It’s hard to imagine a dog not enjoying their super-premium, meat-first, top-dollar, fancy extra super dog chow since everyone who owns a dog knows they’re programmed to eat some pretty disgusting things (cat excrement, garbage, dead animals), right?
Actually, picky eating habits are a regular issue for pet owners and a significant source of worry when browsing the dog food section. This essay was made specifically for you with assistance from our friends at Zignature if you have ever stood in anxiety, staring down a row of dog food, uncertain of which bag to bring home to your dog next.
Why it’s Important That Your Dog Enjoys His Food
It’s crucial to feed a meal that is balanced, nutrient-dense, and species-appropriate. But if your dog won’t eat anything, it doesn’t really matter what’s in their dish, right?
Dish toppers and gravies can improve the flavour of a meal, but if you’re not careful, they can frequently introduce extra calories or potential allergies for dogs who are sensitive to particular substances. Finding a diet that is not only healthy, balanced, and appropriate for your dog, but also something your closest furry buddy enjoys is crucial.
Why Dogs Need to Eat Food Made Just for Them
Many people ponder the absurdity of why dogs must consume food designed just for them. Why don’t they just eat alongside their people during mealtimes? They are omnivores, after all, just like us. Your dog needs to eat dog food that is suited for its species for a variety of reasons.
1. Management of weight
To maintain their weight, dogs should consume about 25–30 calories per pound of body weight. Therefore, a 10-pound chihuahua needs 250–300 calories daily. A 70-pound lab mix would consume 1,750–2,100 calories daily, the same amount that an adult human would! As long as you are measuring the amount you feed them, dog food gives them their recommended daily intake of calories.
2. Minerals and vitamins
Dogs have distinct dietary requirements that can only be met by the food they consume. Dogs consume food to obtain vital vitamins and minerals, much like humans do. Additionally, their demands are very dissimilar from ours. For instance, dogs need a specific amount of taurine in their diets to preserve their vision and heart health.
3. A healthy diet
Diseases like malnutrition and obesity can be brought on by nutritional deficiencies. The best approach to make sure your dog is getting the right nutrients is to feed him a food designed for dogs that is balanced and suited for his species.
4. Digestion
Finally, occasionally dogs just cannot digest food that is not intended for them. A problem could be as minor as stinky toots or as bad as vomiting and diarrhoea, or even worse. Sometimes “human food” is poisonous to dogs. Therefore, make sure it’s okay for your pet to eat before you ever serve them with a fork.