The Perfect Resource to Educate You About Your Dog’s Diet
Whether you have recently been blessed with a new puppy in your home, or you are a seasoned dog handler, it is wise to speak with a veterinarian about the best diet for your dog. With so many ideas, diet plans, and dog food varieties on the market, how do you know where to start?
Begin with your vet. A trusted veterinarian wants only what is best for your dog. Just like you, he or she wants to find and discover what is perfect for your dog’s diet. Talk about all aspects of your dog’s diet.
Your veterinarian can help choose a complete diet suited to your dog. Ordinary dry kibble should not be relied on to clean teeth; purpose-designed dental diets may help as part of a dental-care plan. See the WSAVA dental guidelines.
Treats are another area that you will want to discuss with the veterinarian.
Do they encourage specific types of treats? What snacks are discouraged for your specific pet? Each animal is different and you and your vet know your dog better than anyone.
Working together, you will find what aspects of your dog’s diet work best, and what needs to be altered. Some breeds, for example, will often have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. For this reason, your vet may recommend a smaller portion for your dog’s diet than the recommended amount on the side of a dog food bag. If your older pet has trouble chewing, specific types of dog food may be beneficial as part of your dog’s diet.
Your dog’s diet plays a significant role in the health of your pet. Your vet can inform you about any supplements needed to boost your dog’s outlook for a happy and healthy life. If your dog has joint pain or mobility changes, ask your veterinarian to assess the cause and whether any supplement has a useful role in the care plan. AAHA’s senior-care guidance emphasizes individualized support.
The next time you are in the vet’s office is a great time to bring up your dog’s diet. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog to see if weight is an issue. He or she can take a look at the overall health of your pet. For example, if your dog has a dull coat, your veterinarian may suggest a different type of dog food or to add an egg to your dog’s diet.
During the lifetime of your pet, your dog’s diet may need to be changed to suit his or her needs. Puppies need food formulated for growth. An older dog’s diet should be reviewed according to health and body condition; age alone does not mean extra vitamins or minerals are needed. AAHA recommends diet choices based on individual needs. If your dog is bred, your vet may recommend other changes to your dog’s diet.
With all the hype about what is healthy for a dog’s diet, do not decide to go at it alone and inadvertently choose a poor diet. Speak to the vet about your dog’s diet and educate yourself on what is best for your beloved pet. A healthy diet is key to longevity. Both you and your vet want to see your dog live to be happy and healthy for many years, and providing a nutritious diet for your dog is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal.
Follow us on social media, visit our online store, to stay up-to-date on all things Yorkies. Make sure to follow us on Instagram or like us on Facebook to get the latest scoop on the latest blogs, promotions, and other exciting announcements from Yorkie Shoutouts!
