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What to Believe: 5 Bogus Myths about Dog Nutrition and Diet

Dogs are more than just furry animals that lay at the foot of your bed and require care. In truth, for many pet owners such as yourself, a dog is an extended member of the family. Some pet owners even treat their dogs just like children. Unfortunately, bogus myths about dog nutrition and diet may have you causing more harm than good to their health.

Fortunately, many of the bogus claims you believe to be true can be busted with factual information.

What to Believe: 5 Bogus Myths about Dog Nutrition and Diet

Myths about Dog Nutrition – What to Believe

Dry Kibble Is All That Is Needed to Clean a Dog’s Teeth

Truth: Although dry, hard kibble is good for your dog’s teeth, it is not enough to prevent a buildup of plaque and calculus – also known as tartar.

It is important for you to incorporate dry kibble into your dog’s diet in order to remove debris from between the teeth.

However, it often does not work to clean around your dog’s gums. This is where plaque and tarter are often found.

Plaque and tartar buildup in your dog’s mouth can lead to gum disease. This is often associated with heart disease in both humans and dogs.

In order to properly clean your dog’s teeth, you will need to set up a dental regimen. Incorporate raw meaty bones into your dog’s diet.

The flexibility of the bone can often assist with the removal of plaque around the gum line.

Furthermore, invest in a doggy toothbrush or visit your local veterinarian for assistance with teeth cleaning.

It Does Not Matter Where You Purchase Raw Food Products for Your Pet

Truth: When it comes to raw food products for your dog, keep in mind that not all raw food is created equal.

Raw foods often contain bacteria that are harmful to dogs.

That is not to say that a raw food diet is bad for your dog.

In fact, there are many veterinarians who support the benefits of a raw food diet.

However, you must be careful where you purchase raw foods.

Raw foods found in grocery stores contain higher amounts of bacteria than those purchased from dog food providers.

The reason grocery stores carry foods with higher concentrations of bacteria is that consumers typically cook the bacteria out of their meats.

Since you will not be cooking your dog’s meat, it is best that you purchase raw food products from a company that deals specifically with raw pet food.

Quality Name Brand Foods are the Best Choice for Your Pet

Truth: Cheaper dog food brands often get a bad rap from pet owners who can afford to feed their dog expensive name-brand foods.

However, name-brand foods are not necessarily the best choice for your dog.

In truth, many popular pet food brands have suffered from food recalls for lacking a sufficient amount of a specific ingredient needed to maintain a dog’s health.

In order to ensure that your dog is receiving the best quality food, look beyond the dog food label.

Ask your vet how much of a certain ingredient your dog should receive based on their age and weight.

Double check to make sure the dog food of your choice contains enough of that ingredient.

Furthermore, make sure that the dog food you select contains all-natural ingredients and meats from disease-free animals.

Diet Rotation Is Bad for Your Pet’s Health

Truth: There are those who would warn you against the idea of dog food rotation. They claim that it is bad for your dog’s health.

Dog food rotation consists of switching up the food your dog eats periodically, such as on a weekly or monthly basis.

Although dogs do not always handle having their food switched out very well, it can be good for them.

Rotating your dog’s diet allows you to minimize problems associated with foods that lack certain ingredients such as proteins, vitamin D, or other important, nutritious things that they need.

Buying multiple kinds of food can get expensive.

To help you save money, look online for vouchers and coupons online.

By switching out your dog’s food from time to time, you are providing them with a healthier, more balanced form of nutrition.

Dog Food with Glucosamine and Chondroitin Is Enough to Support Joint Health

Truth: Many dog food manufacturers claim that dog food products containing glucosamine and chondroitin are enough to improve or support your dog’s joint health.

The sad truth of the matter is that there is not enough clinical evidence to support this claim.

If your dog suffers from joint health issues, you will still need to incorporate an NSAID treatment recommended by your vet.

By busting these claims, you will be able to provide your furry family member with a healthier, happier lifestyle than ever before.

Be sure you speak with your pet’s veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding claims, myths about dog nutrition, or your pet’s health.

Mary Gardner

Saturday 1st of January 2022

This is great information. I was interested to find out that name brand foods aren't necessarily the best choice for your dog.

Adriane

Saturday 27th of November 2021

Thank you for all the info! I try to provide a balanced diet through a mix of dry kibble, wet dog food and a bit of fresh meat and some veggies like sweet potato. So far so good. I did buy an incredibly expensive high protein food once - caused her to scoot. The vet took a look and immediately asked about any diet changes, Uh, yep. He said some dogs can't handle that high protein, so I went back to a moderate priced store brand and she's good.

Mia E.

Saturday 28th of March 2020

Keeping our pets healthy and being aware of what diets are good is something to always keep in mind.

Sandi Jacob

Friday 20th of October 2017

How can I get my dog to eat dry food? It seems he only wants "people" food. Do I mix them together and hope he isn't smart enough to know? How much people food is good/bad for him?

Molly

Friday 20th of October 2017

I never feed regular people food. I do however give them carrots, green beans, peas as treats or food toppers. Also, some fruits are good. Just no big plate fulls of cream taters and etc :)

Cindy S.

Monday 2nd of November 2015

We do switch out our dogs' food but learned the importance of doing it gradually. They both had issues (loose stools) like clockwork - when we made changes without slowly switching over. I would imagine that some dogs have no issue though. Thanks for all the great info.

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