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As Rodge A Caras said, “dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” By making sure that we provide our fellow (fur)iend with the best life they could possibly have, that’s the least we can do to reciprocate the love that we receive. There are many ways to do so, but we all know that the way to the heart is through the stomach.
Just like humans, it is crucial for dogs to consume the right kind and amount of dog food for optimal growth. Apart from a healthy internal system, what your pup consumes affects its appearance too. In this article, let us talk about how you can visually see if you are feeding your furkid the suitable type of dog food.
Fresh Breath
When you notice unusually bad breath coming from your pup, it is a sign of tartar buildup. This could be a sign of gum or teeth problems, usually gingivitis or periodontitis. These diseases could eventually result in detrimental health issues such as oral melanoma, a type of oral cancer.
Dry dog foods, also known as kibble, contain high levels of refined carbohydrates. This could potentially increase plaque and tartar buildup, especially near the gum line - and that’s not good. With buildup along the gumline, there is a much higher chance of tooth decay or gum disease. We often think the hard texture of the kibbles scratches the surface of the teeth and act as a toothbrush but it's actually the opposite, the carbs stick to the teeth causing lots more buildup.
Fret not, there are ways to improve your dog’s dental health. The simple and natural way? Incorporating raw bones into dog food. The coarse texture and flexibility of raw bones make it easy to remove dental plaque. However, bear in mind to avoid cooking the bones as it will turn hard and brittle, causing splinters. In addition, frequent teeth brushing is crucial to help maintain those pearly whites. Feeding biologically appropriate diets high in meat and low in carbs is also the best long term diet for dental health.
Coat
How your pup’s coat looks is a key sign of a dog’s health. Typically, healthy dogs should have a shiny and smooth coat due to natural oils. If you notice constant licking or scratching, it could mean skin irritation caused by an allergy reaction, fleas or a bug bite.
If your pup is on kibbles, it is likely for them to be dehydrated and lack high quality protein as well as minerals which are essential in fur integrity. You know what they say about food - “you are what you eat”. This dehydration in a dog’s body would translate to dry skin and fur. Aside from that, commercial dry dog food contains artificial preservatives and additives, heightening the chances of an allergic reaction, especially in sensitive dogs.
There are several ways of helping your dog achieve a shinier, fuller coat. For one, feeding your dog food that is high in healthy fats helps to restore the natural oils in their body. Just be sure to control the amount of supplement your pup consumes regularly - too much of a certain nutrient could lead to more issues.
Another way is to make sure that the fed dog food contains all the nutrients that your pup needs. Instead of feeding dog food with added chemicals and preservatives that have a longer shelf life, opt for fresh pet food. By doing so, your dog absorbs nutrients that can be biologically available. Choose nature’s way!
Bowel Movement
The colour, appearance, and even texture of your dog’s poop can tell us so much about their digestive system. If it is watery and diarrhoea-like, it could be due to a change in diet, stress, diseases or infection. On the other hand, your dog could experience constipation if you notice their poop to be extremely dry and hard. This could happen if your pup is over-consuming calcium-based foods such as raw meaty bones. If this happens for a prolonged period of time, consult your vet for remedies.
All in all, if you are wondering, “is my dog eating the right kind of dog food?”, these are some tell-tale signs to look out for. Of course, it would be best to speak to your veterinarian or consult a nutritionist to provide accurate diet recommendations, tailored just for your dog.
If you’re looking to learn more, get in touch with us and receive a free consultation regarding our PhD nutritionist-formulated PetCubes human-grade fresh pet food.