“You are what you eat” will never be an untrue statement, even when it comes to picking out dog food, especially healthy dog food. We are experienced in weight management and making sure that your canine companion stays as healthy as possible is a top priority of ours. Were you aware that overweight dogs live two years less than their healthier counterparts? Also, over 50% of dogs are obese or overweight, which can lead to serious health problems, just like with people. Nipping weight management in the bud is one of the best things that you can do for your pet. Exercise is crucial to a pet staying healthy, as well as controlling how they eat and how much they eat. Here are a few top tips for picking out healthy dog food.
Choose Dog Food Geared Towards Your Dog’s Age
Just as a human’s metabolism slows down over time, dogs have different needs at different points in their lives. Feeding a dog food formulated for their age is a surefire way to make sure that they have all of the nutrients that they need. If you have a puppy, look for food that has high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and DHA. DHA is an ingredient found in the mother’s milk. As your dog becomes older, you should switch to dog food that’s specialized for senior canines. Doing so will help your dog maintain a healthy weight while supporting his activity levels.
Your Dog’s Activity Level is Another Factor
Think about an NFL player or NBA player. Someone who’s that active is going to burn off a lot of calories, which means that they may need to eat more food than a regular gymgoer. A dog who constantly gets out each day is going burn off a lot of calories versus a dog that goes for an occasional walk. If your dog doesn’t get much exercise, then we suggest that you pick out a dog food that helps with weight management so that your canine companion can maintain healthy and ideal body weight.
Hone in On Your Dog’s Particular Nutritional Needs
If your dog is allergic to a certain ingredient or has a disease, such as diabetes, then you want to pay special attention to this. Feed a diet that covers their specific nutritional needs. A targeted diet can help support your dog’s specific needs.
Healthy Dog Food is Measured Dog Food
Moderation is always essential when it comes to weight management. If your dog has a favorite flavor (such as peanut butter), then never completely deprive them. Simply make sure that you don’t overfeed them.
If you need help with weight management and picking out healthy dog food, then the best thing that you can do is bring your dog into Mount Carmel Animal Hospital!
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!