How to Prepare a Balance and Healthy Dog Training Diet

As with humans, a good diet forms the foundation of good health in dogs. And in order to train effectively, a dog needs to be in good health, so a well balanced diet is essential.

Fresh meat is a good source of nutrients, but if your budget doesn’t allow for this to be a regular occurrence, be prepared to spend money on a good dry food. There a several things to look for when deciding on which brand to use.

The ingredients in dog food are listed in order of proportion, meaning that the substance that appears first on the label forms the largest percentage, and then continues in descending order.

Cheaper dog food is less preferable due to high levels of ‘waste’ animal parts. When a label indicates food contains ‘by products’, it is best to avoid these brands. It is rare to see this in higher quality dog food, but when listed, it will be towards the bottom, denoting a small percentage.

'By products' are made up of parts that were considered unsuitable for human consumption. Though not dangerous, the low quality will have an effect on a dog’s coat, muscles, bones and overall health.

Assuming correct bathing and brushing habits are followed, an indicator of a healthy dog can be seen in their coats. They will shed less, and their coats will look shinier.

According to some experts the balanced diet consists of a ratio of meat, vegetables and starch at about roughly 40%, 30%, 30% respectively.

Chicken, lamb and beef are most commonly used as they supply an easily digestible source of protein which is important for a healthy dog.

Minerals and vitamins are supplied by vegetables. These help to produce proper hormone and enzyme types and amounts and compounds for good bone health and other functions. Two vegetables that are ideal for most dogs are carrots and squash.

Brown or white rice is normally used to deliver starch content as they are both an excellent source of carbohydrates. These compounds are broken down in the body to form the basis for energy and cell repair.

Some dogs have particular conditions which require a specially tailored diet that includes or omits certain foods. For example, most Golden Retrievers are sensitive to wheat products. Some dogs find corn meal difficult to digest.

If these products appear on the label, discuss with your vet whether it's necessary to avoid them. Indicators include soft stools, excessive scratching and frequent gas.

To make dry food more appetizing, try preparing with a little water and microwaving for around 30 seconds. It is important to sometimes serve dry food though, to scrub teeth and gums.

Treats need to be given in moderation. One reason dogs enjoy them is because they tend to be high in fat content. Make sure to buy a quality brand, and limit treats to one or two per day.

There can be a considerable difference in price between dog foods. Higher quality brands can cost twice as much, but it is important to consider that a healthier dog will cost less in the long term, as a healthy dog requires less frequent trips to the vet.

By purchasing higher quality food, your dog will benefit noticeably. They will have a shinier coat, clear eyes and generally be more healthy. And as with humans, good health is priceless.

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