Dogs are naturally active creatures that use a lot of their energy to play. But just like humans, exercise is just one of the important things that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. One major factor is diet, for which you are responsible as well.
As the pet parent to your dog, you’re in charge of portion control and eating times. As much as you might love to see your dog happy with treats, not everything you feed them is good for their health—both quantity and quality matter in your dog’s diet.
5 Dog Food Ingredients to Keep an Eye On
1. Meat and Protein
No matter your dietary preferences, remember that dogs are descendants of wolves, carnivorous creatures in nature. Dogs need to get that much-needed meat protein from both meals and treats to keep their energy up. Plus, it makes their food a lot more flavorful and appetizing to them.
2. Carbohydrates and Grains
Carbohydrates and grains are the main components of dog food. Unlike humans, dogs don’t eat full meals three times a day. They only have to eat once or twice, depending on their size. This practice makes sure that they don’t feel hungry in times they don’t eat.
3. Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutrients
Dogs need vitamins and minerals to stay healthy just as much as humans do too. These healthy components can boost their immune system and protect them from disease. They also make them feel more energetic overall and less lethargic.
4. Preservatives
With everything that’s been happening lately, it is important to stock up on some dog food for the pantry as well. Preservatives keep the food fresh for them to enjoy. Look for products with tocopherols and ascorbic acid—naturally derived preservatives. Avoid BHA and BHT preservatives that can increase the risk of cancer.
5. Water
It is a no-brainer that your dog would have a separate bowl for water. However, it’s not easy to convince your dog to stay properly and thoroughly hydrated throughout the day. Feeding them too much dry food can lead to dehydration and can result in dry “waste,” which isn’t always a good sign. Feed your dog some wet food every now and then to mix things up and help increase their water intake.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that the internet praises fluffier dogs that have had just a little too much to eat. However, as cute as they can get when they put on a little extra weight, they become more susceptible to diseases and conditions. Being a responsible dog owner means you have to take care of your pet rather than spoil them. And hey, who said healthy treats aren’t delicious? There are plenty of healthy dog food options that come in a variety of great flavors that your pooch will gobble up anytime.
As a fur parent, you know that your dog deserves the best healthy pet food in Chelsea that you can find. Wags to Wiskers is your community-based pet store that sells natural, holistic pet products that your dogs would love. Visit the store or send us an email for your order of the best dog food we have available.