A balanced dog diet includes lots of protein and small amounts of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. It’s similar to how we feed and maintain ourselves as human beings. That said, some human food is toxic to dogs and should never be given to them.
Creating a balanced diet for dogs is about supplying them with predominantly protein and high-quality meals. Here is a guide for beginners:
Consider Any Health Conditions
A dog with a health condition requiring a specific diet or avoiding certain foods is something to be respected. Even if you’d like to feed your dog differently, if your vet recommends specific protocols, they should be followed.
Research Your Dog’s Demographics
A dog’s requirements for a balanced diet depend on its age and activity level. Do some reading about what diets are needed for a dog of a specific age. Keep in mind that, as they age, a balanced diet for dogs will have to change with them, so this is helpful information to have regardless.
Feed Them Varied Meals
Never feed the same meal repeatedly day after day. Do this and you will never have a balanced diet even if the meal itself is very balanced. Somewhere, an ingredient will be missed, or the nutrients won’t all be there. Vary it up.
Commercial Brands
Commercially branded kibble like Go dog food is fine. It hits the spot for the vast majority of dogs out there. However, there are better ways to feed an animal than exclusively through low-quality kibble. You can use it as a base if you desire but be sure their diet includes other foods.
Food is highly rated. A food may have extremely healthy ingredients in it. It doesn’t mean your dog’s inclined to like it or respond well to how your dog’s body processes food. Pay attention to what your pup prefers and how they respond to what you’re giving them.
Maintain the Right Portions
Many dog owners use commercial dog food as a base and supplement it with high-quality ingredients. Don’t overdo it. Stick to healthy portions of meat such as chicken, beef, lamb, duck, grains, vegetables, and essential fatty acids.
Cook All Meat Thoroughly
Dogs should never eat raw or undercooked meat. Make sure it’s cooked properly. No exceptions.
Dogs Need More Than Protein
A dog cannot thrive exclusively on meat. They are not coyotes or wolves. They need more than protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. A balanced diet for dogs includes an optimal ratio of 40% protein, 50% vegetables, and 10% starch.
Tap into These Vitamins
Dogs need fresh fruits and vegetables, including staples like apples, carrots, and spinach.
- Vitamin A supports healthy vision, immune system functioning, and cell development.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that keeps your dog healthy and cognitively sharp.
- Vitamin D plays an important role in bone and muscle health.
- Vitamin E protects against oxidative damage.
- B vitamins also serve many critical functions, including energy and metabolism.
Look At These Minerals
There are 18 essential minerals a dog needs to be healthy. Of these, six are more important than the others. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride are crucial to maintaining dog skeletal structure and nerve functionality.
Vitamins and minerals are required to keep your dog’s body working properly.
Healthy Fats Are Needed
Healthy fats carry twice the energy of carbohydrates and proteins. Despite the negative connotation fats have on humans, dogs need them for growth and development. If your dog uses a lot of energy daily, the recommended amount of healthy fats for their age and size can have extremely positive benefits.
Never Feed Your Dog Toxic Ingredients
As mentioned earlier, some human food is toxic to dogs and should never be fed to them. A balanced diet for dogs excludes harmful foods like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, garlic, onions, or anything containing Xylitol, as these can make a dog very sick.
Transition Your Dog Slowly to Any New Diets
A new dog food diet should be transitioned slowly. An abrupt change will cause some digestive upset.
Some dogs may not respond favorably to specific ingredients. If you notice anything causing digestive upset, eliminate it from their diet and move on to another ingredient.
There are enough fresh, whole foods out there to fill any type of dog diet.
Creating a Balanced Diet for Dogs
Providing a balanced diet for your dog is essential for their health and well-being.
Focus on high-quality protein, incorporate a variety of foods, and ensure they get the necessary vitamins and minerals. Avoid toxic ingredients and transition slowly to new diets.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
