A healthy diet is really important to you, isn’t it? Especially when it comes to your beloved four-legged friends for whom you are responsible. Of course, you want to do everything right so that your darlings are healthy and stay active! However, myths about feeding dogs persist, which may unsettle you – and that’s why we get to the bottom of this here.
A healthy diet of your dear fur noses is important to you! But are you always sure if everything you hear is true? In this video, we introduce you to the five important nutrition myths in dogs and clarify what is true and what is not.
The dog is descended from the wolf – that’s true.
And should also be fed like this – that’s not necessarily true.
Wolf and dog are genetically almost identical to this day. But dogs name in dukes of hazzard this does not apply to their digestive system. In the course of evolution, the dog has developed the ability to digest strength.
Its feed can therefore be easily provided with potatoes or cereals. This even makes sense for some dogs.
Cereals are a really good source of energy and fiber, and they also contain valuable vitamins and minerals. When it’s not contaminated with pollutants and when it’s properly processed, grain is easily digestible for dogs. If this does not apply to your dog, you should clarify this with a veterinarian. Of course, there are also intolerances and allergies in dogs.
But you are also welcome to feed according to the original wolf species, i.e. BARF. The composition of the feed at BARF with meat, bones, offal, vegetables, minerals and high-quality oils mimics the composition of a prey animal of wild canids. Many swear by it! It’s also a great thing if you do it right! Important tips for the right BARFen can be found in our guide “BARFen – a balanced raw feeding for dogs”.
Conventional meat contains antibiotics
In fact, meat used for animal feed production may contain antibiotics.
Because: When farm animals such as pigs, chickens or cows are treated with antibiotics, residues settle in the tissues of the animals. Although there are maximum residue limits and waiting periods between the administration of antibiotics and slaughter in Germany, antibiotic-resistant germs can develop that cannot be controlled by maximum residue limits. So here it is a question of the quality of meat.
Tip: It is best to use organic meat for raw feeding.
You can only be sure with organic meat, which is definitely free of antibiotic residues in Germany.
The industrial feed can transmit the Aujeszky virus.
No, that is highly unlikely.
Carriers of the Aujeszky virus are mainly wild boars. Hunting dogs can actually become infected through direct contact with diseased wild boars. The transmission would also be possible by feeding raw, uncooked venison or by sow bites.
Domestic pigs can also be carriers, but: Germany has been officially considered free of the Aujeszky virus in domestic pigs since 2003. Therefore, the risk of infection by domestic pig meat is minimized. Industrially produced animal feed with pork, therefore, does not pose a risk.
What is not written on it is also not in it.
That’s right!
The declaration of animal feed is subject to the law. The Feed Traffic Regulations clearly stipulate that all ingredients must be seen on the label so that the consumer is informed about what is contained in dog food. You will find all the ingredients, the exact composition and the nutrients it contains.
By the way: Added sugar is harmful.
Industrial sugar does not need humans or animals for nutrition. It can lead to diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Make sure that there is a little added sugar as possible in your dog food and treats.
The smaller the pile, the better the food
Sure, a Chihuahua certainly makes a smaller bunch than a Great Dane. But in fact, the size of the pile has to do with the quality of the food. A small pile means good utilization, which means: good food!
Because with a highly digestible food,best diet for dog can absorb almost all the nutrients contained in the food – and then the pile is smaller. So the smaller, firmer, and darker a dog pile is, the better. This shows the species-appropriate diet with higher meat content.
You can find more tips on nutrition in our guide “These are the most toxic foods for your dog!”