Everyone is interested in proper nutrition these days. Pet owners also want to make sure their animals get the best food possible, but no one wants to break the bank to do this. Fortunately all of the benefits of healthier food, such as a shinier coat, more energy, fewer allergies, and better health overall, can be had for a reasonable price.
The secret is to know what is actually healthy and try to mix up the ingredients yourself. There of course are commercial dog food that is healthier than the norm, but you can expect to pay a premium price for this premium food. Here are some ideas for healthy doggy chow and dog treats that is affordable.
1. Organic meats. When we hear the word meat, we are programmed to think beef. Beef is a premium meat, but it’s not necessarily any healthier for your pet than other high protein sources such as fish and chicken. The organic label lets you be sure that the meat doesn’t contain chemicals such as antibiotics and hormones. These sources of protein can be had quite cheaply. For example, the organs of organic chickens can often be found very cheaply and are just as healthy and tasty to our dogs as anything else. Make sure that the meat is cooked, even though your dog can handle bad meat better than you. Leave the meat in large chunks to make your dog work at it, leading to healthier teeth and gums. Eggs are another good source of protein that can occasionally be mixed into the kibble.
2. Brown rice. The truth is that a lot of commercial dog foods are made up of primarily rice. The difference is that this is usually white rice, stripped of the majority of its nutrients. Brown rice is a much healthier choice. Not only is it packed with vitamins, it is a “whole” food source meaning that it has not been processed. IT breaks down much more slowly.
3. Whole grains. Besides brown rice, other whole grains are also a good choice to make up the majority of your dog’s calories. Whole grains contain elements that are lacking in processed foods such as fatty acids and a number of vitamins.
4. Fruits and vegetables. Though you may think of dogs as being primarily meat eaters in the wild, the truth is that they are omnivores. Though they prefer meat, they will supplement their diet with a variety of plant materials. Keep in mind that certain vegetables will cause your dog problems. Avoid onions, tomatoes, avocados raisins, and nuts. Instead give them carrots, cabbage, peas, broccoli and pumpkin. Fortunately these are among the cheapest vegetables. Mix them in with the meat and rice for a balanced meal your dog will enjoy. Initially, eating fruits and vegetables might give the dog loose stools, but this will eventually cure itself.
5. Vitamin and mineral supplements. More than ever people are giving their dogs supplements to make up for a lack of nutrients found in their food. It’s best to use a vitamin specially formulated for dogs.