Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Dog

By Joanne Gallagher

Deciding what kind of dog food and dog treats are appropriate for your dog is as important as deciding what to feed your family. Reading ingredient labels to stay aware of recalls is necessary to insure your pet is receiving safe and healthy meals.

Recent recalls include dog food. Not all manufacturers were affected by this recall Merrick 5 Star, Solid Gold, Rotations, Pinnacle, Health Food for Dogs and Dogswell are examples of dog food manufacturers whose products were not affected by the contaminated dog food recall. Thankfully products affected were taken off the shelves and the recall is over.

As dogs age their metabolism slows down. Sound familiar? Older dogs require special diets. Veterinarians suggest a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates and low in fat for dogs who don't engage in an active lifestyle. There are many brands of dog food specific for aging dogs such as Merrick 5-Star Dry Dog Food Senior Medley. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, no animal fat and real meat make Senior Medley an appropriate choice for senior dogs.

Veterinarians recommend daily exercise for diabetic dogs and a diet to manage their insulin. A dog looks forward to treats and rewards and luckily diabetic dogs can enjoy a dog treat that is in line with their diabetic regimen. The Old Dog Cookie Company Diabetic Cookies are all natural dog treats that contain herbs and ingredients that help reduces your dog's blood sugar.

When the cartilage in your dog's joints breaks down and wears away a dog begins to suffer from arthritis. Glucosamine is a natural supplement that can prevent arthritis and relieve arthritis symptoms. Feeding your dog an all natural dog food like Dogswell HAPPY HIPS dry dog food with Glucosamine & Chondroitin will help maintain healthy hips and joints and apples and cage free chicken create a well balanced meal.

Food allergies are common among many breeds of dogs. Wheat, corn and soy based dog food can cause itchy skin, hair loss, and frequent bowel movements in a dog with an allergy to these products. Pinnacle Holistic Trout & Sweet Potato dry dog food with Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids for a healthier skin and coat contains no allergens such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, sorghum or soy.

Overweight dogs need to be on a special diet. If a dog is eating table scraps too may dog treats, and not getting enough exercise they will become overweight. This happens frequently when a dog is in a crate during the day and then spoiled all evening with love and food.

Caring for your dog from puppy to senior is an educational process. During each stage there are nutritional requirements that need to be met so your dog will be healthy and have the wonderful life every dog deserves! - 29895

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