Trying to determine the best nutritional needs for your dog can sometimes be completely overwhelming and frustrating. While it's important to select the best type of food for your dog, it also important to take into consideration the dog's breed, age, weight and activity level. It becomes even more complicated when trying to choose the best nutritional needs for dogs that suffer with allergies, sensitive stomachs and/or other health problems. To help you make an informed decision, here are four nutritional tips to help keep your dog healthy.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
First and most importantly, if you want clarity about your dog's health and nutrition, the best person to talk with is your veterinarian. The vet will be able to do an examination to determine if your dog has any issues that may affect their nutrition. For example, if obesity, arthritis or other health problems may be a concern, your vet will be able to recommend foods and/or supplements that may be the most beneficial for addressing these concerns.
Multi-Vitamins
There are several varieties of multi-vitamins available that may help your dog meet their nutritional needs. Your veterinarian may recommend a multi-vitamin to help replenish lost vitamins and minerals. Or they may suggest a specific supplement such as calcium, which may help to slow down or reduce the symptoms of arthritis. If you choose to give your dog a multi-vitamin before talking with the vet, be sure to select the type of vitamin that is best suited for your dog's breed, weight and age. It is also important to keep in mind that a multi-vitamin is not a substitute for eating a healthy diet.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes
Giving your dog probiotics and/or digestive enzymes may be beneficial for supporting a healthy digestive system. Enzymes that are generally found in fruits, vegetables and raw meat can get lost during the heating process while dog food is being cooked. If you prefer not to give your dog a raw food diet, digestive enzymes and/or probiotics in the form of a liquid or pill may help to supplement their diet. A healthy presence of enzymes and probiotics will assist your dog in the proper absorption of the nutrients they need for good health.
Wet or Dry Food
When it comes to their food, every dog is different; some prefer dry, while others prefer wet. There are benefits to both types, so it may be worth trying different types to see which your dog prefers. But, it is important to avoid changing the type of food too frequently or too quickly. Different types of food should be introduced gradually to avoid the possibility of upset their stomach or digestive system. The best way to determine which type of food will be the most beneficial for your dog is to talk to the veterinarian.
Whatever food you decide to feed your dog and whatever supplements you choose to provide in addition to the food, it is essential that you closely monitor their behaviors when changes have been made. For example, if your dog is frequently scratching or sleeping more than usual after changing their food or adding a supplement, the dog may be having a reaction to the food or supplement. If the behavior changes do not improve, you should take the dog to the veterinarian or animal hospital to ensure they aren't having an allergic reaction. Visit a site like https://1stpetvet.com/ for more help
.