Fact Checking: All About Dog Nutrition

The nutrition and feeding of dogs are issues that raise doubts in almost all caregivers. Perhaps that is why a lot of myths circulate about them that make it difficult to know how to act.

We will review some of the most widespread to clarify what is true and false in each of them. So you can decide with true information about these aspects so important for the health of our dog. Also, the best way to keep your dog safe and healthy is a large Wooden dog kennel that you can give your dog to keep safe in hot and cold weather. Buying them on Amazon can get you large discounts using amazon coupon code.

Table of Contents 

1 Puppies and adult dogs can eat the same

2 It is better to give the puppy more food to grow more

3 Dogs are educated with edible prizes

4 The dog instinctively knows what to eat

5 Dogs cannot drink milk

6 It is better to give dogs raw food because it is more natural

7 Chocolate is toxic to dogs

8 Homemade feeding consists in giving our leftovers to the dog

9 How many times a day does a dog have to eat?

10 Castrated dogs get fat

11 Dogs can be vegan

Puppies and adult dogs can eat the same

Each stage in a dog’s life has its own nutritional needs. Therefore we should not feed a puppy food formulated for adults, just give it a smaller amount.

On the contrary, the diet for growing dogs cannot be maintained throughout their lives, when they have stopped developing. There are some variations depending on the size of the dog, but, in general, the specific food for puppies has to be maintained until 12-18 months.

It is better to give the puppy more food to grow more

The ratio we offer the dog at this stage of his life has to cover the average value of his needs. If the maximum value is oriented, the risk of the dog suffering from osteoarticular diseases is increased. Undernourishing the puppy also has negative consequences. Hence the importance of a balanced diet.

How to calculate the correct amount of food for a dog

In addition, to giant-sized dogs, if we offer them a diet for too fast growth, we run the risk of alterations in joint development. For this reason, we must also avoid supplements, except veterinary prescriptions.

Dogs are educated with edible prizes

Food can be used as a reward for dog obedience education, but this calorie intake has to be deducted from your daily ration. That is why we can explore other kinds of prizes, equally useful, such as carrots.

Caresses or words of recognition do not interfere with nutrition and are also an effective reward. Otherwise, the dog runs the risk of obesity and orthopedic disorders.

The dog instinctively knows what to eat

Dogs have a tendency to pry which can lead them to eat almost anything edible. Especially if it’s our food, since, precisely because it is ours, they find it especially interesting. The truth is that this custom is not strange that it ends up causing poisoning.

Dogs can’t drink milk

It is true that some adult dogs do not tolerate milk (lactose). This results in vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. It is because, as they grow, dogs lose the digestive enzyme that allowed them, as infants, to digest milk.

Some dogs, on the other hand, even when growing, continue to tolerate it, so these specimens could take it without problems, being part of a complete diet according to the recommendations of the veterinarian.

It is better to give dogs raw food because it is more natural

Raw food can house different parasites and bacteria that could make them sick. In addition, some raw products are able to hinder the absorption of essential nutrients. For example, the raw egg contains a substance that reduces the absorption of vitamin B.

Regarding the bones, not all are recommended because they could splinter and cause injuries, obstructions, or choking. On the other hand, dogs have been domesticated for no less than 33,000 years, so they fed on leftovers cooked by humans.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs

Chocolate has in its composition a series of harmful substances for dogs, such as caffeine, theobromine, and a large amount of fats. But, to be toxic, the dog would have to eat enough and, in addition, not all chocolate represents the same danger.

Cocoa powder and chocolate tablets for cooking pose the greatest risk. A high intake produces agitation, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and coma. Fats trigger the possibility of pancreatitis.

Homemade food consists of giving our leftovers to the dog

Feeding our dog with homemade food can be a good option, as long as we design a menu following the recommendations of a veterinary expert in nutrition so that it does not present any lack or excess.

Therefore, nothing is further than just giving him what has been left over from the plate. In fact, our foods tend to be too fatty for them, with the consequent risk of causing pancreatitis, a disease that can even prove fatal.

How many times a day does a dog have to eat?

The main thing is to respect the daily ratio that corresponds to it according to its characteristics. This amount is modifiable since they are average figures, which may have to be increased or decreased depending on the body condition of the dog. If our dog has to eat 300 grams but is fat, we must reduce the ratio.

On the contrary, if it is thin, it should be increased, always consulting with the veterinarian. As for the distribution of the ration, in puppies of up to three months, four shots per day are recommended. Until five, about three. From that age, they can eat once or twice a day.

Neutered dogs get fat

It is true that castration involves a series of hormonal modifications that can increase the dog’s appetite, decrease its metabolism and reduce its activity. In addition, the operation is usually performed between 6 and 12 months.

This age coincides with the stage in which growth is no longer so rapid that energy needs have to decrease. Therefore, if we keep your ration prior to castration, it is likely that the result is a fat dog.

Dogs can be vegan

Dogs cannot follow a vegan diet. They are designed to base their diet on meat consumption. In practice, they can assimilate an omnivorous diet, adapted to human food due to the link established between both species. But they cannot consume only vegetables.

Author

Selena is a blogger and a guest contributor for a well-known brand that includes MESHEBLE & IN THE MARKET. In her leisure time, she plays tennis.