Dog Bowls &
Feeders
Dog Food Myths: 10 Common Mistakes
We Make When Choosing How to Feed our Dogs
Author: Sue
French
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 today’s age of information,
you’d think it would be easy to find the best way to feed our
canine friends. It’s 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 big-name
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 dog’s teeth,
causing plaque buildup.
3. Eating the same food every day is better for my dog’s
digestion: While it is true that you should make
radical changes to your dog’s 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 dog’s 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 dog’s 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 dog’s 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.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Dog Food Myths: 10 Common
Mistakes We Make When Choosing How to Feed our
Dogs
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