Welcome back to week 2 of the Bark Better Live Better Challenge!

Last week, we delved into the world of socialisation, laying the groundwork for your pup's journey to becoming a confident and well-adjusted companion.

This week, we're shifting our focus to another essential aspect of your furry friend's well-being: nutrition.

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of dog nutrition, from macros to micronutrients, and learn how to fuel your pup's health from the inside out.

For Many Dogs, It's All About Food!

Understanding the Basics of Dog Nutrition

Just like us, our canine companions require a balanced diet to thrive.

At the core of this diet are macronutrients - protein, carbohydrates, and fats - which provide the essential building blocks for your pup's health and vitality.

Balancing these macros is key to ensuring your pup receives the nutrients they need to thrive.

Protein: The Foundation of Health

Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle development, and maintaining a strong immune system.

Opt for high-quality sources of protein such as lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs to ensure your pup gets the amino acids they need to thrive.

Carbohydrates: Fuel for Energy

While dogs don't require carbohydrates in the same quantities as humans, they still benefit from healthy sources of carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Carbs provide a source of energy and fibre, supporting digestion and keeping your pup feeling full and satisfied.

Fats: Essential for Health and Vitality

Fats play a crucial role in your dog's diet, providing energy, supporting healthy skin and coat, and aiding in nutrient absorption.

Choose sources of healthy fats like fish oil, coconut oil, and flaxseed to keep your pup looking and feeling their best.

Micronutrients: The Unsung Heroes

In addition to macros, dogs require a variety of micronutrients - including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants - to support overall health and vitality.

Feed your pup a balanced diet rich in whole foods to ensure they receive all the essential micronutrients they need to thrive.

Should You Make Your Own Dog Food?

While making homemade dog food may seem appealing, it poses several risks and challenges.

Achieving nutritional balance can be difficult, potentially leading to deficiencies or excesses harmful to your dog's health. Without expertise, recipes may lack essential nutrients or contain harmful ingredients.

Additionally, it can be time-consuming, expensive, and may contribute to health issues like obesity or allergies.

While crafting your dog's regular meals from scratch may not be advised, whipping up homemade dog treats can be a fun and rewarding activity.

These treats are perfect for celebrating special occasions like birthdays, Halloween, or Christmas, or for offering your furry friend a refreshing snack on a hot day.

For a little inspiration, feel free to browse through these videos or perhaps treat yourself to our Homemade Dog Treat Recipe Book (Read to the end of this post for a discount code).

What Dog Food Should I Feed My Pup?

Finding the right dog food for your dog can be a real minefield!

There are so many different brands on the market, offering different preparation methods at different price points.

Talking about the preparation methods of your standard kibble alone, you will have extruded, baked, cold pressed, air dried and freeze dried options.

And then there is the option of commercial fresh food or wet food, or raw feeding.

The options seem endless.

Whilst we can not give you an answer to which food is best, we can give you a resource where you will be able to do a little bit more research which why we suggest you check out www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk*.

Human Foods Safe for Dogs

When it comes to sharing human foods with your furry friend, it's crucial to exercise caution and moderation.

While dogs thrive on a diet tailored to their nutritional requirements, there are certain human foods that can be safely enjoyed by your canine companion.

1. Lean Proteins: Cooked, unseasoned meats such as chicken, turkey, beef and fish can be a tasty and protein-rich addition to your dog's diet.
   Ensure that the meat is free from bones and excess fat, as these can pose choking hazards or lead to gastrointestinal issues.
   
   
2. Fruits: Many fruits are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your dog's health.
   Safe options include apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, and watermelon (without seeds or rind).
   Remember to remove any seeds or pits, as these can be toxic to dogs.
   
   
3. Vegetables: Just like humans, dogs can benefit from the nutrients found in vegetables. Opt for dog-friendly options such as carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.These veggies provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals while adding variety to your dog's diet.
   
   
4. Peanut Butter: A dollop of peanut butter can be a tasty and nutritious treat for your pup. Look for natural peanut butter without added sugars or artificial sweeteners (avoid Xylitol), as these ingredients can be harmful to dogs. Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats and protein, but remember to offer it in moderation due to its calorie content.
   
   
5. Cooked Eggs: Eggs are a protein-rich food that can be safely consumed by dogs when cooked thoroughly. Serve scrambled or boiled eggs to your pup as an occasional treat, providing a boost of protein and essential amino acids.

By incorporating these human foods into your dog's diet in moderation, you can offer them a variety of flavours and nutrients while ensuring their overall health and well-being.

Always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet to ensure it aligns with their specific nutritional needs and health status.

Human Foods Your Dog Should Avoid 

While it's tempting to share our favourite foods with our furry companions, it's crucial to be aware of the potential dangers associated with certain human foods when it comes to dogs.

Foods to be avoided include chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, xylitol (sweetener often found in peanut butter), alcohol, cooked bones, etc. 

It's important to keep these foods out of your dog's reach and avoid feeding them intentionally as they can cause various health issues, from gastrointestinal upset to organ damage.

It is also crucial to point out that small amounts of plain yoghurt or cheese may be tolerated by some dogs, however many dogs (just as humans) are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive upset such as diarrhea or vomiting after consuming dairy products.

If you suspect your dog has ingested any toxic foods, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately for guidance and treatment.

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to keeping your furry friend safe and healthy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nutrition plays a vital role in your dog's health and well-being.

By understanding the basics of dog nutrition and making informed choices about what to feed your pup, you can help them live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Join us next week as we continue our journey to Bark Better Live Better!

* Disclaimer:  While we strive to provide reliable and accurate information, please note that we are not responsible for the content or reliability of external websites linked within our blog posts. Readers should use their discretion when accessing these links and understand that the inclusion of external links does not imply endorsement or affiliation with the linked sites.