8 Feeding Tips For Raising Healthy, Happy Dogs

Adopting a pet is the most rewarding endeavor you can engage in. However, this involves several responsibilities, and feeding your new family member is among the most vital.

Deciding on what pet food to feed your dog should not be taken lightly. Aside from mental health and exercise, diet is the main contributor to well-being.

Here are some feeding tips for raising a healthy, happy dog.

8 Tips To Improve Your Dog’s Diet

1. Examine the product labels

A responsible pet parent will examine the labels of dog foods and treats. This way, you can make an informed buying decision. Product labels will list the ingredients from the smallest to the largest. Discuss the ingredients with the company or nutritionist recommending the product and determine why such ingredients suit your dog.

2. Introduce fresh foods

Besides giving your pet shelf-stable foods, fruits, and vegetables are good options. They are full of live enzymes that can add a new dimension to your dog’s health. Moreover, these fresh whole foods are full of fiber, helping digestion and improving stools.

Furthermore, fresh whole foods have co-factors that work synergistically to help the body absorb and use essential nutrients. Whole foods that are high in antioxidants will reduce inflammation in the body. If you choose commercial food, incorporate naturally anti-inflammatory fresh whole foods into the mix.

You can do your own research on safe whole foods for your canine friend. If not, you can ask for recommendations from a reputable vet.

3. Wash products in apple cider vinegar

Plants produce allelochemicals that prevent toxic substances from penetrating their surface. You can scrub off the pesticides non-organic fruits and vegetables have. Use a clean, soft brush soaked in four parts water and one part apple cider vinegar for one minute and then rinse it.

4. Use organic green lentils

Green lentils are rich in protein. Like rice, it requires boiling, and the preparation time is the same.

Aside from having the highest protein content, green lentils are rich in minerals and fiber. Furthermore, they are rich in an essential amino acid known as lysine. This can help boost your dog’s immune system.

5. Add raw coconut oil

Coconut oil helps manage your dog’s weight. It goes directly to the liver, where it is converted into energy. Take note also to give your dog a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as hemp seed and chia seed.

6. Limit treats

Giving your dogs some treats is fun, but make sure to use them sparingly. Feed dogs based on whether they need to gain or lose weight. Lean dogs are considered healthier dogs.

There are plenty of commercial dog treats to choose from. Also, you can make healthy and fresh treats at home. Among the best choices are dried coconut flakes.

7. Get creative for gum and teeth health

Brushing teeth and gnawing on raw bones will keep your dog’s teeth white. Use natural coconut oil as a toothpaste because this has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Dogs even love its taste.

Giving your dogs some whole foods like zucchini and carrots to chomp on is also a good solution. You can also make fresh treats that your dog can gnaw on to get rid of plaque.

If your canine rejects these natural treats, do not give up. You can play games with the goodies. For instance, you can throw them some distance away to encourage a beautiful game.

8. Proper hydration

The most important aspect of a healthy diet is water. Still, this is the most overlooked. Without water, your dog’s body won’t function properly. You must provide your canine with enough clean water along with a healthy diet.

Giving your dog the most nutritious diet is one of the crucial responsibilities of a pet owner. You must look at the dog food label. Also, be cautious about supplementing your canine’s diet, and buy the appropriate dog accessories. A regular visit to a vet will help make sure that your dog is always healthy and happy.



Farah Al-Khojai, Managing Partner of Pet's Delight, submitted this guest post. Farah is a passionate entrepreneur with a BSc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market, representing world-class brands including Origen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.