How to raise a healthy and happy dog?
Proper diet and exercise are the cornerstones of a healthy and happy dog, and maintaining a balance is essential. Breed, age, and activity level are all factors that measure these needs.
Diet – A dog’s diet has three main components:
Protein is very important, providing energy and amino acids to create and repair body tissues. Meat is a great source of protein because it provides all the essential amino acids your dog needs.
Fat is a very important source of energy and is essential for skin and coat health as well as providing fat-soluble vitamins;
Carbohydrates are also a good source of energy, and the addition of insoluble carbohydrates like beet pulp is important for gut health and regularity.
Avoid feeding foods with a high percentage of filler ingredients (like grains) as these foods are less nutritious, and while they may be cheaper, you will find that your dog needs to eat more food to be full.
Exercise – Adequate exercise is essential for good mental health in dogs.
If high-energy dogs don’t get enough opportunities to run around, they may turn to destructive behaviors, such as digging, racing, and chewing, as a means of expending energy and stimulation.
On the other hand, a well-exercised dog will be healthier, happier, perform better, and be more willing to curl up quietly at the end of the day.
The need for exercise varies widely among dog breeds, but most dogs will at least benefit from daily walks and some more vigorous exercise that gets their heart rate up. You can ask your veterinarian to recommend some suitable exercise for your dog.
Well-trained dogs can be taken to dog parks and other unrestrained places, and those who love water can go to dog-friendly places like beaches, lakes, and rivers.
For smarter breeds, like working dogs, brain games are a great way to exercise your brain (along with regular vigorous exercise). These games usually include an educational toy filled with food or treats (just make sure it doesn’t overeat), or a game of hide-and-seek with one of their daily training treats.
We all want our canine friends to be happy and healthy. But the sedentary lifestyle of modern life is bad for people and animals, so a proactive approach is needed to ensure our pets enjoy optimal health.
