As any good dog owner will tell you, our dogs are family, and we always want what's best for them. With all the advice that people have to offer new dog parents, it's not always easy to know what the best course of action is. Whether your pooch is a fussy eater or will gladly nibble anything within reach, what they consume has an impact on their health and behaviour. Of course, you won't be able to watch them 24/7, but here are a few good reasons you should watch what your furry friend eats:
Consuming Foreign Objects Leads to Higher Vet Bills
Dogs are natural scavengers who love to sniff anything that comes their way. If it smells interesting, chances are they'll give it a nibble and if it then tastes good, they'll wolf it down. While dogs have traditionally had very strong digestive systems, domestication has made things a little trickier.
Many dogs have more sensitive digestive systems these days, and a nibble of something foreign has the potential to cause horrible gastrointestinal issues, not to mention the fact that consuming something hardier could result in the need for surgery. Vet bills don't come cheap, so it's in your interest to make sure your pup sticks to a controlled diet.
Different Foods May Cause Allergies
Every dog is different, and while one type of food may be fine for your dog, another might not be suitable for them. Keeping an eye on their behavior and condition following a change of diet may alert you to some sort of allergy which could potentially be causing distress. And let's not kid ourselves, most of us are guilty of slipping our dog a scrap of our dinner now and again, because who can resist those puppy dog eyes? However, it's common for dogs to be allergic to dairy, eggs, wheat, and soy, so be mindful of what you're giving your canine companion.
Human Food Has the Potential to Be Toxic for Dogs
It's not a crime to give your pup a little treat of human food on occasion, as long as you (and other humans around you) are mindful of the type of food you are allowing them to munch on. Common favorites like chocolate, avocado, and grapes have the potential to be harmful, if not toxic for dogs.
Maintaining Healthy Weight Is Important
Most of us understand the need to maintain a healthy body weight for ourselves, but we take for granted that this is also important for our furry companions. Sure, some dogs are just lazy, while others are constantly running around, but diet also comes into play when we look at our dog's weight.
Just like humans, obesity is now also becoming a concern for our dogs. There are a number of good ways to help an overweight dog lose those extra pounds, but finding a reputable weight loss dog food is often the best place to start.
As responsible dog owners, it is sometimes necessary to treat our pooches like small children, and sometimes we need to take greater care when it comes to monitoring what these little terrors munch on. Unlike human children, dogs can't necessarily express themselves if they are in distress, so it's important for dog owners to look for clues. That said, prevention is always better than a cure, so practice keeping a watchful eye on what your dog consumes so you can keep them happy and healthy!
