Proper nutrition for your dog is a vital component in their overall health care. Most dog owners know this, but when faced with the higher costs of quality dog food, they often let their wallets dictate what their dog eats. While this is understandable, it should be pointed out that a healthy dog will be able to shrug off disease, be on less medication and have fewer vet visits throughout its lifespan. This will often save enough money to justify the cost of quality dog food.
So what specific effects does proper dog nutrition have on their health? There are six main areas in which good nutrition keeps dogs healthy.
Better Digestion and Weight Management
Dog foods that have high-quality ingredients and balanced fiber are more easily digestible to dogs. This means the dog will have to eat less food to get the same nutritional benefits. The dog will feel fuller longer, which helps with weight maintenance. Higher energy levels will also lead to a dog who is more willing to play and exercise, which will benefit their body condition and overall health.
Diabetes Prevention
Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to diabetes. Quality dog foods have a low sugar content and use appropriate carbohydrate sources, which can help prevent this disease. Fiber also plays a role in diabetes prevention. Studies suggest that fiber is digested slowly in the intestine which may help regulate absorption of sugar from the intestine and can aid in blood sugar control.
Reduction of Allergies
Many cheap dog foods use corn or wheat as a carbohydrate source. These components are generally ‘meals,’ or processed leftovers from other food manufacturing processes. As a result, these dog foods have lots of gluten in them, a protein that many dogs are allergic to. Gluten allergies can cause upset stomach, poor nutrient absorption, and an overall decline in health. By choosing a dog food that contains oats or rice as the main carbohydrate source, you avoid the negative side effects of gluten allergies.
Stronger Immunity to Illness
A healthy dog is better able to fight off communicable diseases. Good quality dog foods have a proper balance of vitamins and minerals essential to a properly functioning immune system. This includes fighting off bacteria and viruses that could be spread from other dogs. Good nutrition also plays a role in preventing infestations of external parasites such as ticks and fleas. A healthy dog can produce chemicals that make its blood far less palatable to parasites, and as a result will be less likely to play host to these bugs.
Healthier Organs
High quality dog foods will not contain a ton of chemicals and preservatives. This will specifically affect internal organs like the liver and kidneys. A lifetime of flushing toxins from the body can induce cancer or a general breakdown of these organs. Choosing a diet with few chemicals will be easier for your dog’s body to process, and decrease the chances of your dog getting cancer.
Better Coat and Skin
A healthy coat on a dog looks nice and makes them more pleasant to groom. But a good coat can also affect overall health as well. In many breeds, a healthy coat will protect your dog from the elements. It will keep out the sun on hot days and insulate on cold ones. A healthy coat also plays a role in preventing tick and flea infestations.
Dog owners who choose to invest in a high-quality diet for their pet will reap the benefits by having a healthier dog. Good nutrition can help prevent many common diseases that cost the owner money in vet bills and medications. A healthy dog will also live longer, giving you more time with your loved one.
Sources:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/diet-nutrition
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