A Healthy Diet For Dogs

By: Janie Knetzer
Most dog owners rely on dry or canned food as the mainstay of their dog's diet. However, in spite of commercial claims to the contrary, most dogs on the traditional dog food diet are nutritionally deprived.

A Diet Of Convenience

Due to the domestication of dogs over the years, a commercial dog food diet such as kibble has replaced the canine natural diet. Their food has gone from that which they could obtain as predators and foragers to one that is highly processed and a matter of convenience for humans. This, in turn, has not only caused nutritional deficiencies, but many health problems for our furry friends.

Although, most dog owners would never do anything intentionally to harm their dog, their lack of nutritional awareness is causing many chronic health and skin problems for the family dog. By understanding the importance of a quality diet, dog owners can save themselves hundreds even thousands of dollars in vet bills.

Digestive difficulties and other health problems such as skin irritations are often related to nutritional deficiencies and a poor diet. By simply changing to a "premium all natural dog food" skin and digestive problems as well as chronic gas can often be eliminated.

All living things, whether plant or animal, have enzymes naturally within their cells. This is also true of dogs. However, when a dog is not receiving adequate nutrition, he becomes prone to many health problems, including skin conditions, excess gas and a lack of energy.

Again, because dogs have become domesticated throughout the years, their food has gone from one of a completely natural state (i.e., animal prey and naturally growing plants, such as grasses) to one that is highly processed, as in today's modern dog food diets. They have lost a lot of nutritional value in their diets, including enzymes that would normally and naturally occur.

Because digestive enzymes are naturally found in the body, introducing them back into a dog's diet can aid and balance his digestive system. Enzymes themselves set off chemical reactions that will help digest food. There are two different types of enzymes. One is a protein called apoenzyme. The other is a nonprotein, which can either be a coenzyme or cofactor.

Enzymes added to the diet are necessary to replace a raw diet for dogs and balance the canine digestive system. Usually introduced in a powder or tablet, enzyme supplements help the dog to absorb his food. Dogs that receive what they need nutritionally will feel better and have more energy and a healthier coat.

Dogs that are fed the B.A.R.F. (raw) diet seem to be amongst the healthiest. Keep in mind that even top-quality premium kibble dog foods often need the help of an added enzyme. Commercial foods are far removed from what a dog would naturally eat in the wild. However, if this is your diet of choice for your dog, you must add back the necessary digestive enzymes he needs to replace what he is not getting. It generally takes six hours for a dog to digest a raw diet and fourteen hours for him to digest kibble.

Wolves eat a raw diet by killing their prey and consuming the major organs first. The organs themselves contain vitamins and nutrients that the canine needs. Among these vitamins and nutrients are the digestive enzymes they need to help digest their food.

Unfortunately, domestic dogs cannot always get the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients from a dry kibble diet. Therefore, they must be replaced, unless the owner makes a special effort to give the dog a raw diet.

Enzymes are important for all dogs, but especially for older dogs and those with a weakened immune system. Also, dog owners with large deep chested dogs that are susceptible to the deadly "Bloat" should seriously consider adding enzymes to their dog's diet to replace the raw food diet. Puppies should also receive digestive enzymes as early as possible to promote good health and nutrition throughout his life.

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