All pet parents certainly want to provide the healthiest lifestyle for their dog. A balanced diet is essential as it keeps your pet physically fit, which allows them to play and enjoy their daily life! Veterinary marketing services may sometimes overlook the importance of taking extra steps to improve your dog’s diet, as many people don’t know where to start. But don’t worry because you can find here a few easy steps to give your dog a healthy diet.
You may be wondering what constitutes a “healthy diet” for dogs. Recent studies have discovered that a diet of fresh, unprocessed meat, bones, and even vegetables are closest to the ancestors of dogs which are wild canines and felines. We know that giving mostly fresh foods, whether raw or lightly cooked, has outstanding health benefits and results for dogs. These results include cleaner eyes, clean breath, beautiful coat, a calm disposition, and stronger immune system against diseases.
A good place to start improving your dog’s diet is by adding foods to dry pet food. Since dogs are carnivores, they are healthier when they eat more meat and fewer carbohydrates. Here are some things you can add to boost your dog’s healthy diet:
#1. Add digestive enzymes into the kibble
Foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or other moist whole foods will help mix the digestive enzymes into the dry kibble. This can even be done for every meal. Digestive enzymes come in many varieties nowadays, some are even plant-sourced, as they help replace those enzymes lost from whole foods during cooking and processing. They also contain live probiotics to help replenish beneficial gut bacteria which are depleted by stress, injuries, or antibiotics.
#2. Add raw or lightly steamed vegetables
Vegetables are healthy for dogs just like they are to humans. It will provide a great antioxidant boost for dogs especially those who are older or who have health complications. Raw veggies should be grated, ground, or juiced to break down the cellulose. You can do this by using a grater, blender, food processor, or a juicer. If fresh vegetables are not accessible to you, you can consider whole food supplements which contain the same essential nutrients as fibrous vegetables.
#3. Add raw or lightly cooked meat
Dogs are used to eating a protein-rich diet, about 50% of protein. It is best to add high-quality meat or egg which are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. This would be especially helpful for active dogs. Aside from meat and eggs, you can give fish such as mackerel, sardines, and salmon. Another great source is boiled chicken’s liver – this will also boost the immunity of sickly or aging dogs.
#4. Add fatty oils and proteins
Fatty oils like fish oil and salmon oil contain essential fatty acids and omega-3s which are very helpful for your dog. These essential fatty acids are known to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and aid with allergies and arthritis, and even improve the skin and coat. But be wary to make sure you buy salmon oil that is sustainably sourced and not processed.
#5. Give them more poultry
Lastly, dogs love poultry such as turkey and chicken. If you can find poultry with small bones, you may give it to your dog because poultry bones are usually soft and pliable, especially the wings, necks, and backs. These raw bones provide calcium, proteins, fats, and other nutrients that will benefit your dog. They will also be strengthened and trained to chew more carefully when they notice the content of poultry bones in their food.
There are many ways to boost your dog’s health, and these are just a few ways you can start!
