Avoiding Poor Pet Food For Dogs

By Author: Gregory Hepburn
Total Articles: 38
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The immune system's strength, in human beings as well as in animals, is affected by the quality of food. A dog's behavior, happiness, health, longevity and general well-being are the direct result of the food offered in the daily diet. Each dog has specific nutritional needs that differ from animal to animal.

There are a number of easily visible symptoms of nutritionally caused shortages: allergies, hot spots, lack of energy, joint problems, arthritis and poor behavior. Nutritional equilibrium is the key to a healthy pet and not giving the dog poor pet food will assist with the inflammation of arthritis and other serious health problems.

Worth Of Good and Bad Pet Foods

Poor quality pet foods are frequently available in grocery shops and pet supply shops. The cheap price tag may be tempting and seem like a bargain for what is often advertised as a "premium" product, but the items really contained in your pet's food may be surprising.

Dogs need meat and protein, being meat eating animals, and they also require carbohydrates, vitamins, fat, minerals, and water. Basically, they require all six of the ...
... basic kinds of nutrients. Manufacturers of pet food have the choice of the kinds and quantities of proteins, minerals, and vitamins that they put into their products. Chicken, lamb, and beef, which contain bigger amounts of protein, are needed by active dogs. Plants or grains such as corn, soy, wheat, and rice have sufficient protein for less active dogs. Most dog food is manufactured with ingredients that can be eaten by humans, such as rice, chicken, liver, vegetables, etc, which is not poor quality pet food.

Dogs have specific food needs, but most pet owners do not realize that all dogs and most good or bad pet foods are not alike. Many commercial dog food brands are lacking in key nutrients, which are edible for humans, and even other species of animals, but can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may instigate only mild digestive problems, whereas, others can cause critical illness, and even death.

However, there are some common food items that are not suitable pet foods to give to dogs. Chocolate, for example, is extremely toxic for both dogs and cats. Baking chocolate has more toxins than milk chocolate does, but both forms are potentially lethal. Two or three pieces of baking chocolate could prove fatal to a smaller dog. Tea and coffee are also toxic, as they contain the same chemicals. Warning signs of food poisoning in dogs are excitement, nervousness, muscle spasms, seizures, and increased body temperature. Veterinary attention is recommended as soon as possible.