Go Green for Pets! by Jeanie Donahue at The Pet Care Clinic by Dalice Go green this St. Patrick’s Day… by introducing green veggies into your dog’s diet! Facts about dogs in the wild indicate that dogs eat raw meat but, unlike cats, can get a good portion of their necessary nutrition from fruit and plants. The best diet for dogs consists of a specific combination of meat, vegetables, fruit and raw bones. It’s based on years of research in evolutionary animal science. This diet helps increase general health and longevity. Owners who switch to this diet often see a marked decrease in health problems such as allergies, bladder infections, ear infections, arthritis, and skin problems. The diet consists of whole foods that are human grade. It basically consists of meats, finely ground raw bones, and fruits such as apples, and vegetables such as carrots, peas, spinach and green beans. Meat contains the moisture your dog needs in his food to keep him properly hydrated and the protein he needs to build and maintain lean muscle. The bones contain necessary minerals while the other ingredients provide vital vitamins. Some commercial dog food can provide your pet with the necessary nutrition but you have to choose carefully and wisely. Much of commercial food contains a large amount of grains, fillers, chemicals, preservatives and by-products. Dogs do not utilize these ingredients and the empty calories lead to obesity and many other health problems. The less preservatives, colorings and chemicals …the better. Kibble alone is not a suitable diet for a dog for several reasons. First of all, dogs digest moisture through their intestines so even with fresh water available, kibble alone can lead to dehydration and urinary tract problems. It also contains many preservatives and fillers, all of which are unhealthy for your dog's health. In choosing kibble, a natural kibble with whole ingredients and grain-free is the best for your dog. At least 50% of your dog’s veggies should be green leaves. Greens have numerous health benefits. They are vitamin powerhouses, full of antioxidants and minerals. They also possess cleansing & PH balancing properties & are an excellent source of your
dog’s fiber. Another advantage of vegetables for dogs is the role they play in controlling obesity. If your dog is overweight, reward him with raw vegetable sticks such as celery or carrots in place of his regular cookies. To make the vegetables more appealing, add a small amount of peanut butter to give them additional flavor. Do this consistently in place of his higher
calorie treats and you should see your dog's weight start to decline. There are some vegetables you should not feed to your dog. Never offer your dog onions or fresh garlic. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns regarding vegetables and your dog’s diet. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us here at The Pet Care Clinic! P
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