Perhaps you have heard as a child, "You are what you eat" and of course, this has been proven a true statement for people, but did you know it is also true for your dog? Have you ever taken a moment to read the ingredients on your
dog food bag or can?
The Problem
The problem is many people are drawn in by the bright colors on the bags of
dog food you see at your grocery store. Manufacturers know to use specific colors on the bags in order to attract the dog owner's attention. You read on the front of the bag that is "nutritionally complete" and you head out with a bag feeling as if you are taking care of your dog.
If you turned the bag over, you might find the first ingredient corn, or wheat, with some meat byproducts. This is not nutritionally complete and as such, your dog will suffer as a result. If your dog scratches, has repeated ear infections, a dull coat, and running eyes, the chances are he or she may be allergic to one of the grains in the food or he is not getting the protein he or she needs.
The Solution
There is a very easy way to give your dog a more natural food, but you will not find it in your grocery store isle. You can find it at a pet store or a specialty feed store that carries holistic and all-natural dog foods. The first ingredient on the bag of food should be a known meat source, for example, it should list "chicken meal" or "chicken, chicken meal" this tells you that the food is meat-based. While
dogs are scavengers, if you put down a bowl of cornmeal and a bowl of meat, which one will your dog eat? Dogs love meat.
Many people balk at the idea that natural food costs more than grocery store foods, which is true, but you have to give them more of the cheap stuff to keep them full than the natural dog food. You will want to find a food that first your dog likes, secondly, has natural ingredients, no dyes, and no byproducts. In addition, omega fatty oils are a very good for your dog's coat, skin, and eyes, so look for fish oils as well in the ingredient list.
Transitioning
You should transition your dog slowly from his or her current food to the all-natural brand, mixing just 25 percent of the new food to the old food for the first few days, then increase it to 50 / 50, then 75 percent new food, and 25 percent of the old food. It should take you about 7 to 14 days to change your dog over to the new food completely. If you change your dog too quickly, it can cause stomach upset, which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Final Thoughts
Your dog is what he or she eats and just like people, if your dog eats nothing but junk food (heavy grains, byproducts), they begin to lose their coat luster and may develop severe allergies. Changing to a natural food is the best way to ensure a healthy dog.
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