Many of us are familiar with the commercial ads for dog food, each stating that their product is definitely the one which has all the nutrients and vitamins our dogs require for a healthy life. But... do we know if these claims are at all true?
In the spring of 2007 there was a recall of melamine-tainted pet food, and videos have been seen on the internet showing the way all kinds of sick animals are included in the manufacturing of certain dog foods, so people have begun to wonder if preparing their own food for their pets is the intelligent solution.
In some cases, homemade foods for dogs may be just that solution, all depending on many factors, including the finances of the family, the time needed for the preparation of those meals and the knowledge required as to what the dog really needs. It is not just like preparing a meal for ourselves. Dogs and humans do not share the same physiological structure; therefore, not the same requirements for a healthy nutrition.
Veterinarians can give us the ideas of the basic components our dog's food must have, but also the veterinary nutritionists ( oh yes, there are!) are the other fountain of information one should consult when making the decision to become our dog's private chef. The main concern should always be that the recipe is going to provide something that is complete and balanced for the animal. That is maybe when things start to become a little complicated.
The diet we need to consider providing our dog has to contain a protein source, a carbohydrate source, sufficient vitamins, minerals and some fat. Yes, a little fat is required, so don't try to put your dog on anything else eliminating this necessary content.
The sources for protein and carbohydrates can be several, including combinations of rice and lamb, pasta and chicken, beef and potatoes, etc. Some vegetables may also be included, but it is extremely important to remember that there are some of these, like onions and garlic, that can be very toxic to dogs and should never be included.
We have also read or heard from different sources that there are other foods we humans may love, but have to crossed from our dogs list of ingredients, such as raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, chocolate, and raw meat, which exposes dogs to risks, such as salmonella and E. coli. All meat should be cooked always. They do not live in the wild any more, remember?
Two other very important points to keep in mind also are the age and the size of the dog. When we, as humans, are born, we have special nutritional needs, and as we develop and grow older, these needs vary. Well, dogs are the same. You will not feed a puppy he same food you would a four year or an old dog. The animal's veterinary would be the best place to visit and consult. If you have been feeding your dog homemade food, it is important its veterinary know and give you advice if it is necessary.
Homemade foods may also be perfect for healthy dogs, but if your pet suffers from any condition that requires special nutrients, that has to be taken into consideration also.
Even though the homemade foods given by some owners may have all the supposed necessary components, it is also advisable, according to experts, to give them supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies, the most common one being lack of necessary calcium. Calcium deficiency will directly affect the bones, just as happens with us humans, and cause what is called hyperparathyroidism, which can cause soft bones and fractures.
Besides calcium, there are other vitamins and minerals that are extremely important too, like magnesium, zinc and iron.
Even though all commercial dog foods are not of the same quality, there are many, some even distributed by veterinarians themselves that do contain all of our pets' needs for a healthy nutrition.
Finally, if you have decided to put that chef's hat on and prepare homemade dog food for your companion, consider too the time and effort it will take for you to cook and most importantly, the capacity that homemade food has to resist time without getting spoiled, even if in the refrigerator. If you have to cook for a big dog every day, or maybe every two days, it is not the same as having to cook for a tiny one, food that you can freeze and serve little by little.
The last consideration to take, I believe, is... are you willing to go on preparing homemade food for your dog for the length of time he or she lives? Sometimes, if we accustom our pets to homemade food and all of a sudden decide to go back to good old dry one, our dog may resent it and it may take quite a while for it to accept it again, so think about it. On this same line of thought, are you the only one going to cook for your dog, or do you live with someone who could continue for you in case you cannot?
All these little details should definitely be considered before, and not after, you decide to jump in the kitchen and start preparing homemade food for your dog. That way, many mistakes can and should be avoided, so our wonderful companion does not have to suffer the consequences of our impulsive actions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raquel_Cervera,_Ph.D.
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