Dog Food Myths: 10 Common Mistakes We Make When Choosing How to Feed Our Dogs
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Since the infamous pet food recall in March 2007 dog owners have had their confidence in the commercial pet food industry shaken and justifiably so. In todays age of information youd think it would be easy to find the best way to feed our canine friends. Its true there is a lot of information available but so much of it is contradictory or biased that it becomes more confusing than helpful. I hope that by debunking a few common myths I can help anyone who is struggling with the question of what to feed their dog.
1. Only commercially prepared dog food offers a complete and balanced diet: Surely we have been brainwashed here The pet food industry is so lucrative for the bigname manufacturers that they devote a huge budget to marketing advertising and seductive packaging. If anyone tried to tell a mother that the only way she could feed her children complete and balanced nutrition was with a processed packaged (or canned) food and nothing else she would be horrified!
How did dogs survive before commercial dog food was available
2. Dry dog food benefits teeth and gums: Are biscuits good for our kids teeth We are supposed to believe that chewing hard biscuits mimics the effect of chewing raw meat. In reality stale material lodges around the dogs teeth causing plaque buildup.
3. Eating the same food every day is better for my dogs digestion: While it is true that you should make radical changes to your dogs diet gradually a variety of meal ingredients given as part of the regular diet is no more disturbing to our dogs than it is to us.
4. Changing my dogs diet will cause diarrhea: Commercial dog foods can include a lot of filler ingredients causing production of large stools. Artificial stool hardeners in the foods prevent these large stools from also being objectionably loose. If you decide to change your dog to real food make the change slowly gradually weaning the dog off the artificial food over several days. Introduce new foods one at a time.
Your dogs stools will become smaller and less offensive. They might seem soft initially but will eventually settle to being soft but formed.
5. Too much fat is bad for dogs: Obesity is now a major human health concern. As humans we are constantly encouraged to eat less fat. Dogs however do not have the same issues with animal fat. In fact unless your dog is overweight he actually needs fat in his diet especially if he is a working dog or very active. We humans use carbohydrate food (grains cereals fruit and vegetables) for energy. The canine digestive system is designed to process meat bones and fats; dogs need fat for energy.
6. Bones are bad for dogs: Wrong! Cooked bones are bad for dogs. They can splinter and damage the gut. However managed sensibly raw bones are beneficial to teeth and gums and provide a relaxing treat. If you are worried about feeding raw bones use mutton flap or brisket both of which contain quite soft bones.
7. Milk products are bad for dogs: Some adult dogs can lack the digestive enzyme needed to process lactose. Try your dog with a small volume of milk to see what happens. Milk products such as yoghurt (natural unsweetened) cottage cheese and buttermilk are excellent foods for dogs and good sources of bioavailable calcium.
8. Raw food is dangerous for dogs because of bacterial contamination: When handling raw meat for dogs we need to practice the same standards of hygiene that we use for our own food. This is more to protect ourselves than to protect our dogs. Dog saliva has an enzyme that destroys pathogenic organisms; canine stomach acid is strong enough to destroy harmful bacteria. Keep a separate chopping board for meat; wash your hands and utensils after preparing your dogs food; keep leftovers covered and refrigerated; keep raw meat wrapped in the fridge.
9. Raw eggs are bad for dogs: Raw eggs contain a substance that interferes with the absorption of biotin. However eggs are such a valuable nutrient source that their benefits far outweigh this small disadvantage.
10. Older dogs need less protein: Actually older dogs need more protein and better quality protein because as they age their digestive systems become less efficient. Good quality (animal) protein is more easily utilized and more nutritious for them.
Nothing will ever be as easy as pouring the kibble into a bowl but with a little planning and organization feeding real food homemade from wholesome ingredients need not be complicated. The joy with which your dog eats the security that comes from knowing his food is safe the improved health of your dog and the saving in veterinary costs can make this small effort very rewarding.
If you would like to know more about choosing how to feed your dog you can sign up for a free 7day ecourse at http://dogfoodmiracle.com/
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_543458_54.html
Occupation: writer Sue French comes from a family of successful dog breeders and trainers and has been involved with dogs all her life. In 2006 Sue changed her dogs diet to home made food which resulted in a miraculous improvement in the dogs health. This inspired Sues passion for real food for dogs. If you too want a miracle for your dog visit http://dogfoodmiracle.com/ or you can subscribe to Sues blog at http://thedogfoodstory.com/ http://thedogfoodstory.com