Could you imagine eating the same meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, day in and day out, 365 days a year? I think that if my dog Buster or your cat Sylvester had a voice, they would ask us just that very question.
Now I am not suggesting that you change your pet’s diet often, but perhaps periodically and make it a very gradual change. In addition, please consider the ingredients in your dog food. A no-name brand dog food will not necessarily contain the same percentage of protein and/or carbhodydrates as another brand. When you feed your pet is just as important. We all know that there are many scientific studies that show the relevance of not skipping meals, and how our diet and exercise play a strong role in relation to a person’s overall well-being. What few of us may stop to ponder is that this train of thought is just as critical for our pets.
Certain foods and activities, or lack thereof, can effect your pet’s serotonin levels as well as their insulin levels, forcing these levels to rise or fall. Therefore, how often and what you feed you pet is very important. If you are currently feeding your dog only once per day, consider changing meal time to twice a day instead. Think of it this way. Have you ever gone all day without eating a meal? If so, by the end of the day you most likely felt a drastic dip in your insulin levels. This drop can effect you both physically and psychologically leave you feeling either weak, irritable or anxious. A drop in insulin levels can affect your pet in much the same way. According to scientific studies conducted by Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman and the scientist of Hills Pet Nutrition company, a dog’s behavior can turn aggressive when there is not a healthy balance of proteins and carbohydrates.
Since not all dogs are the same, a number of factors will need to be taken into consideration. For example, while one dog may benefit from a lower protein diet, another dog may need a higher protein diet.
So what’s a good, responsible pet owner to do? If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s diet, first read the ingredients, talk to your veterinarian and do your own research on your particular pet food. If you choose to make changes to their diet, do so slowly over time as their digestive systems are very sensitive. When determining the right pet food please consider the following:
1. Look for food approved by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
2. Breed
3. Age
4. Behavioral issues such as aggression or hyperactivity
5. Any skin conditions
6. Weight
7. Go Organic
8. A diet free of preservatives
9. Percentage of Protein (Minimum should be 18%)
10. Allergies (Some dogs may do better with duck versus chicken)
Your pet may not enjoy the taste of the food that you present to them day after day. Despite their turned up snouts, ultimately your pet will most likely resolve to eating it because they are hungry enough but also because they realize they will have to eat whatever you choose to put in front of them. They do not have the luxury of a choice for themselves. That’s where you come in, so choose wisely for your best friend because after all, they deserve our loyalty in return and they are so worth it!
Sources and suggested reading: *The Well Adjusted Dog by Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman
Photo Credit: Bob Marley 753
