I like to meal prep and take careful consideration as to what I will put in my body. I feed myself based on what is needed for me to be healthy and perform at my best. So why would I not do that for my beloved Pooch? I certainly want a healthy dog.
I started to learn more about the importance of feeding my dog the healthy foods and not feeding him like a “dog”. I made mental notes to ensure I avoided certain foods that are not safe for dogs as well as to incorporate foods that are healthy choices. Who doesn’t want a healthy dog? I can’t name or think of one owner.
I started taking inventory of how certain foods affected by job and made sure that I eliminated foods that he didn’t respond to easily e.g turkey. Not that turkey is bad for dogs, it is just harder for my pup to easily digest it.
November 2020, I decided I want my furr-avorite pal to be with me as long as possible as healthy as possible, and I want to help make sure you are able to follow a simple guideline to keep your Pooch healthy and strong too.
I know you’re probably wondering “where do I begin?” or “what is needed?”. Don’t worry, I’ve got your covered!
What to Eat:
Every dog is different in regard to what they like and what their bodies accept, but here is a general list of safe foods for dogs to consume. You can easily pick these items up at your local farmer’s market and grocery store.
Apples: Great source for vitamins A & C. Rich in fiber and antioxidants. Vitamin A supports healthy eyes as well as skin. Vitamin C aids in destroying free radicals.
Blackberries: Wonderful way to get Omega 3 for healthy skin and shiny coats. They also provide vitamin E which supports the immune system.
Blueberries: One of the best superfoods! Blueberries provide pups with vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin K supports blood coagulation.
Bananas: A great treat for your dog! Bananas are rich in potassium which helps to support the kidney, heart, and muscles.
Carrots: Most kids don’t like carrots, but your pup does! They are great for the eyes and brain. They also help with heart health. They can improve blood sugar levels as well.
Sweet potatoes: Rich in fiber which is great for dog’s digestive system and gut healing. Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants, vitamins A, C, & B.
Spinach: High iron content, rich in fiber. Aids in bone health due to its high levels of potassium (vitamin K). They are great for cancer preventing assets.
Quinoa: Excellent source for energy. Know to aid in the prevention of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
A list of meats: chicken, lamb, salmon, turkey, beef, pork, & RAW bones
How Much & How Often:
It is important to consider sugar intake when feeding your pooch fruit. While it is natural sugars, most fruits can have a high sugar content which can be detrimental to your pet. Consider the 90/10 rule when feeding your dog fruits, 90% food, 10% fruit. Be sure to monitor his reaction as well, we want to keep that weight gain, diabetes, and hypothyroidism at bay!
Always carefully and slowly introduce new foods to your pooch. You want to insure it is safe for your pet and there are no adverse effects. You want to be mindful of any potential food reactions.
What to Avoid:
It is great to talk about things we can feed our dogs, but we must also take into consideration what we should not. Dog owners are getting out of the era of “feeding your dog table scraps” and I am happy about it! Dogs have strong stomach acids, however, they still have sensitivities triggered by certain foods. Here is a list of them.
Fruit seeds & pits
Avocados (occasionally is fine, but not excessive amounts)
Cooked bones
Fish bones
Mushrooms
Onions
Garlic
Candy
Coffee
Alcohol
It is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian to decipher what is best or harmful for your beloved pooch.
Where to shop:
I like to purchase organic foods from my local Publix, Whole Foods, & Aldi. I also recommend farmer’s market if you are in a larger city.
I feed my Pooch raw, so I shop with Darwin’s Natural Pet Products to have a variety of prepacked meals each month. It keeps my kitchen clean and my calendar free when I am on the go or we are traveling.
I also like to use Dr. Harvey’s! I love Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm, Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Veg to Bowl. They are perfect if you feed your pet raw! They are a great way for me to guarantee my fur baby gets all he needs and deserves!
Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s blog !
www.poochlala.com | The luxury boutique that Brings Out The Dog In You!