In this article, I wanted to briefly cover a complex topic of interest. Diet.
Naturally, I will not go into incredible depth as this is something best done on an individual basis.
But I do want to cover some general rules that I know a lot of people aren’t aware of. We all love our dogs, or at least are fond of them enough to want to keep them around. Longevity and quality of life aren’t always connected. You can have a dog live a somewhat long life riddled with discomfort, and you can have a dog live a full and comfortable life until some accident happens, rendering their life short, but filled with joy and youthfulness. Ideally, we get the best of both worlds. The following tips will help you keep your dog living comfortably, longer.
Food: I will not tell you what brand to buy, and I will certainly not go over the kibble vs raw debate. Typically speaking, the fresher the food, the better. Kibble wise, here’s what I’ll tell you, the less colorful, the better. The word to be aware of and avoid in the ingredient list is “Byproduct.” Here’s another tip with food: look at your dog’s poop! The darker, the smaller and firmer, the better! Their poop is a good indicator that the food is decent. Messy, sloppy and shapeless poop indicate there’s either something off with your dog, or the food is just not a good match.
Things to avoid: Avoid highly processed foods not meant for them. Human treats like ice cream, beer or fries can be incredibly toxic for them. Might not send them to the ER, but will make them bloated and uncomfortable and can contribute to diabetes.
Fasting: There’s nothing wrong with fasting! The benefits of fasting have been observed in the lab on test animals and have been measured on humans. Canids in their natural state don’t eat every day. The occasional meal withheld isn’t going to hurt your dog and it can give their digestive system a break.
Rationing: Go by feel, not always by the bag’s instructions. They’re too general. Some dogs have higher metabolisms and need to eat slightly more than the recommended amount. Some dogs have slower metabolisms and need to eat slightly less than the recommended amount. If they have rolls, feed them less! It’s not cute, it’s downright abusive! Extra weight is hard on their joints and binds them to a life of discomfort.
Veterinary care: Ultimately, check with your vet. If something doesn’t add up, check with a medical professional.