Many of you have probably heard the phrase that "food is medicine" when referring to humans but the same applies to your dog. In this blog I'm going to cover five simple topics that will help your dog maximize longevity while keeping your hard earned dollars in your pocket.
1 Look at the nutrition facts. In 2019 the pet food industry surpassed 80 billion dollars. A market this large comes with a lot of advertising and marketing. Many large companies pass the marketing expenses off to the final consumer. Instead of buying what you see on TV, do some research and many times you can find a brand at a local feed store that is as good if not better for a much friendlier price point because they do not pour millions into advertising.
2 Calories are king! In our personal pursuit to serve our Labradors and GSMD's optimal nutrition we have researched many brands of dog food. We have discovered that the calorie content is more important than the serving size. When searching for your dogs kibble, keep your dogs tendencies in mind. If it is an "easy keeper" you may want to go with a lighter calorie kibble. If your dog is a "hard gainer" you want to maximize calorie content for weight gain.
3 Find a good balance between protein to fat ratio. Protein supports muscle growth, bone density and brain function while healthy fats support energy levels, cell function and it also adds a desirable texture to the kibble itself. Protein should always be the higher number in this ratio.
4 "One egg a day will keep the vet away" is our phrase. Eggs are an excellent source of amino acids. Without amino acids, a dogs body struggles to process protein, simply adding one egg a day will allow your dog to process and absorb the protein to its full potential. You can serve the eggs boiled, fried (no grease) or our dogs favorite; poached and stirred into their kibble.
5 Last but certainly not least is vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals support healthy gums, vision, skin and coat. Our personal favorite that we serve to all our dogs on a daily basis is NuVet vitamins. NuVet only sells breeder/pet owner direct so you aren't paying marked up prices from these guys. Plus it's an amazing product that the dogs love. If you are interested go to NuVet.com and use our kennel code 620900 at checkout.
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