Healthy, Nutritious and Balanced diet for canine (dogs) Part - 1

 

Every dog has different nutritional requirements (like every human). As a responsible dog lover you should know what is good, bad, safe, unsafe, dangerous for the dog. It is the most important to check with experienced veterinarian to determine what foods are best for a dog because the food is the foundation of all life.          

Dogs require  a diet with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, adequate amounts of fats and essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals in order to maintain good health. They do well on a small breakfast and two proper meals daily. Well-planned diet vegetarian or non- vegetarian can work good for dog.

Dogs should be fed a combination of fresh and dried foods.The fresh home made food is much healthier than the processed food for dogs. Fresh home made food is beneficial to the dog's diet because you can include any type of vegetables, non vegetarian, fruits, etc according to choice. I always prefer and feed fresh home made food to my pet. 

According to my research I would like to share about the healthy and balanced diet for dogs and what is good, bad or harmful for them. But as i said above, you consult the vet.

 

Safe and beneficial fresh vegetables for dogs :

Most vegetables are good for dogs. Vegetables are rich in Vitamin A and C as well as minerals.

Vitamin A - promotes immune system and also is essential to healthy skin, eye function, skeletal growth, etc.

Vitamin C - strengthens the immune system and promotes cell growth, etc.

Minerals -  transportation of oxygen to the blood, produce hormones, help to normal functioning of nerves and muscles, work with vitamins to cartilage formation, etc.

Some examples :

* Sweet potatoes - good source of dietary fiber, carbohydrates and vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, healthy for dogs.  

* Carrots : good for dog's eyesight

* Spinach - rich in iron and vitamins

* Celery - quells nervousness

* Parsley - good source of calcium, potassium, beta-carotene. Few tablespoons of chopped parsley is nice for food flavour and good for improve dog's breath

* Broccoli - is rich in calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C ( as much calcium as a glass of milk/ more vitamin C than an orange ). It is rich in a substance caused isothiocyanates chemicals which increase the body's production of cancer fighting substances. It is always available in winter season.

Remember Broccoli should be giving around 10% of the dog's diet because isothiocyanate can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dog.

* Peas - peas are a good source of the vitamin B, potassium, phosphorous. It is safe to add in dog's food. 

* Pumpkin - pumpkin is a good source of fiber and beta carotene and converts to vitamin A. Fiber is very good for puppies and dogs.

But never over do, give small amounts because vitamin A in large dose can be highly toxic for them so be aware.

* Green beans - good source of plant fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese. This is a great low calorie way to fill up and help in maintaining dog's weight.  

* Squash - is a good source of beta-carotene. Safe for dog's diet. Before giving to dog remove the seeds first. 

* Cucumber, Zucchini, lettuce, Cayenne pepper, Red and Green bell peppers, Kale are also safe and beneficial for dogs.

 

Unsafe and toxic vegetables for dogs.

* Onions - Onions are toxic for dogs. Very unsafe. It destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia.

* Garlic - like onion, N-propyldisulfide compound found in garlic also ( but in lesser amount ) which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells. If regular large doses of this compound are given to dog in his/her diet, the process can lead to Heinz-body anemia.In a very small portion only you may give to do dog in his diet as it is considered natures antibiotic.

* Tomatoes - Tomato plants are toxic. Unsafe to add in dog's diet because it can cause heart arrhythmias and tremors.

* Potatoes - is unsafe if dog is diabetic or suffering from arthritis or cancer disease. Because potato convert to sugar/ starch which is very unsafe for dog who is suffering from above diseases.

 

Safe and beneficial fresh fruits for dogs :

Dogs can benefit from the nutrients derived from fruits such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium , fiber. There are some fruits which you can safely give to dogs as treats.

Apple, banana, orange, pear, peaches, plum, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, apricot, kiwi. Even you can give Eggplant fruit and pineapple in very small amount to dog. You may give Eggplant, only the fruit, but not any other part. And pineapple contains calcium and potassium but also contains high sugar. So not advisable to give frequently/ to diabetic dog.

Remove pits or seeds of most fruits for sure. Because pits or seeds have a toxic effect and contains some amount of cyanide which can be poisonous to dog and can cause dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

 

Unsafe fresh fruits for dogs :

Grapes/ raisins, avocados, contains a toxin. Dog exhibit gastrointestinal problems, also can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the heart, chest and abdomen. And cause acute rental failure.

Apple, peach, pear, cherry seeds contains a powerful toxin ( though in small amounts ) so do not feed frequently to dog and remove seeds before give to dog.

 

Safe and beneficial non-vegetarian food for dogs :

* Eggs - are loaded with Vitamins, proteins and minerals. It should not be given raw. It can result in salmonella poisoning. Best way to give is scrambled or hard-boiled. Not advisable to give in hot summer. It can cause stomach upset/ diarrhea.

* Fish - is an excellent source of protein. It is good for skin and fur of dog. Meat of Solomon fishes good source of Omega 3 fatty acids. These fats support to build a healthy immune system and is good for dog with arthritis disease.

Never give fish raw to dog. It is extremely unsafe for dog. Because there are parasites in the fish meat that can be very harmful for the dog. Consider giving cooked fish meat. Also make sure there are no bones in the fish meat that could be stuck in dog's throat.

* Lean meat ( chicken, beef, pork ) - is source of B Vitamins which are involved in energy metabolism. And also is an source of amino acids which help build your dogs muscles. Before giving to dog it should be fresh, washed and cooked.

* Liver - is excellent source of vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Iron. Wash and cook before giving to dog.

Remember because of high A vitamins it may be toxic so it should be given in limited amount to dog.

Note - Before adding in dogs diet be sure meats should be boneless and skin is removed, cooked. Raw meat may cause food poisoning and parasites.  

 

Safe / unsafe Grains, pulses, cereals for dogs :

Grains, pulses, lentils, cereals are important part of a healthy and balanced diet for dogs. They can be a source of energy for dogs. Any grain should be used in whole form to dog, that supplies more vitamins, fiber, minerals. Best grains for dogs are oats, millet, barley, quinoa, brown rice.

* Brown rice, White rice, wheat, whole wheat Couscous, barley, rolled oatmeal, Millet, Barley, split yellow lentil, split red lentil, etc are good to add in dogs diet but not in large amounts.

* Brown rice is a little higher in protein and lower in fat as compare to white rice. White rice is more easily digestible when dog has an upset stomach/ for an older dog, even for puppies.

* Lentils are good for dogs. They are good source of protein and do not cause gas problems. Split yellow lentil and split red lentil are most digestible lentils for dogs. They should boil and mix with rice, vegetables, meat. Even they can be mix in soups also.

* Oatmeal is beneficial for dogs specially older dogs. It is a good source of soluble fibre and good alternative source of grains for dogs. It should be cooked without sugar while giving to dog.

* You can add plain white yogurt, cottage cheese, popcorn, flax seeds, brawn , plain pasta in dogs meals. But everything should be given in small amounts.

 

What is unsafe and dangerous for dogs :

Dogs have a shorter digestive tract than humans.There is a lot of people food which dog should never eat. Some foods are very dangerous for them.

Onion, garlic, raw eggs, avocado, grapes, raisins, pits of most fruits, tomato-potato leaves and stems, rhubarb leaves, macadamia nuts, tea, coffee, coffee grounds and other caffeine, candy and gums, chocolates, alcoholic drinks, strong spices, seasonings, nut meg, salt, cornstalk, yeast dough, animal fats, fried foods, etc.

 

* Always put fresh water for the dog in stainless steel bowl rather than plastic bowl. Because bacteria grows faster on plastic.

 

* I will repeat -

It is the most important to check with experienced veterinarian to determine what foods are best for a dog because the food is the foundation of all life. 

 

Do not care only for your pet but care for all animals/ homeless animals. They desperately need our help, love and care. Do not let them die on the streets. They deserve happiness. They have right to live their lives without pain and sufferings. Consider adopt a homeless animal.