lifestyle and spend most of their time at home. It is better not to overfeed such animals, so as not to create health problems;
– light should be chosen for individuals prone to weight gain.
The key to success for owners and their pets is the combination of three main components in food: meat (most experts recommend turkey), grains (the most easily digestible are brown rice and barley) and a vitamin and mineral complex.
By choosing a balanced food, you can not only please your beloved pet with a delicious delicacy, but also take care of his health, well-being and mood.
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