I always thing the subject of diet for dogs or people can use a little bit of humor. I found this really cute video on youtube. I hope it makes you smile.
It is unfortunate that our dogs and pets are following our trend … getting to fat. To much food, and not enough exercise. Setting up a diet program for your dog requires a plan and a commitment on your part. To be successful both of you have to change your routine and create healthier habits
Keep in mind an overweight dog has a lower life span and is more at risk for coronary diseases, liver failure and diabetes.
A tailored plan with realistic goals and the help of your vet should set both of you on the right track. You want to make sure that your dog is still getting a balanced diet with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy.
At the meantime here are a few does and don’t regarding your dog’s diet ad exercise.
About Your Dog Diet
Whether you are feeding your dog, kibbles, raw food or homemade foods, they are a few key rules to go by when Fido needs to trim off. When you really think about it, they are very close from the rules that apply to us …..
- Don’t starve your dog …. but don’t over feed him to start with.
Dogs love to eat and if it was up to them, they will eat all the time .. and get sick. But when our dogs get fat, it is our fault. It is not their daily meals that are the culprit most of the time but the extras. It is hard to resist those brown eyes begging for bit and pieces. Sometimes we just feel guilty about leaving our four legged friends at home alone and we compensate with extra food and treats.
Milk bones and over common cookies are loaded with sugar and carbohydrates and taste great because of artificial flavors. Removing them from the diet and switching to healthier snacks such as non grain cookies, apple slices or carrot sticks will make a difference.
- Don’t use lite or reduced fat food
Lite or reduced fat food for dogs is not very well balanced, often lack in essential minerals and vitamins and contains a lot of processed ingredients. The result often shows with dry and flaky skin. This is the same for low fat dressings or cheeses for people. Fat is a great taste enhancer and low fat foods often contain artificial flavor to balance out the taste.
Dogs diet is very specific and it is best to consult with your vet to get the most appropriate foods for Fido. One thing for sure, like us they need vitamins, essential minerals and essential fatty acids in their daily diet.
- Do feed your dog more than once a day
Feeding your dog twice a day allow for better diet balance and reduce the risk of bloat.
- Don’t eat in front of your dog
This is common sens. If you have to reduce its calories intake and your dog sees you eating he is going to start begging. Keep away from food by offering plenty of exercise and interaction.
- Do provide healthy snacks
Yes it is a little bit more costly to buy healthy treats but how much is it going to cost you to take Fido to the vet?
No grain cookies, carrots and apple slices, even little pieces of chicken are great rewarding treats during training. Make sure you take in account the treats in the amount you feed daily.
Exercise Mentally and Physically
- Do exercise your dog according to his breed and age
Not all dogs require a 2 hours exercise every day but they all require walks and simulations. How much depend on the breed, age and health condition of your dog.
Working breeds such as Terrier, Daschund Border Collie, Shepherd need additional simulations or they will drive you nuts. They need a job and have to be mentally active as well.
If your dog has joint pain or arthritis, a nice gentle walk is still very beneficial but running behind a bicycle might not be. Again consult with your vet for a tailored exercise program.
- Do keep your dog mentally stimulate as well
They all need mental stimulation: meeting other dogs, walks, games, interact with people. A healthy, happy dog and well balanced dog.
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