We know how much you love your dog and you want what is best for him. Let’s take a look at different foods and how they can play a role in keeping Fido healthy.
Apples
Apples are good for dogs
It turns out that apples are as good for your dog as they are for their owners. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C. They are low in calories and high in polyphenols, which work like antioxidants in the body. However, when giving apples to dogs, less is more. Too many apples can give diarrhea to dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds before giving your dog apples as their seeds contain cyanide, which a dog’s system cannot filter out.
Bones
You can find bones like these at your local retailer
Be careful when it comes to giving your dog bones. Cesar Milan says that not every bone is healthy for your dog. The most dangerous bones are poultry bones which can splinter and endanger your dog. Be sure that the bones you feed your dog are as hard as possible.
Canned and Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is Healthy
Which one is better for your dog? Arguments abound on the subject. The bottom line is that all depends on your dog. If your dog is older and has gum problems or missing teeth, a soft, wet food is the way to go. Wet food has more high-quality protein and less preservatives and fillers. On the other hand, a dry food is good for getting tartar off of your dog’s teeth and satisfies his urge to chew. Dry food also costs less and is easier to store. Whichever you choose, select a high-quality food that is within your budget. You may want to consider going organic with your dog’s food, if you can afford to. Organic dog foods contain whole grains instead of bulk fillers. Cesar Milan says they help with controlling your dog’s weight and with digestive health. They also have better nutritional value over standard dog foods.
Eggs
Eggs for Dogs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals. When you give eggs to your dog, they give your dog a shiny, healthy coat. Go ahead and cook the eggs before giving them to your dog as there have been cases of salmonella poisoning when dogs were fed raw eggs.
Fish
Fish works well as a meat substitute for dogs. Fish is a great source of protein. Although you may have heard of people giving raw fish to their dogs, just remember that some raw fish has parasites. It is a better idea to cook the fish and remove all bones as well, as to not upset their digestion.
Grains
Cesar Milan says that grains are an important element of a balanced diet for a dog. They are especially good for a dog that has digestive problems. The only thing is that the gluten, found in wheat causes some dogs to be allergic. For this reason, foods that contain oats and barley are a better choice.
Jerky
Dogs love a good piece of jerky. It is okay to give your dog jerky as long as it is not spicy or flavored. Also avoid giving your dog chicken jerky that comes from China, as the FDA has issued a warning about it. You may also choose to make homemade jerky for your dog.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are good for Dogs
If your dog is constipated or is having diarrhea, canned pumpkin is your dog’s best friend. It has beta carotene and fiber, which are great for your dog. Be sure you are giving your dog pure pumpkin and not spicy pie filling. Be sure to only give your little dog a couple of teaspoons of pumpkin a day, or if he is larger a couple of tablespoons.
Supplements
Your dog shouldn’t need to take supplements unless he isn’t getting enough nutrition from his food. Cesar Milan says that they can damage your dog more than help him. He says that minerals should never be given to pups unless your veterinarian says so. It is as important that your dog doesn’t get too many vitamins as not getting enough.
Treats
Dogs deserve to have treats from time to time. However, they are typically high in calories. They are sometimes high in fat and salt, which is what makes them so tasty to dogs. When it comes to giving your dog treats, the key is to give them in moderation.
Water
Water is the healthiest for dogs
In order for your dog to stay healthy, he needs to have fresh, clean water available to him at all times. As a general rule, dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water for each pound of their body weight.
Yucca
According to Cesar Milan, yucca is an excellent food to give to your dog. You can steep yucca into water or grind it to a powder and add it to your dog’s food in ¼ teaspoon increments. What does yucca do for your dog? It helps alleviate joint pain and relieves pain from hip dysplasia and arthritis. It also helps to ease digestive issues.
Doggie Don’ts
The food you don’t give to your dog is as important as what you should give to them. Here is a list of foods that you should never give your dog: Avocados, alcohol, baking soda and powder, caffeine, chives, chocolate, corn cobs, fruit pits and seeds, garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts, walnuts, milk products, mushrooms, nutmeg, onions, raisins, rhubarb leaves, tomatoes and yeast dough. Although some people choose to give their dogs raw meat, this should be avoided. This is because raw meat may contain salmonella, parasites or E. coli.