Whether you buy or adopt a new dog, you must ensure that they receive a balanced and wholesome diet. Though commercial dog food is often the best choice, you’d probably find them too expensive. Like human beings, puppies need a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy, vitamins and minerals along with adequate water. Also, one must remember that certain pets can have special dietary requirements. In that case, you must speak to the veterinarian to ensure that you feed only the best to your new family member.

Though domesticated dogs are primarily carnivores, you can raise them as omnivorous animals as well. Vets advise that you must include all nutrients into your puppy’s diet, which won’t be available in meat. If you choose a kibble diet for your dog, blend rice, vegetables, fish and raw or cooked meat. Should you choose a raw meat diet, human-grade chicken is preferable. Commercial pet bone and meat products often contain harmful preservatives. If need, have your vet design a raw meat diet formula for you. This is helpful especially if the pet has medical conditions or is growing.

Maintain food hygiene to prevent bacterial infection like salmonella and campylobacter, which is harmful to both you and the pet. Cooked meat like boiled lamb or chicken is great in smaller amounts, but cooked bones and sauces aren’t good for pets. Tinned tuna, salmon and sardines are occasional treats that must be checked for fishbones.

Your pet’s diet needs fibre as well, so choose raw grated carrots and cooked pumpkin for improved bowel health. Though this might sound surprising to a new pet parent, pets can digest rice and fruits well. Give them two raw bones in a week to remove plaque from their teeth, which mustn’t be wholly consumed. Cooked bones could splinter and get stuck in their intestine, causing internal damage.

Your pet’s diet amount and kind heavily depend on their age, breed, size and exercise schedule. You must not underfeed or overfeed them, so consult your doctor to evaluate your pet’s body condition, nutrition and health. Always have a fresh bowl of water that is changed regularly, so that they remain hydrated.

Your pet’s health depends on multiple factors, including its food and water intake. If you’re looking for a vet near Northern beaches, you must contact us at VetMed.