Debunked: The Top 5 Myths About Dog Food Revealed!
Think you know everything about dog food and nutrition? Guess again! There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what’s best for our four-legged friends. We’ll discuss 5 common dog food myths.
And give you the facts you need to make sure your dog is getting the best possible diet.
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Keep reading to learn more!
If humans need to be fed, so are our doggies. Just like us, they require food that is healthy and safe for them.
There are also a lot of sources of data and information in social media nowadays, especially when it comes to your pets and their proper nutrition intake to help them be healthy and have a balanced diet.
Some are true and some are not! The real question is, Is it FACT or FICTION?
5 misconceptions about dog food and pet nutrition
Myth number 1: “Vegan Diet is Good for Dogs!”
There are many benefits if a human goes vegan or has a plant-based diet!
From having great skin, and healthier organs, to lowering and reducing the risks of having heart diseases and illnesses.
There have been rumors that having your dogs go on a plant-based diet is really good for them. However, experts say that this type of diet for dogs is not always the healthiest.
We know that most dogs are full of energy and very active. They need a proper intake of protein for this.
Going vegan with your dogs can actually cause your dogs to be deficient in nutrients and will have fewer vitamins and minerals.
Although fruit and vegetables are great for your dogs, going vegan is not the greatest option for dog to eat permanently.
Another fact is that the dog’s digestive tract is not really designed for plant-based diets.
Myth number 2: “Grains are Bad for Your Dogs!”
Another fiction is that grains, wheat, soy, and corn are bad for your dogs… Experts say that these types of food are safe with proper intake.
These are sources of excellent nutrients and minerals that could be beneficial for your dogs, having the foods packed with awesome nutrients providing you with carbohydrates, fats, and antioxidants.
Myth number 3: “Dogs are Carnivorous”
There has been debate about whether dogs are really carnivores or omnivores.
Dogs are not carnivorous, They are in fact, omnivores. There is much evidence on why they are proven to be these types of eaters.
And that is also why other pet owners like feeding their dogs fruits and vegetables. They not only eat meat but also like grains, veggies, and even fruits!
It is important for them to have different varieties of food that are safe and healthy for them to help keep their digestion good as well as to get good sources of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for their cute and adorable bodies.
Many sources of food contribute to our dogs’ development and growth. They get nutrients from both plant and animal sources.
Many people believe that they are carnivores when in fact, experts and studies show that wolves in the wild, where dogs are their subspecies, are also omnivores because they consume both plant and animal sources.
It is also said that dogs have smaller intestine size compared to herbivores, where they can easily digest meat, however, studies show that dogs are somewhere in between where they can also digest fiber and other plant-based foods.
Myth number 4: “Human food is bad for dogs”
According to experts, human food or table food can be healthier to feed your dogs, however, it is not always the most 100% safe way to feed your dogs.
Anyway, human food is generally good for your doggies and you can even make them their favorites like peanut butter, cooked chicken, eggs, and hotdogs.
Most human foods are good, however, you have to be knowledgeable about some foods that could potentially harm your dog like chocolate, alcohol, seeds, caffeine, avocado, raisins, coconut, some types of nuts, some types of beans, and other human food.
Human food is not really 100% bad for your dogs, you just have to research the certain foods that both you and your doggie can eat safe and healthy and of course, the ones you need to avoid feeding them.
Myth number 5: “All Vets are Great Sources of Nutritional Advice for your Doggies”
Although, veterinarians are experts in our pets’ health and wellness if you are more concerned specifically with your dog’s nutrition on what they should eat.
You should consider going to a dog nutritionist, they specialize more in this specific field and can give you more in-depth details for you to be aware and educated on what is safer and healthier to intake for your fur babies.
There are veterinary nutritionists who can formulate specific foods for your dogs or can advise you on the right food to feed your dogs.
Dog Nutrition FAQ’s
What is the healthiest food to feed your dog?
The best dog food is the one that meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Commercial brands are formulated with at least minimum requirements, but not every pet has the exact same set of dietary desires as others so be sure to check out what they offer before buying!
What are the dog nutritional requirements percentages?
An adult pet needs at least 10% of its daily calories from proteins. The minimum required ratio is 5%. Fat should make up between 2 to 4 percent while carbs can account for 50-60%. However, this varies depending on what type you choose; some options such as vegetables have more fiber than others so these would lower those numbers accordingly.
What are the dog nutritional requirements for homemade food?
It is important for your dog to have a well-balanced diet that contains the right nutrients. This includes high-quality protein ( meats, seafood, or dairy), fat sources such as meat oils and cooking fats; carbohydrates including whole grains like brown rice or potatoes alongside veggies! They also need calcium from dairy products along with essential fatty acids found in egg yolks/oatmeal.
What percent of a dog’s diet should be protein?
To ensure your dog’s optimal growth and development, the minimum dietary protein requirement is 18% DM (dry matter). For adult dogs (greater than or equal to 2 years old), this should be increased by 8%. AAFCO recommends a diet containing 22%-30% meat-based proteins as well as ample quantities of other nutrients such as fat sources like oils; fiber; moisture-retaining agents – this helps maintain moisture in canines’ bodies so they don’t get dehydrated easily.
So, what is the truth about dog food and pet nutrition? The answer is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
What works for one dog may not work for another, and you may need to experiment with different foods and diets to find what your dog prefers and what keeps them healthy.
There are a lot of myths out there about pet nutrition, so it can be tough to know who or what to believe.
But by doing your research, asking questions, and paying attention to your dog’s individual needs, you can create a diet that helps them stay happy and healthy for years to come!
