Pet Tip of the Week: The Importance of Nutrition for your Dog

By Dawn Watson

Dogs are carnivores. This means that protein is an important food group in their diets.

Some folks swear by a raw diet of vegetables, fruit, and raw meat and fish. It seems to work out just fine for healthy dogs but an older dog may have problems chewing and/or digesting this type of diet. I personally don’t care for this way of providing nutrition to my own dogs because it encourages coprophagia (consumption of fecal matter) and a host of other diseases if the fecal matter is left on the ground. $\"The_girls21\"$

When it’s feeding time at my zoo I prefer a mixture of cooked chicken, carrots, & brown rice on a bed of kibble. It’s less expensive than canned dog food and I’ve never met a dog that didn’t love it! But whatever your preference, please make sure that you speak with your veterinarian before any major diet change. Change must be gradual or your dog (and you) may suffer \”explosive gastric retaliation syndrome\”!

I’ve known some families that are strict vegans or vegetarians & insist on the same dietary restrictions for their dogs. The problem with that philosophy is that dogs are carnivores. When I come across a vegetarian client I generally caution him or her about the need for at least a protein supplement in a dog’s diet. Often, I am met with an argument or hostile silence but at least I know that I tried to help.

I hope your dog is getting his vitamins, minerals, and proteins. If you have any questions about canine dietary needs a good resource is always your veterinarian or veterinary technician. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for professional advice when it comes to your dog’s health!

Feel free to call me with any questions at 856-349-2508 or email me at [email protected] . There is never a fee for a phone or email consultation!

Next week’s topic will be entitled, \”So I Adopted a Puppy—NOW What??\” As always, Cleary’s notebook encourages dialogue so your comments are welcome! Have a wonderful holiday!

Wado, udohiyu, (thank you very much, in the Cherokee language)

Brother of the Wolf, LLC

700 Market St, Gloucester City NJ 08030

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