Pet Food – A Guide for Best Indian Dog Owners

 First Things First!

No matter how nutritious a particular ingredient we feel for humans, it may not have the same effect on our pets. Therefore, it is extremely important to always consult with your vet about foods that can be beneficial and harmful to your pet, as they can vary from breed to breed. What to feed and how much to feed your pet depends not only on the breed but also on his age, level of physical activity, and the environment in which your pet is growing up. It is important to create a proper meal plan for your dogs in consultation with your veterinarian.

Can The Combination of Roti/Chapati & Milk Be Constituted as A Meal for Your Pet?

Giving bread and milk is a tradition of almost a thousand years old in Indian culture. Whether feeding stray dogs or feeding our pets, at some point in their lives we have provided them with a bowl of roti dipped in milk. However, based on a survey conducted by the Department of Livestock Products Technology at Guru Angad Dev University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (GADVASU), a diet consisting only of bread and milk was found to be insufficient for the overall development of your dog's health. Therefore, it is essential to include fruits, vegetables, and meat in your dog's diet plan and not just rely on the humble roti/chapati and milk for your pet's nutritional needs. Note that milk should not be given to puppies under 6 months of age and for adult dogs, it should be diluted with a little water.

 

How Important Is It to Include Eggs & Meat In Your Pet’s Diet?

Animal protein should be the main ingredient in your pet's meal plan. Protein from eggs and meat is very beneficial for your dog's health. Meats such as fish, chicken, and lamb are common in some households; However, it is necessary to ensure that the meat is raw and does not contain any spices or seasonings. Cracked bones are not recommended as they are brittle and prone to oral injury and may also cause intestinal obstruction, which may require surgery.

When it comes to eggs, it is recommended to boil or scramble eggs without any spices, as raw eggs contain an enzyme called "avidin" which is known to reduce B vitamin absorption and coat and can cause skin problems.

For vegetarian families, it can be difficult to incorporate meat/eggs into their pet's diet, but it is important for the pet's health. That's when a combination of homemade food, grains, vegetables, fruits, and commercial brands of dog food comes to the rescue.

 

Role Of Grains & Pulses 

Contrary to popular belief, cereals are harmless to your pet and are instead a rich source of vitamin B complex, fiber, and iron. Therefore, when pet owners fall into the trap of having a grain-free best diet for dogs, they are stealing essential nutrients that contribute to the health, growth, and functioning of the dog's bodily enzymes. A mix of brown rice and mashed steamed vegetables makes a healthy and light meal for your pet. As some of us humans, some dogs can be allergic to gluten; However, for most of the dog population, whole grains such as brown rice, wheat, oats, barley, millet, and quinoa are healthy and nutritious. You can also taste small servings of soy to see if your dog likes it.

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