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Deciding On The Right Complete Working Dog Food Match For Your Dog
Caloric needs are based on levels of activity, among other things, in all species. Working dogs are some of the most active domestic animals, and consequently must be fed as such. The right complete working dog food is one that offers balanced, high-quality nutrition with enough energy to keep even the most active dog on the job.
The experts disagree a little on exactly how to classify dogs in terms of their eating habits, but most agree that they are omnivores with a leaning towards carnivore, as well as scavengers. Meat is not a requirement in order for dogs to live, however it is their natural food of choice. Protein and fat levels can both be higher for dogs than for humans-- but the former is required, while the latter merely gives dogs less trouble than people.
Ask your vet for assistance when choosing the right diet for your dog. He or she will be able to help you customize a meal plan that fits your dog's individual needs, not just the general needs of an active canine. And, he or she will also be able to point out if any of your ideas might have a detrimental effect on your dog's health.
Kibble is what most dogs these days eat. Aside from the question of whether this is a good idea or not, there is a concern that a very active dog eating kibble might not be getting enough nutrients. Most commercial dog foods are produced with the intention of feeding the mild to moderately active family pet, not the sheep-herding dog that runs four or five hours a day.
If you do choose to feed kibble, make sure to choose a high quality brand. Besides being made from inferior ingredients, lower quality brands are made with a lot of filler. For active dogs, a more calorie-dense food is needed so that they can get enough energy without getting full. For many active dogs, a slightly larger portion of a high quality kibble is all that is needed.
If you want to supplement the kibble, either for interest or for additional calories, you can add meat, fat trimmings or dripping, dairy products, or even eggs if your dog's digestive tract can handle them. Fats do not cause dogs as many problems as people, and thus can be used as a good high-calorie, low-volume source of additional energy.
Whether your dog's job is herding sheep or watching TV on the couch with you, a balanced diet is essential. Many people are choosing to make their dogs homemade foods, which can be great if you do the proper research and check with a vet to make sure that all the vital nutrients are being incorporated. If you feed kibble, avoid adding more than 15% in other foods, or you could throw off the balance in the pre-formulated diet.
Let your dog's condition be your guide. A good complete working dog food is one that maintains the proper weight, keeps his or her fur looking nice and shiny without excess oils or dandruff, does not leave bad breath or excessive amounts of stool, and otherwise maintains general health. Ask your vet if you have any questions.
The experts disagree a little on exactly how to classify dogs in terms of their eating habits, but most agree that they are omnivores with a leaning towards carnivore, as well as scavengers. Meat is not a requirement in order for dogs to live, however it is their natural food of choice. Protein and fat levels can both be higher for dogs than for humans-- but the former is required, while the latter merely gives dogs less trouble than people.
Ask your vet for assistance when choosing the right diet for your dog. He or she will be able to help you customize a meal plan that fits your dog's individual needs, not just the general needs of an active canine. And, he or she will also be able to point out if any of your ideas might have a detrimental effect on your dog's health.
Kibble is what most dogs these days eat. Aside from the question of whether this is a good idea or not, there is a concern that a very active dog eating kibble might not be getting enough nutrients. Most commercial dog foods are produced with the intention of feeding the mild to moderately active family pet, not the sheep-herding dog that runs four or five hours a day.
If you do choose to feed kibble, make sure to choose a high quality brand. Besides being made from inferior ingredients, lower quality brands are made with a lot of filler. For active dogs, a more calorie-dense food is needed so that they can get enough energy without getting full. For many active dogs, a slightly larger portion of a high quality kibble is all that is needed.
If you want to supplement the kibble, either for interest or for additional calories, you can add meat, fat trimmings or dripping, dairy products, or even eggs if your dog's digestive tract can handle them. Fats do not cause dogs as many problems as people, and thus can be used as a good high-calorie, low-volume source of additional energy.
Whether your dog's job is herding sheep or watching TV on the couch with you, a balanced diet is essential. Many people are choosing to make their dogs homemade foods, which can be great if you do the proper research and check with a vet to make sure that all the vital nutrients are being incorporated. If you feed kibble, avoid adding more than 15% in other foods, or you could throw off the balance in the pre-formulated diet.
Let your dog's condition be your guide. A good complete working dog food is one that maintains the proper weight, keeps his or her fur looking nice and shiny without excess oils or dandruff, does not leave bad breath or excessive amounts of stool, and otherwise maintains general health. Ask your vet if you have any questions.
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When choosing the complete dog food it is important to make sure you choose the right brand. We believe you should read this information on working dog food today.