The Top 9 Foods for Dogs

Which foods should I feed my dog?

Taking a cue from their ancient ancestors, dogs are omnivorous. They evolved to scavenge as well as hunt, and they are opportunists when it comes to their diet. We witness this over and over at home... whenever we take our eyes off our lunch!

But while dogs are not fussy eaters, they still need to eat well to stay healthy. If you have brought a new dog home or you feel like your dog could have a better diet, take a look at some of the best foods for dogs. Please note that this is general advice and you should speak to your vet about your dog’s specific needs.

• Vet-approved dog food: If you really want to make sure your dog is eating the best food, you will invest in food that is created specially for them and packed with the nutrients dogs need to thrive. High quality, vet-approved dog food is best bought from a specialty pet store or directly from the vet. A chat with your vet is always a good way to decide which of the array of options is best for your dog. Specialists will tell you an investment in quality dog food will pay off by keeping your dog’s coat and organs healthy for the long term.

• Supermarket kibble: There is some debate about supermarket kibble and its quality but you can definitely feed the dog biscuits you find at Coles or Woolworths to your dog. Speak to your vet if you’d like advice in this area. When it comes to the dog snacks you find at the supermarket, treat them like chocolate bars and restrict how many your dog has access to.

• Canned dog foods: Dogs love wet, canned food, just like people love hamburgers. They will eat it all day long if you let them. However, most dogs, especially smaller ones, don’t need to eat this type of food in abundance every day. They also need dry food for better dental health.

• Bones: Dogs love bones and they can be great for dental health. Gnawing and chewing is good for your dogs’ teeth so a big juicy bone is a great treat. Bones should be raw and big though, so your pet has to work hard to get the meat off. 
• Take note: Dogs’ jaws are very strong and can crack smaller bones easily. Cooked bones will also crack more easily, even if they are nice and big. Once they crack, small bones can turn into shards which can be a choking hazard or cause cuts on your dog’s insides.

• Human foods: While our stomachs and digestive systems aren’t the same, dogs and people can eat a lot of similar things. You might be surprised which human foods are actually good for dogs. In general, just like us, the healthiest foods for dogs are the most natural and least processed. Here are a few of the best:

• Carrots: Believe it or not, rabbits aren’t actually that fond of carrots. Dogs, on the other hand, love them. And they are full of vitamin A as well as great for the teeth. Too much vitamin A is not so good so don’t let pup overdose on orange goodness.

• Apples: Just like an apple a day is often said to be great for us, they are good for dogs too, with lots of vitamins, especially A and C. Make sure they’re fresh though, rotten apples can be a bit alcoholic and make pooch ill.

• White rice: A great option for dogs with digestive issues, cooked white rice can help to minimise diarrhoea in dogs. White rice is a little high in sugar so make sure your dog isn’t diabetic.

• Dairy: Milk and yogurt are good snacks and a lot of dogs really love cheese. Be careful though, too much dairy can cause sick tummies. Save dairy for special treats.

• Peanut butter: Peanut butter is another great sometimes snack for dogs. Make sure it’s unsalted and sugar-free. Peanut butter, in moderation, is full of protein and vitamins. One tip though, make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol. This sweetener is toxic to dogs.

What shouldn’t dogs eat?

Now you know the best food for dogs, you also need to know which foods to avoid.

It’s generally well known that chocolate is bad for dogs. So is anything else containing caffeine. Caffeine is poisonous to dogs and should be avoided.

Many dog owners aren’t aware of the everyday foods which can be dangerous to dogs. Avocados, raisins, grapes, citrus fruits, and cherries all contain chemicals that are unhealthy or possibly poisonous. For a more comprehensive list of foods that are off-limits for dogs, check out aspca.org

If you have a small dog, you may notice that food like greasy bbq sausages upsets their stomach. Avoid overfeeding this type of food and of course limit highly processed foods like cakes, bread and bakery treats.

When you feed your dog well, they get the nutrients they need for a healthy coat and healthy organs. They will be less prone to dehydration and will have more energy to play.

And of course, enjoy your dog with products from True Charlie Co. Shop the range today.