Did you know that dogs like sweets more than cats do? Dogs have 1,700 taste buds for sweets, while cats only have about 475. Humans, by contrast, have 9,000. If you are interested in learning more about healthy food options for your dog, there are many things to keep in mind. Here are three important food dog facts that every owner should know.
1. Plan on Cooking it Yourself? Beware
Many dog owners are interested in providing their dog with tastier, healthier options by cooking it themselves. There is definitely caution to be had here, however. Studies at UC Davis showed that the majority of recipes for dog food prepared at home were inadequately nutritious. Out of 200 recipes they found in books and online, 95% lacked the recommended daily intake levels for at least one essential nutrient. Before turning your kitchen into a doggie restaurant, UC Davis recommends meeting with a board certified veterinary nutritionist.
2. Natural Dog Food Options
Did you get rid of preservatives and unhealthy additives for your kids, and want to do the same for your dog? There are many commercial options for natural dog food. Some well known companies include Blue Buffalo, Nature Balance, and Natura Pet. In your area, there are probably suitable local options as well. To ensure the quality of any food you feed your dog, make sure meat is listed as the main ingredient, and stay away from mixes that use corn, rice, or list “meal” and “by products” in their ingredients. Meat meal can include unhealthy waste products, and by products can refer to any animal “part,” including blood and bone.
3. High Quality Foods for High Quality Dogs
Ultimately, your dog will live longer and healthier if you invest in higher quality foods. It can be tempting to buy cheaper food, but these foods often have fatty fillers and unhealthy additives. High quality foods have more vitamins and nutrients, meaning that you can serve smaller servings. Free dog food coupons online can help you offset the cost.
What do you feed YOUR dog? Let us know in the comments!
15 responses to “What are You Feeding Your Dog? Three Important Facts about Dog Food Owners Should Know”
I just feed my dogs science diet. It does the job, its been recommended to me, so long as they eat it im not going to worry about it!
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.
people need to stop treating their dogs like children. i mean by all means, love them and stuff, but you do NOT need to make your dog a home made meal every night, geez louise.