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Pet food is the source of energy and vital nutrients for our beloved pets, not just any old thing to feed them.Being a dog owner, it is our responsibility to care for them properly and feed them nutritious and delicious food.Being our "best friend", we should be sensitive and careful on what we feed them because we could be giving food that's harmless for their health. Their soft coats that we love to snuggle into can be attained when they have sufficient vitamins and minerals - same with good teeth, bones, skin and their overall health. Feeding them right will strengthen their immune system to fight bacteria and parasites, too.

Aside from vitamins and minerals, the essential parts in a dog's diet include protein, carbohydrates, fiber and fatty acids. In their regular meal, one-third of a dog's food must contain protein, which they usually get from whole meat, eggs and fish, because it helps build strong muscles and a healthier coat, nails and skin. And fat isn't always bad for your dogs because it helps boost their metabolism and it transports vitamins into their system.Carbohydrates are essential for a dog's energy, digestion and body cells as carbohydrates supply it with glucose.

On the other hand, it is also important to know what foods are bad for your dog. The quality and quantity of meals they take can lead to malnutrition, obesity and other health disorders such as cancer, kidney and bladder malfunction, skin diseases and arthritis, among many others. Many books and websites share a list of foods that should not be fed to your dogs such as chocolate, beans, garlic, onion and cooked chicken bones. That's why some owners resort to homemade dog food which they concoct themselves.

Homemade dog food has many benefits, the most important of which is that it ensures that your dog will get the proper nutrition he needs. While it takes time and effort to learn what to feed them, making your dog's food is economical and results-oriented as you will see good changes in their health. Just remember not to add preservatives and added spices, especially garlic, and to balance their diet and add variety to it. Cooked good grains such as brown rice and whole wheat can be included as small portions in their meal. Some people are torn between buying the generic dog food in the market or to go for premium dog food, which promises buyers of giving high quality ingredients in their dog food. These kinds are known to use ingredients without fillers or by-products and, known for its sophistication, these kinds of dog food often come in different shapes and color.

But before you start concocting your own recipes, you should see your pup's veterinarian to understand exactly what your pet needs.

Paying a visit to your dog's veterinarian is best in order to know the kinds and types of pet food to buy for your pup.It doesn't matter whether you purchase dog foods or make them yourself, knowing more from professionals is the way to go.They can tell you what your pet dog needs based on its size, breed, age and level of activity.And if you're just learning how to feed your dog properly, don't forget to incorporate the healthy food slowly in their diet instead of changing it too fast. They are, after all, similar to humans who doesn't take drastic diet change with open arms.