Buying a first puppy can be quite a learning curve for many new owners. Dogs simply do not have the same sort of nutritional requirements as people, even despite the idea that they will eat any scraps of leftover food or treats. The most important concept however is the same for dogs as it is for humans: balance. A balanced diet ensures that pets receive all of the nutrients they need in the right amounts, with the example of phosphorus and calcium balance being one of the most important. Without careful measurements of calcium to phosphorus, the dog’s metabolism may become unbalanced, since more calcium is required. It may be further unbalanced by the feeding of two different types of pet food together as well as unregulated treats. This can very quickly lead to weight and general health problems that, if unchecked, can result in damage to a dog’s health.
One of the most vital differences between humans and many animals is that a dog requires plenty of taurine. This substance helps to keep both the heart and the eyes healthy and is a requirement in diet of dogs of all ages. It is also vital that owners understand the risks associated when feeding dogs raw meat. Clearly, dogs are carnivores by nature, but this doesn’t make feeding raw meat to them safe. Raw meat can be a haven for bacteria such as E. coli, listeria and salmonella which can then be passed onto anybody else the pet comes into contact with.
