There are some good arguments on both sides of the raw food or commercial dog food debate. It is particularly frightening when you hear on the news that some dog food has been tainted in some way, or that your dog's current food is under question for something that could possibly cause him harm. When things like this come up, it is another layer added to this powerful debate. Because there are so many different types of dog food available, it is difficult to figure out which kind you should feed your pooch. You might even wonder if you should feed him or her commercial dog food at all. Your veterinarian should be able to help recommend an appropriate diet for your dog.
If you decide to put him on a commercial dog food diet, you should be familiar with his nutritional needs. Dogs need meat and fiber as well as many other vitamins and nutrients in order to maintain optimal health. Depending upon their age, sex and size they will need different types of nutrition. Pregnant dogs and puppies have different needs as well. Great protein comes from dog food that contains lamb, chicken and turkey and you should make certain that your dog's diet contains these protein items. You should avoid products with by products or preservatives and those that have grain listed as the top ingredient.
Dog Food
As for the raw food diet, it includes giving your dog meat bones which are raw, veggies, organs from protein sources, chew bones and proteins such as cottage cheese and shelled eggs. Dogs have, in fact, survived on diets like this for centuries. Since the 50's, commercial dog food has been available however, allergies and dysplasia along with other health problems have been connected to commercial dog foods.
The raw food diet for dogs requires the owner to properly mix the proper nutrients to ensure that the dog is completely healthy. It is also an expensive diet for owners to provide to their dogs, while commercial dog food is affordable and the proper amount of nutrients has already been researched for you. Commercial dog food requires your dog to eat the same thing over and over while the raw food diet provides interesting, different and variations in foods, which keep the dog happy. However, because essential nutrients like fatty acids and such are added to commercial dog food, supporters say that dogs on the raw food diet are missing out on essential nutrients like these.
Commercial or Raw Dog Food? Dog Food
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