Your dog needs a wholesome diet to be fit and healthy. If you ensure this, your pup’s lifespan can also increase. However, it is essential to pick the right ingredients and administer them in the right proportion. But before this, you have to decide on what you want to give and why. The market is full of options, making this task overwhelming. You can cross this hurdle if you know your dog’s needs well. Here are some hints about the sought-after choices.
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Glucosamine & chondroitin supplements
It’s essential to know that arthritis and joint pain are widespread, so much so that nearly 20% of them can have osteoarthritis complaints. It is relevant for all breeds and ages. An old dog can be highly vulnerable to this illness. Hence, you have to be careful about this aspect.
Two of the most popular supplements – glucosamine and chondroitin – can be worth your money and your pet’s health. They often find a reference in connection with a dog’s joint health. A dog’s body naturally produces these substances, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine helps form the cartilage. If you add this as a supplement to your pet’s diet, their joint health can improve while problems like pain and inflammation subside.
Chondroitin is also for joint health improvement, but it offers an additional benefit too. The substance can lubricate and protect the joints. A diet of chondroitin can be good to start as soon as you notice signs of joint pain or stiffness in the dog. Even dogs at a higher risk for arthritis can also be early candidates. So, if your pet has an obesity issue, you may consider adding this supplement.
But do they work? Some evidence suggests that these can be helpful for dogs with joint problems. Dogs with these supplements experienced less pain and improved joint function compared to others who didn’t have them. However, please don’t forget that not all dogs will respond to a diet similarly. Some dogs may not benefit from them, while others may witness a more dramatic improvement. Hence, discussing with your vet if your dog needs these can be a good idea.
Anyway, one can give these supplements as preventive measures also. You can watch their health for sure signs and symptoms to know whether the time has come to provide these. If your pet doesn’t want to stand, struggles with sitting down and getting up, limps, has stiff muscles, or avoids exercising and walking, you can consider these as hints of their underlying conditions. No matter what you and your vet decide, you can check Diamond naturals dog food review for items that contain these substances before choosing anything.
Chicken protein
Dogs need proteins for muscle growth, and chicken can be one of those sources. But raw chicken can be hazardous. But don’t worry about this. You get dog foods that contain this protein in different forms, such as fat, meal, and byproduct. A chicken meal usually consists of bone, flesh, and skin. Byproducts may use the three ingredients mentioned earlier, along with intestines. Did you know that chicken is also a good source of omega-six fatty acids? Omega 6 fatty acid takes care of healthy skin, shiny coats, dandruff-free hair, etc. Besides that, it is also suitable for inflammation and arthritis. Maybe that’s why some people give dogs chicken fat for its ability to make their skin and fur healthy.
The lean protein packed with nutrients can be both a healthy treat and a hearty meal. Hence, there cannot be any confusion that chicken is a favorite diet for dogs, and it can be best to feed them with this. However, make sure the product uses cage-free chickens. They will be more nutritious, safer, and healthy.
Chickens confined to cages often receive antibiotics to prevent illnesses. If dog meals use these, there is a high chance that these antibiotics will get passed on to dogs when they eat the food. Since cage-free chicken is less likely to have antibiotic doses, it shows they are healthier options for dogs. Your dog may enjoy these more for flavor, also. Since these chickens roam freely and don’t stay put in small spaces, they don’t fall sick easily. It may do away with or reduce the need for antibiotics, which alter their original flavor.
Nevertheless, as with any diet, you may also seek your vet’s opinion. Your pet might be allergic to this. If you check the data, you will learn that chicken is the third leading reason for canine food allergies. Also, you have to give them a balanced diet. Excessively fatty or rich food can disturb their pancreas with swelling and inflammation. If they fall sick from pancreatitis, they will vomit, eat less, and suffer from diarrhea.
Lamb protein
A lamb is also a great option to provide them with the necessary nutrients. It is a rich source of protein and essential amino acids, which help maintain healthy skin and coat. You can be glad to know that dogs allergic to fish and chicken can benefit from this diet without missing the necessary nutrients. And the good thing is many dog food companies include this ingredient in their preparation today. Again, it will be wise to talk to your vet before giving anything. Your dog can be sensitive or allergic to this. The vet can advise on the safe ways to introduce this diet, though. Or, recommend staying away from it. If there is no issue with lamb for your dog, you can happily feed this because even picky eaters love the taste.
When choosing lamb food, pay attention to the label description. Check if lamb is the main ingredient. It has to be complete with omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Avoid anything that contains unhelpful additives.
Being a pet parent, you feel naturally responsible for your dog’s health and want to give them the best. You may worry about what if something goes wrong. The right way to eliminate all this confusion and doubt is to learn about the types of foods available in stores and consult the vet.
