Misconceptions Concerning Feeding Patterns For Canines
Unless you are well-educated in canine nutrition, it is advisable to buy dog food rather than making your own or feeding your hound leftovers. However, there are numerous misconceptions when it comes to what these animals should and shouldn't eat, and you should be aware of these things in order to maintain your pet's health. There are many false facts in regards to dogs, and their nutritional intake. Listed below is a short guide to some of these misconceptions.
Dogs Can Never Get Fed Table Scraps
This is a widespread tale, mostly spread by commercial dog food producers. However, contrary to popular belief, occasionally feeding your pooch something off your plate isn't the end of the world. As long as you are well aware of what they shouldn't have, it should be safe. They will not suddenly become fat or refuse to eat their normal food, unless they are ill-trained or spoiled.
More important is to just ensure you never, ever feed them any junk food. A good rule of thumb is to consider anything unhealthy for humans, as twice as unhealthy for dogs. Artificial ingredients such as sweeteners are extremely bad for them, and most junk food contains elements of this calibre.
Mixing A Variety Of Brands Is Good For Their Diet
Each brand of canine tinned or meal pellets are specially formulated to attend to all your dog's nutritional requirements. Unlike us, they are able to receive their entire intake from one source, and you don't need to worry over giving them a range of choice. As long as you choose a reliable brand suitable to your breed of dog, that is all they will need (aside from the occasional treat). If you really want to mix it up, stick to different flavours within the same company.
Dogs Can't Eat Cottage Cheese And Yogurt
This rumour stems from the misconception that all dairy products contain a high level of lactose, and all species struggle with digesting it. Yogurt and cottage cheese both contain very minor amounts of lactose, and rarely ever trigger any negative symptoms. In fact, they are both an excellent source of fibre, vitamins, protein and calcium. A little every now and then won't hurt a bit.
As with anything in life, it's good to exercise caution and logic where possible. With this information in mind, you'll be well on your way to making the smartest choices when it comes to what you feed your dog.
Dogs Can Never Get Fed Table Scraps
This is a widespread tale, mostly spread by commercial dog food producers. However, contrary to popular belief, occasionally feeding your pooch something off your plate isn't the end of the world. As long as you are well aware of what they shouldn't have, it should be safe. They will not suddenly become fat or refuse to eat their normal food, unless they are ill-trained or spoiled.
More important is to just ensure you never, ever feed them any junk food. A good rule of thumb is to consider anything unhealthy for humans, as twice as unhealthy for dogs. Artificial ingredients such as sweeteners are extremely bad for them, and most junk food contains elements of this calibre.
Mixing A Variety Of Brands Is Good For Their Diet
Each brand of canine tinned or meal pellets are specially formulated to attend to all your dog's nutritional requirements. Unlike us, they are able to receive their entire intake from one source, and you don't need to worry over giving them a range of choice. As long as you choose a reliable brand suitable to your breed of dog, that is all they will need (aside from the occasional treat). If you really want to mix it up, stick to different flavours within the same company.
Dogs Can't Eat Cottage Cheese And Yogurt
This rumour stems from the misconception that all dairy products contain a high level of lactose, and all species struggle with digesting it. Yogurt and cottage cheese both contain very minor amounts of lactose, and rarely ever trigger any negative symptoms. In fact, they are both an excellent source of fibre, vitamins, protein and calcium. A little every now and then won't hurt a bit.
As with anything in life, it's good to exercise caution and logic where possible. With this information in mind, you'll be well on your way to making the smartest choices when it comes to what you feed your dog.
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