Dog Nutrition Secrets Revealed

Pets that continually receive poor nutrition frequently present with dull coats or lack luster eyes. They can have diminished levels of stamina, become easily fatigued and have loose or odorous stools.

In extreme cases of severe neglect, especially in cold winter climates where food contributes to body heat, abused animals could unnecessarily suffer.

The problems associated with the past and current commercial food recalls, has lead many dog owners to question what is contained in commercial pet foods. The problem is, that some commercial pet foods contain artificial chemicals and indigestible fillers that do not add to your dog's health. Things like artificial food coloring, flavor enhancers, chemical scents and food contaminates all contribute to the unknown factors that can adversely affect how your dog feels.

Commercial dog food can be overly processed and loaded with trans fat and refined sugar. Some may even contain more fat and protein than your pet may require. This may lead to excess obesity and shorten your pets life.

So what should you be feeding your dog? 

If you consider that in the wild, most canines are going to eat a higher level of raw, fresh, organic food. Things like insects, bones, green grasses, vegetables, roots and twigs, dead animal and probably they may from time to time, catch some smaller live animals.

Although most of us have observed the carnivorous nature of domesticated dogs, dogs in the wild are actually omnivores. They can survive on either a properly balanced animal or plant based diet.

Naturally, whether you believe dogs are primarily meat eaters, or omnivore, this will affect the 'type' of protein or combination thereof that you will feed your dog.

If your struggling financially, don't be afraid of adding some plant-based foods because of a lack of complete protein. Just know that of the 10 essential amino acids that dogs must have, defatted soy, for example, contains them all. It is a complete protein food. In fact some nutritionists have discovered that it contains 18 out of the 22 aminos.

So in these trying economic times when some pet owners may be unemployed or on a restricted financial budget, this knowledge may be useful.

 Many well known commercial dog foods often take advantage of soy protein to round out their dog food formulas.

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