CANINE NUTRITION

CANINE NUTRITION – DO’S AND DON’T
Many illnesses of the canine species can be traced back to improper feeding and nutrition. Many people just overlook the fact that just as it is important for humans to carry out proper control of their diet (volume of food they eat, type of food, what time they eat it etc.), the same goes for the dog.
Dogs also have certain metabolic idiosyncrasies which must be considered when setting up their feeding regimen. Unlike many believe, the dog is not a strict carnivore! It is omnivorous and thus need to have a balanced nutrition to keep it in good shape.
Some of the common mistakes made when feeding dogs include:
Feeding only meat: A meal consisting of just meat is lacking in calcium, and when it constitutes the major part of a puppy’s meal, could lead to poor skeletal development.
Feeding only bones: Some feel that dogs feed on bones and then make this the dog’s main meal. This will only lead to severe malnutrition and will also be the case when the dog is fed on poor quality meat.
Excessive feeding of starchy foods: Dogs have a problem digesting starch, and as such, limited amounts of starch should be included in their ration. They should also be well cooked e.g cereals.
Feeding the dog pastries: Sugar treats such as biscuits, sweets, chocolate etc. They only predispose the animal to obesity and other corresponding health problems.
Feeding milk to adult dogs: This will very likely lead to diarrhea.
Other mistakes include: Feeding of raw eggs, fish, onions to dogs. This is very wrong. Raw eggs and fish are difficult to digest, and raw onions will cause a certain form of anemia.
Other points to note to ensure proper canine nutrition include:
Consistency in feeding: Sudden change of the feeding pattern or regimen should be avoided because it could lead to indigestion, the animal could go off-feed, or fall sick etc.
Feeding equipment: e.g Food bowls, water bowl etc should be kept clean. Dogs need as much hygiene as humans!! Left-over food should be disposed off appropriately.
The best approach to meeting all the nutritional needs of the dog may be through the use of already prepared dog food (i.e the tinned manufactured one). It may also be of advantage too, to occasionally administer prescribed supplements (I.e vitamins and minerals).