Dog nutritionist shares his top five considerations for how to feed your dog.
The old saying “you are what you eat” is just as true for dogs as it is for humans. Diet is one of the biggest contributing factors to health and happiness, and like humans, a diet high in sugar, salt, fats, and preservatives, is detrimental to a dog’s physical and mental health. It’s important to consider our furry friends’ diet carefully and ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
Bella & Duke’s Chief Consulting Nutritionist, Rowan Sanderson shares his top five considerations for having a dog health fulfilled diet.
1. Introduce fruit and vegetables
Although a dog’s diet should be made up of mainly meat and bones, a little bit of fruit and veg goes a long way. Fruits and vegetables are packed full of live enzymes and fibre, which will aid your pup’s digestion and encourage healthy pooping They’re also an important source of antioxidants and a healthy selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables throughout your dog’s meals can provide a tasty, nutritious and refreshing addition.
2. Variety is the spice of life
Eating quality proteins is key to your dog’s health and there are different nutritional advantages to choosing different types of raw meat. Duck is high in iron, copper and B vitamins, while fish offers omega-3 fatty acids for healthy heart function. Bella & Duke’s Superfood enriched range includes additional ingredients such asturmeric and spirulina which can provide extra support for your dog’s immune and digestive systems.
3. Avoid gluten, grains, additives, and fillers
We all know how bad the smell can be when your dog has bad. Grains cause bad smelling gas which, aside from being offensive to your nostrils, can be very uncomfortable for your dog. Dry dog foods may also contain gluten, a residue made from corn which is added to dog food to stop unstable fats from going bad, but it often results in your pup’s waste products being retained for too long, which can strain your dog’s liver and kidneys.
4. Appropriate portions sizes
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to feeding our pets but adjusting to meet your dogs needs is key. Dogs may need more food on days they do more exercise, and some will prefer to eat less on hot days. Recommended feeding amounts are a good guideline and it is best to keep an eye on your dog’s body composition. Check out our guide to body condition scores but always consult your vet on what the ideal weight for your dog’s breed and age should be and adjust where needed.
5. H20, just add water
Rethink how your dog consumes water. A water dish is not the only way to keep your pet hydrated. Why not add a refreshing addition to their meals with some bone broth made into ice cubes or lolly moulds, leave in the freezer for a few hours and serve. You can even use a pizzle as the lolly stick or switch your dog’s food to raw which can provide extra water intake.
Rowan Sanderson, Chief Consulting Nutritionist added, “Dogs are dependent on their owners to provide them with a thoughtful, well-balanced diet that gives them all the nutrition and energy they need to keep active. By taking time to consider the different types of food available for your pet, you can ensure you are supporting them in living a healthy, happy, and long life.”
For more information on how to give your dog the best possible diet visit; https://www.bellaandduke.com/learn/dog-nutrition/
