Meeting your dog’s nutritional needs

It's no picnic trying to figure out what to feed your dog.

Choosing the food becomes even more complicated if they have digestive issues, allergies, are picky eaters or have medical issues. Age can also be a factor to examine, as a puppy's nutritional needs are very different from an adolescent or elderly dog.

If you have a multiple-dog home, the feeding plan can become even more problematic. Dogs may have to be fed in various rooms, especially with specialized diets or individual prescription requirements.

Some pet owners cook for their dogs to ensure the food is fresh and safe. They source the food locally from well-known resources. They prepare and cook the food ahead of time and keep it easily accessible in the refrigerator. Cooking for your dog can be done easily when you cook it one week in advance. Therefore, cooking for your dog does not add to your busy schedule. Pet owners who decide to cook for their dog may be nervous about giving their dog store-bought food because there have been multiple recalls of tainted dog food over the past years.

The raw food diet is another feeding option, which has become a favourite for many dog owners. It is purchased as frozen from trusted stores. A raw food diet is not merely feeding your dog raw hamburger meat. The raw food diet usually includes ground bone, vegetables and organ meats. It is generally packed as individual patties to be kept frozen. You thaw enough portions two or three days in advance and keep the food in the fridge for easy access. The benefits of raw food include a healthier coat, enriched dental health, fresh breath and much less weight gain.

Feeding your pet dry dog food is easy and practical, but you need to obtain it from a trusted organization such as your veterinarian clinic. Your vet can help you with the option and also inform you of the proper portions for your dog. A veterinarian will put your dog's health first and foremost. If there is a product recall, your clinic can contact you immediately. If you buy your dog food from your grocery store, they will not be able to reach you about the recall.

There are many choices for feeding your dog. You need to research each option and speak with your trusted veterinarian to help make the final determination. As a pet owner, you want what is best for your dog and its healthiest choice. Finding the best diet will in

volve some trial and error but doing proper research will ensure a healthy option for your dog.

Please be kind to animals.