There are many types of food on the market that you could feed your dog, but there are many other things to consider as well. Is it hard enough to keep your dog’s teeth clean? Is it lean enough so as not to upset their stomach? Finally, regardless of the type of food, are they eating it slowly enough or should you work with them on their anxiety level?
Like people, good dog food and eating habits have much in common. Many people have heard that giving table food to dogs is not good. The reality is, it’s not so much the fact that it’s dog food or human food, but the nutritional quality, portions, and speed at which it is eaten that really makes the difference while your dog is boarding in Clearwater.
Giving in Moderation
Many people think that giving their pets table scraps causes obesity. This is not always the case. When you share your food with your dog, you are simply giving them extra calories. If the food, dog or human, is high in sugar and fats, there is a real risk that your pet can become obese. For small dogs, the risk is higher because they just need a few extra calories to promote weight gain. In many cases, owners are actually able to share human food with their dogs so long as it’s healthy, often healthier than the grains and animal byproducts in budget dog foods, and in the appropriate amounts.
Dog foods that are rich in fat can also lead your dogs to develop pancreatitis, a condition wherein the pancreas is inflamed with symptoms ranging from mild pain and blood infection to internal bleeding. Likewise, avoid giving human foods to your dog that are high in fats, such as pâté, sausage, bacon, gravy-covered meat, poultry skin, and beef trimmings. A little piece, roughly around 1 cm by 1 cm, for a 20-pound dog might not cause a problem unless your dog has an underlying health issue.
Carbohydrates are a great source of digestible energy. Because of this, you need to think about the amount that you give to your dogs. If your dog has diabetes, they shouldn’t be given table scraps that are a source of carbohydrates; namely, rice and pasta. You can give your dog the last small piece of toast or plain spaghetti, but they should not have an oversized portion of even the healthiest dog food unless they are able to work it off as your dog would while boarding in Clearwater.
For healthy dogs, salt intake is not a problem. However, for those dogs that already have chronic kidney problems, they shouldn’t be given foods with high levels of salt. Normally, salty foods are high in fat and calories so they should be given in small portions.
The same carbohydrate and salt advice goes for dogs that eat their food too fast. If they have food anxiety issues, especially to the point where they will not allow you as Alpha to take their food away, then you may need to work with them on not eating their food too fast as this can lead to binging and purging.
If you are going to leave your pets at dog boarding in Clearwater, you are welcome to bring in your preferred dog food or some human foods they are allowed to eat.
What human food is alright for your dog?
Veggies and fresh fruits are the best thing to give your dogs. Fruits that are a source of fiber and high in water can be given to them but not in large amounts because it can result in an upset stomach. If dried fruit is given, they can end up with diarrhea due to the concentrated sugar. A small piece of watermelon on a hot summer day can be given. If you have a pet that is a picky eater, give them fruits in their bowls to increase their water intake.
Giving your dog food, dog or human, will not make them obese so long as it includes the right nutrition and is in the right portion. Rest assured they will have the proper amount of nutrition and appropriate portions while dog boarding in Clearwater.
*Originally published on A Very Important Pet January 03, 2015
