What are the newest trends in dog nutrition? And what is the opinion of experts and dog owners themselves? I have made a summary for you about what hot topics have been discussed in pet nutrition recently, both at home and abroad.
Business related to pets grows every year. We spend really a lot of money on our pets sometimes. And we are also subject to the newest trends very often. It is true in the field of nutrition as well, and the good old statement “a dog is a beast and needs meat” gradually ceases to apply. However, is that really true? Should we obey the newest fashionable fads even in dog nutrition and force our dogs to adjust to various diets?
Firstly, let’s have a look at what trends are dominant in dog nutrition.
Vegan dogs and raw diets
One of the trends the popularity of which has been growing prominence recently is dog veganism. Many people decide for being vegan also in order to reduce their ecological footprint and have the least impact on the environment. And then, they have the same approach with the same underlying opinion to their furry friend nutrition. Although, a sustainable approach towards the environment is close to my heart, I do not identify myself with purely plant-based diet for dogs. Vets are also against this trend. They say that vegan or raw diet may even cause allergies in dogs. Therefore, raw treats shouldn’t be overused.
Grain-free dog food
Another trend popular in dog nutrition is the so-called grain-free (or gluten-free) dog food I have already written something about. Grain-free (GF) is the concept of nutrition which rejects gains. The supporters of this philosophy base it on the assumption that the dog is unable to digest grains and some of grains might even cause adverse reactions, intolerance and allergies in healthy dogs. Contrary to dog veganism, this is a healthy trend.
BARFing
Return to the natural roots. This is how you could describe the new way of nutrition called barfing. The abbreviation B.A.R.F. can be explained in several ways. The most common explanation is “Bones and Raw Food”. To put it simply, it is feeding our beasts in the most natural way for them, i.e. using raw meat. Noone can probably make any objections against. For barfing, a general rule 80-10-10 (80 % meat, 10 % bones and 10 % organs) is recommended. The last trend is to reduce the amount of pure meat and add various organs, up to 25 %.
Good old classics
As you can see, there’s always a lot going on with regard to dog food. I could definitely continue with other trends in dog nutrition. Enhanced contents as well as new packages promoting what’s inside constantly appear. It probably doesn’t mind if you go for holistic dry dog food or prefer quality meat cans – whether classic such as cans from Brit Fresh line, or mono-protein for example, which are recommended in the cases of food intolerance.
The important thing you should take care of is if the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for the animal. It means that it contains all important proteins. And you’ll make no mistake if you pick some food containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids which have beneficial effects not only on the dog's fur which is shiny but also for its immune system.
Whatever your decision will be, be sure to consult your vet or use the services of dog nutrition experts before you start experimenting with your dog’s nutrition. After all, health is the most important and we shouldn’t treat their nutrition lightly.
If you’re thinking about starting canistherapy with your four-legged friend, but you don’t know whether you would manage, here you will find a brief overview of the characteristics your dog is supposed to have and what he should all know.
Dermatological problems are one of the most frequent reasons of veterinary visits. Cats often suffer from them as well. A skin problem may appear due to several reasons and you may not notice it immediately. Also because of the time that cats devote to...
Toxocariasis is the most frequent parasitosis in dogs and cats. If we want to keep both ourselves and our pets safe, regular deworming is necessary. Do you know what’s behind this disease and how it’s transmitted?
If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, maybe you will find handy a bit of advice how to house him at home. A rabbit has certain needs as any other animal and it’s up to us, the owners, to make its life as comfortable as possible.
Holiday time is approaching fast and maybe you’re considering where to go with your four-legged friend. If you’d like to go camping, there are certainly many things you should consider. You have to plan and pack not only for yourself, but also for your...
Zoonoses are diseases common to both animals and humans. Are you interested in how such a disease can be transmitted, which ones are we at risk of in the Czech Republic or how to defend against them?
Guinea pigs are one of the most common pets that parents get for their children. They are considerably less demanding to take care of than cats or dogs. They stand out among rodents because of their sociable nature, willingness to snuggle and they are...
I have already written about dogs and how they (don’t) feel pain. So let’s look at cats. It is often not very simple to recognize. But the early recognition of the problem is important for their health and well-being.
Last time, I explained that allergy to fur as such does not exist. I wrote about allergens, the symptoms of allergy and the breeds that are hypoallergenic. Today, I will share with you how to cope with the allergy without giving your pet away.
Did you know that the concept of "allergy to fur" is actually a nonsense? The hair itself are not the only allergens. So what exactly is the person allergic to if he/she is allergic to dogs/cats and does he/she have to get rid of the animal immediately...
No matter that the surgery is minor, each brings certain risks. It is also a mental and physical burden for the animal. I wrote down several tips how you can eliminate the risks and the burden as much as possible.
This is really what this sport is about – herding balloons. The aim is the same as for herding sheep, get all the balls into the gate. And do not be mistaken, treiball is not only for herding dogs. You can do this sport with dogs of any race, size and...
