Your dog needs a balanced diet to stay healthy, happy, and have a long life. Some dogs, mainly nursing puppies and sick and pregnant dogs, have special dietary requirements. Each canine’s nutritional needs vary based on size, age, sex, activity level, type of food, health condition, and if it’s been neutered.

Nevertheless, a balanced dog diet should have proteins, fats, oils, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and water. Knowing what not to feed your dog helps you to avoid nutrient deficiencies and health concerns. Outlined below are five tips for ensuring you give your dog a balanced diet.

1. Ensure the right nutrient combination.

Your dog needs the right nutrient combination to stay healthy. It requires proteins for the body tissues and fats for energy and healthy hair and skin. Feeding your pet high fat dog food improves their capacity to perform at higher levels and burn fatty acids. However, it isn’t a good choice for low energy or overweight canines.

Carbs provide your pet with starch, fiber, and sugar, while vitamins and minerals are essential for the chemical reactions in your canine friend’s body, including keeping them strong and building their bones. A balanced diet should include a mix of these nutrients in the proportions suggested by your vet.

2. Use dietary supplements.

Ensuring sufficient nutrients in your dog’s daily meals isn’t always possible. Dietary supplements come in handy whenever you’re unable to meet your dog’s daily nutrients and vitamins via meals. They’re meant to compensate for the nutrient deficiencies, not substitute nutritious food. Your vet should advise you on the right supplements and dosages to avoid overloading your canine with unnecessary ingredients. Some popular dog supplements to consider are glucosamine, fish oil, antioxidants, and probiotics. Always buy from reputable brands that specialize in supplements.

3. Consider the dog’s age and activity level.

Dogs at different ages have varying lifestyles and activity levels, requiring a different nutrient balance. Ensure that your furry friend’s diet suits their age and activity level demands. Your pet’s diet will keep changing based on their age and activity level fluctuations. Keeping a close eye on your dog keeps you informed of your canine’s activity level to change their diet accordingly and identify any health issues in advance.

4. Consult a dog nutritionist.

The right diet helps boost your dog’s life expectancy and improve their quality of life. If your furry friend gets a nutritionally balanced diet, they’ll have lesser stomach issues, a healthier coat, and less sensitive skin. A nutritional consultation can help you get the information you need to address your dog’s health problems via dietary changes, improve their diet for good health, and resolve your canine friend’s weight concerns to avoid future health issues. Consulting a dog nutritionist helps you customize a nutrition plan to ensure your canine’s health.

5. Count your dog’s calories.

56 % of dogs in the United States are overweight, increasing the risk of many cancer types, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Overeating and consuming more calories than needed causes obesity. Determine the suitable caloric needs for your dog by calculating the resting energy requirement. Be careful about extra calories creeping into your pet’s diet via snacks and treats.

Endnote

Good nutrition is the pillar to excellent pet health. Use these tips to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet.