“What’s the best way to feed my dog, so he’d stay healthy and happy?” If you’re a pup parent, you’ve undoubtedly asked yourself this question one too many times while scanning the dog food aisles in pet stores in Dubai or browsing the internet late at night for tips and recommendations.
Given the overwhelming number of dog food options and the amount of information out there, it can be difficult to know whether you’re making the right dietary decisions for your furry friend. You might also unknowingly fall prey to a few common mistakes that even the most discerning dog parents sometimes find hard to avoid when it comes to their pup’s food.
Here’s a look at four dog food mistakes you might be making and how you can course correct for an active, healthy fur baby:
Mistake #1: Buying Into Marketing Gimmicks
Unfortunately, many dog food brands use deceptive marketing tactics to entice pet parents into buying their products. They may use buzzwords like “natural” or “holistic”, but these terms are not regulated and have no concrete, verifiable meaning regarding the nutritional quality of the food.
Therefore, you want to prioritise two options when shopping for dog food:
- Veterinary-formulated dog food. This means that a veterinary nutritionist or veterinarian has endorsed the food for its nutritional value.
- Dog food with nutritional adequacy statements from entities like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This means that the food has undergone feeding trials and meets the dietary requirements of dogs set by AAFCO.
You might also want to check in with your veterinarian to get a professional take on the best choices for your dog’s diet, especially if you have a puppy or senior canine, or if your pet has any specific health issues like gastrointestinal or skin problems.
Mistake #2: Not Factoring in Your Dog’s Age
Every stage in your dog’s life will mean a difference in your pet’s nutritional needs. Puppy diets tend to have higher fat and protein content to support their growth and energy requirements. However, for adult dogs with a slower metabolism, feeding the same food can lead to unwanted weight gain.
A senior dog diet is geared toward maintaining a healthy balance of all necessary nutrients. Dog food for senior pets also often contains more supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties that help with joint health and mobility in ageing dogs.
So, always keep your furry companion’s age in mind when choosing their food. Also, it’s entirely okay if your pup is only a few weeks away from transitioning into their next stage of life; you can start introducing them to the appropriate food early on.
Mistake #3:Giving Them Too Many Treats or Table Scraps
It’s often hard to resist those pleading puppy eyes staring up at you from under the dinner table. Most pet parents give in to the temptation of rewarding their pups with treats or sharing food from off their plates. However, although they don’t seem like much, these pieces of food can add up and contribute to obesity over time.
Think of dog treats like snacks for humans, a huge source of caloric intake that’s not to be mistaken for a complete meal. So, give your fur baby treats in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to limit treats to no more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet.
And when you buy dog treats in Dubai, ensure they’re:
- High in quality ingredients like single-source protein, such as chicken, salmon or lamb.
- Low in fat, sugar and unnecessary fillers like wheat, corn or soy.
- Contain no artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours.
Mistake #4: Storing Food Improperly
Despite what many pet parents think, there are right and wrong ways to store pet food. For dry dog food, folding over or rolling the top of the bag and clipping it with a clothes peg isn’t enough. The problem with this method is that it exposes the food to air, which can cause the fat in the kibble to go rancid, ruin the flavour and, in some cases, make your pup ill.
Instead, consider transferring your dog’s food into an airtight container, one with a tight-sealing rubber rim that will prevent air, moisture and other contaminants from getting in.
Similarly, wet dog food that’s been opened and not refrigerated can turn into a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and flies that can touch down and lay eggs on it. To avoid this, once you’ve opened the can, tightly cover any unconsumed portions with a plastic wrap or reusable lid before stowing it away in the fridge.
If you’ve discovered that you left out their wet food for a significant amount of time and you’re worried if it’s still safe to feed, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Remember to put it in a plastic bag beforehand and securely cover your garbage bins so your dog won’t be tempted to scavenge for it.
Taking Care of Your Dog’s Diet
Being mindful of what you feed your dog and the habits you establish early on can go a long way in ensuring they’re living their best life.
Of course, this sometimes starts with learning what not to do. Keep the above tips in mind and always consult with your veterinarian wherever your dog’s health and diet are concerned.
