What do dogs like to eat? What foods can and cannot be fed to your dog?

Many owners try to feed their pets soups, bones, potatoes and other human “goodies”. But not many people think that such food can sometimes be extremely harmful to dogs. After all, it is known that dogs are not omnivores, which means that constant feeding of an incorrectly formulated diet can cause serious harm to their body, which includes diseases of the digestive organs, impaired liver function, and so on. Therefore, before you buy a puppy, you need to answer the question - what dogs should not eat, because an unbalanced diet causes serious harm to health. If the food is constantly heavy, this will negatively affect the pet's energy, strength, general health and appearance. So, what can and should be fed to a dog, and what not?

What foods are strictly prohibited for dogs to eat?

To properly understand the issue, you first need to understand what you can feed your dog. Experienced breeders identify three main products that should be regularly included in the animal’s diet. This:

• lean meat;
• some types of porridges (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal);
• any boiled or fresh vegetables.

Meat can be replaced with fish if desired, but it must be sea fish. It is equally important to monitor drinking regime pet, since the full functioning of the whole organism directly depends on the fluid.

Dry food can be fed to dogs (only natural and high-quality food), but such food must be combined with drinking plenty of fluids - pure water must always be accessible to the dog.

What should you not feed dogs so as not to harm their health? Veterinarians have identified a certain number of products that are strictly prohibited from being given to dogs. Of course, many owners want to feed their pets tastier, however, in most cases, this idea has a negative impact on the health of the animal. That is why you should not give dogs food from the owner’s table, seeing that they quickly and “deliciously” eat buns, sweets, potatoes and other foods.

What not to give to dogs:

1. Smoked meats, spices, salty and spicy dishes

The liver of dogs, regardless of their breed, is quite unstable to such products. This means that if they are used frequently, they can cause serious harm to the dog. Smoked food contains a large number of fat and salt, which are often responsible for the development of pancreatitis (this disease is an inflammation of the pancreas).

Seasoned, salty or spicy foods cause intense thirst, which can initiate the development of intestinal volvulus or pathological dilatation of the stomach. Of course, this condition negatively affects the pet’s health, since it requires mandatory treatment.

Spices often cause a deterioration in dogs’ sense of smell, without which the animal will not be able to hunt and recognize loved ones.

2. Raw and tubular bones, river fish

The bones of the fish are so thin that they can easily get stuck in the larynx, which causes inflammation of its mucous membrane, and can also cause the dog to suffocate. Therefore, breeders advise giving pets only sea fish that have large bones - however, these too must be removed before feeding the animal.

Why can't dogs eat chicken bones? Tubular bones (including bird bones) become too sharp when chewed - this causes a lot of health problems, for example, a dog can injure its mouth or pierce its digestive organs. Therefore, it is prohibited to give them whole (if you wish, you can buy minced bones in the store, made specifically for feeding dogs - such a product is completely safe and natural, which means it cannot cause harm to health).

Raw Bones, oddly enough, also refer to what you should not feed your dog. Otherwise, your pet may become infected with helminths. If the owner does not immediately notice the disease, the worms will gradually infect the liver, and also deprive the dog of the energy and strength that it gains with the help of proper nutrition.

Breeders say that it is not recommended to give any whole bones to dogs, even if they are small. However, sometimes you can still pamper your pet with a sugar bone - the main thing is to do it infrequently.

But boiled bones can be given to your pet if they are small and not tubular.

You cannot feed your dog pork, lamb or other types of meat that have not previously been heat-treated. However, even if it does exist, these are the ones meat products It is prohibited to give to dogs, as they contain a lot of fats that cannot be called safe for health.

Attention! What dogs should not be fed is fresh raw meat. Raw meat often contains E. coli, salmonella and other pathogenic microflora, which, if ingested by an animal, can cause serious problems with health.

To avoid catching dangerous infection, meat for the dog needs to be kept in freezer for at least 5 days, and when serving, scald with boiling water or boil - the main thing is to find out in advance what kind of meat can be given to pets and what is undesirable.

3. Pork

Why can't dogs have pork? The fact is that dogs, like pigs, have the same virus of a serious infectious disease in their bodies, called the canine distemper virus. That is why raw meat can quickly cause the development of the disease, since there will be much more pathogenic bacteria in the dog’s body. And they are the causative agent of plague, which causes serious problems with the pet’s condition.

This is why dogs should not include pork in their diet to avoid the development of serious diseases.

4. Meat trimmings that have too much fat.

A large amount of fat present in a dog's diet can lead to obesity or pancreatitis. However, this does not mean that only meat trimmings should be given to your dog.

Meat products containing cartilage, veins and a small amount of fat are considered beneficial for pets, since they contain gelatin and calcium, which strengthen the animal’s bones. However, you shouldn’t feed your dog exclusively with fatty foods, otherwise it can cause serious consequences for its health.

5. Raw eggs

This product is considered a source of salmonellosis in dogs, so it is prohibited to give it raw to your pet. But boiled eggs are good for dogs, so they should definitely be included in the diet. Just do this no more than 2 times a week.

6. Fruits that will contain seeds

Fruits must be given to dogs, as they contain a large amount of useful substances and vitamins. But fruits that have seeds should not be given. After all, they cause intestinal obstruction and can also lead to poisoning, since the bones contain cyanide - a strong poison that is harmful to the health of the dog.

What fruits should dogs not eat? You should not give them pomegranate, as it will be quite problematic to remove the seeds from it. Dogs are allowed to eat other fruits, but the owner needs to check them before doing so.

7. Chocolate, sweets and other sweets

Dogs are absolutely not allowed chocolate. This product is considered poison for pets, since this product contains substances hazardous to health - caffeine and theobromine alkaloid. In humans, sweets cannot cause poisoning, since the amount is considered too small for people - but not for animals.

Why can't dogs eat sweets? Such products cause serious harm to the pet’s health, since the animal’s metabolism slows down due to it. If a dog has eaten a lot of sweets, it will have the following symptoms:

• nausea;
• convulsions;
• vomit;
• diarrhea.

In fact, not all owners know why dogs cannot have sweets, and often “pamper” their pet with candy. It should be noted that taking a large dose of chocolate and sweets can easily cause death.

8. Alcohol and carbonated drinks

Even a minimal amount of alcohol causes heart failure and paralyzes the pet’s central nervous system. And hops and ethanol cause serious intoxication, untimely provision of assistance for which leads to the death of the dog.

9. Dairy products

Why can't dogs have milk? Dairy products cause volvulus and also negatively affect the state of the digestive system. Also, such products contain fats that dogs should not take in large quantities.

In addition, dogs should not have milk because it can cause indigestion and the animal will eventually suffer from diarrhea.

And here dairy products even shown to dogs, especially small puppies. These foods also contain calcium, but pose less of a threat to the digestive system.

10. Salt

Constantly eating salt causes problems water-salt balance- this can lead to dehydration, deterioration of the central nervous system, as well as problems with blood vessels.

11. Potato

Why can't dogs be given potatoes? Although the tubers contain a large amount of useful substances, you still shouldn’t give potatoes to dogs, since they are heavy food that can “clog” the stomach and other digestive organs.

What other foods should you not give to dogs? These include:

• mushrooms;
• citrus;
• sorrel;
• flour products;
• vitamins that are intended for humans.

To understand how to feed a dog correctly, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the breed, as well as take into account those foods that are strictly prohibited.

Diet

Are you sure you know what offal you can give your dog?

Animal proteins occupy the main place in a dog's diet. In addition to meat, pets happily eat offal: tripe, kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, udder. Despite the unsightly appearance And specific smell, these products are very beneficial for animals.

Beneficial features

Giblets contain more nutrients than regular meat. Firstly, offal is a source of animal protein, which is building material for any organism.

Secondly, they are rich in microelements: phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, iodine, potassium, zinc, selenium.

Thirdly, these products contain a large amount of B vitamins, folic acid, vitamins A, K, E. In terms of vitamin D content, by-products have no equal among other feeds. This vitamin is one of the most important for living beings. Its deficiency leads to muscular dystrophy, fractures, malignant tumors, rickets, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Offal is especially useful for dogs living in northern areas with little sunny days. In the cold season, when vitamin D deficiency is most likely, offal is included in the menu.

Fourthly, meat by-products, just like fish, contain healthy fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 - sources of energy for cells.

Giblets contain little fat and carbohydrates, so they can be considered a dietary product.

By-products and muscle meat from animals raised on natural feed are much more nutritious and healthier than those fed on mixed feed.

Lungs, heart, trachea, liver, diaphragm and other tripe are significantly cheaper than meat. By including them in the diet, owners reduce the cost of maintaining a pet.

How and what to feed your dog

Despite undoubted benefit, the share of these products in the dog’s diet should not exceed 15%. It is enough to give your dog offal twice a week. You can feed your dog tripe daily, but in small portions.

Liver

This filter organ neutralizes toxins entering the body, but does not store them. Therefore, liver can be safely given to your pet. This product is a source of vitamins A, group B, folic acid, and iron.

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant, it improves digestion and has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system. Folic acid and vitamin B12 support health nervous system, improve brain and vascular function. Iron increases endurance, participates in the formation of hemoglobin, brain functioning, metabolism, and saturation of cells with oxygen.

The liver is especially useful for rapidly growing young dogs, as well as for preparing breeding dogs for mating and for feeding lactating bitches.

When exposed to high or low temperatures The nutritional content is reduced, so it is preferable to feed raw liver to dogs. However, sometimes worm larvae are found in it. To avoid infection, the liver is either boiled or frozen. This product can be fed to animals in its raw form only after a veterinary check.

The share of liver in the diet should not exceed 5%. Exceeding the dosage leads to digestive disorders.

Lung

This organ contains a significant amount of connective tissue, has low calorie content, small amounts of protein and is poorly digested. The lungs do not bring significant benefits to the dog's body. To avoid vomiting, they are introduced into the diet gradually, boiled and crushed. It is better to combine lungs with other offal.

Heart

This is a source of antioxidant and immunomodulator coenzyme Q10, which is necessary for cell activity and inhibits the aging process. The organ contains selenium, zinc, phosphorus, as well as B vitamins and amino acids, which help build muscle mass, produce and store energy, and increase endurance.

Heart contains twice as much collagen and elastin as regular meat, which is important for joint health. It is similar in structure to muscle meat, but heavier and denser. Dogs are safely fed raw hearts.

Kidneys

This offal is rich in vitamins A, K, B, E, zinc, iron, as well as fatty acids that improve the condition of the coat and skin. Including kidneys in the menu normalizes function digestive system. Before feeding, it is better to cut them in half lengthwise and soak them in cold water and give it to the dog raw.

Udder

The organ is rich in vitamins, but it has a lot of connective tissue and fat, so portions should be small. The udder is perfectly digestible, including it in the diet helps build muscle and adapt to increased loads. There is less fat in the milk udder. Raw udder with milk is given to puppies after 3 months, after removing excess fat. This product is also useful for nursing and pregnant dogs.

Brain

The by-product contains lipids and choline. This is an easily digestible food that allows you to nutritiously feed exhausted animals during the rehabilitation period after illness and male dogs during the mating period. Brains are cooked with rice or buckwheat.

Spleen

This organ contains a large amount of complete protein and iron. In terms of amino acid content, the spleen is close to muscle meat and liver. It is given to dogs boiled.

A large amount of spleen in a dog’s diet leads to black diarrhea and other digestive disorders.

Tripe, abomasum

These are the most valuable parts of the stomach, rich in enzymes, protein, amino acids, and beneficial microflora that help digest food. Enzymes also improve metabolism, cleanse the blood, neutralize toxins, and strengthen the immune system. The stomach is very beneficial for a dog's health, despite its specific bad smell.

Before feeding, the abomasum and rumen are cleaned of remnants of semi-digested food and washed under running water. Because at heat treatment the enzymes are destroyed, the dogs are given a raw stomach, cut into pieces.

Ears, legs, tails

These by-products are not rich in protein, but they contain calcium, phosphorus and serve as a good exercise machine for dog jaws. Leg tendons are rich in elastin and collagen. The skin is a source of amino acids and trace elements. Dogs love to chew on these foods, raw or cooked.

Some owners boil beef legs, lips, ears, and tails for 3-4 hours. The result is a rich broth, which when cooled turns into jellied meat. This dish can be given to puppies starting from one month of age.

Heads and cartilaginous by-products

The trachea, diaphragm, kaltyk, and epiglottic cartilages contain a lot of protein and are rich in collagen and elastin. The trachea and diaphragm can be given to your dog quite often. They are useful for strengthening the muscles of the jaws, teeth and gums. These giblets are inexpensive and require no processing other than freezing for three days. Before feeding, they are scalded with boiling water. The mucus contained inside the cartilage by-products sometimes leads to digestive upset. Therefore, they accustom the dog to this food gradually, starting with a small amount.

Skinned heads also contain protein. The heads are valuable for their calcium content. They are chopped into large pieces and cook for 2-3 hours. After this, the meat is separated and fed to the dogs along with the broth. Leftover boiled skull bones should not be given to animals.

Poultry by-products

The liver, heart, stomachs, necks of birds, as well as their bones, heads, paws are inexpensive, healthy and nutritious food. These products rarely cause allergies. They are especially valuable high content collagen (in necks and wings), protein (in heads and paws).

Although poultry by-products are not as healthy as beef by-products, they are an excellent and healthy addition to your dog's diet. Giblets of chickens, turkeys, and ducks are gradually introduced into the diet of puppies, adding little by little to the main menu and observing the reaction of the digestive tract.

Chicken heads

This is a source of calcium and a real treat for those who like to chew. In order not to injure the esophagus and stomach, the bird’s beak is removed and the head itself is broken. Dogs are fed boiled heads.

Liver, heart, stomach

Chicken or duck liver is a source of vitamins A and B12, the stomach and heart are rich in protein, zinc, iron, collagen and elastin. These giblets are given to dogs no more than 2-3 times a week, because with an excess of vitamin A, it decreases muscle mass, bones are deformed.

Bones, paws, necks

Poultry bones contain calcium, phosphorus, collagen and elastin, so it is sometimes worth letting your pet sharpen his teeth on them. Tubular bones should not be given to dogs. Animals swallow them whole; the stomach cannot digest such bones. As a result, the gastrointestinal tract is injured.

Raw spongy chicken bones are a source of calcium and phosphorus. A good option would be minced bone, which is given to pets along with porridge, pasta or soup. This minced meat contains bone tissue, cartilage, fat, bone marrow.

Bird paws make a delicious, nutritious jellied meat, especially useful for puppies. After three to four hours of cooking, the broth is cooled, the bones are separated, removed from the paws soft fabrics, remove the claws. Jellied meat is given to dogs either separately or added to porridge.

Chicken and duck necks do not have hard tubular bones. All dogs can easily chew and digest them. Therefore, necks are given even to puppies starting from two months. Before giving to your pet, the necks are boiled or doused with boiling water.

Chicken, duck or turkey skin is a source of bad cholesterol, so it has no place in a dog’s diet.

Selection and storage

Dogs are fed only fresh offal obtained from healthy animals and not showing signs of spoilage. Puppies begin to accustom themselves to this type of food at 5-6 months, with the exception of udders and chicken necks, which are indicated at 2-3 months. More kids younger age fed with broth or jellied meat made from offal. Brains, udders, spleen, lungs and kidneys are not given to pets with sensitive digestion.

Raw offal is included in the animal menu only after a veterinary inspection. Otherwise, they must be boiled or frozen. Boiled offal and minced meat are not as healthy as raw meat, but in this case the dog will not develop diarrhea, vomiting or more serious infectious diseases. If there is any doubt about the freshness of the products, they are kept in the solution for 20-30 minutes baking soda, then rinse thoroughly.

Damaged brains and spleens are especially dangerous for dogs. Signs of brain damage are a creamy consistency, an unpleasant odor, and a dark earthy color. A stale spleen darkens when cut.

Possible reactions

Some pets cannot tolerate offal and tripe even in small quantities. Food intolerance to offal is manifested by vomiting, diarrhea, irritation on the skin of the face, paws, ears, front legs, armpits, and around the anus. Sometimes skin or ear infections, red spots, hair loss, and constant scratching occur. There is no point in treating food allergies; it is enough to exclude allergens from the diet - chicken or meat by-products.

Industrial feed with additives

By-products are uncommon in industrial animal feeds. They are usually added to food to give it an attractive smell and taste to dogs. The manufacturer adds chicken liver, heart, and kidneys to Fresh Chicken Giblets dry food. The canned mixed meat “Beef with tongue and heart” of the Zoogurman brand contains beef, heart, tongue and beef offal.

Choosing for a pet natural nutrition, it is important for the owner to understand what can and cannot be given to the dog. Below are general recommendations regarding different food products. But when compiling a diet, you should first of all focus on individual characteristics your dog, since sometimes even those considered healthy products may cause discomfort in the pet. Main principle Any diet – moderation and variety.

• Beer. Hops and ethanol (alcohol) contained in beer are toxic to dogs, and therefore often lead to disastrous consequences (including coma and death).
• Bones. Dogs should not be given any bones as chicken bones can cause injury. oral cavity, pierce the digestive organs, and fish often get stuck in the throat, which sometimes leads to inflammation and suffocation. Raw bones, especially pork bones, are a potential source of helminth infection, and cooked ones quickly clog the intestines, which can lead to constipation and even intestinal rupture.
• Raw chicken eggs. They cause infection with salmonellosis or E. coli, so their presence in your pet’s diet is not recommended. In addition, they contain an enzyme that prevents vitamin B from being absorbed, which leads to problems with the dog’s skin and coat.
• Sweet. Its use leads to obesity, the development of caries, and often - inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes of the eyes and diabetes mellitus.

• Pomegranate. Due to its numerous seeds, which are practically indigestible, pomegranate can cause intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain and vomiting. In addition, most seeds contain cyanide, a substance poisonous to animals.
• Chocolate. In addition to harmful caffeine, it contains theobromine, which provokes symptoms similar to poisoning (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions), and as a last resort– lethal outcome (when consuming theobromine at the rate of 0.3 g per 1 kg of animal body weight).

On a note! 100 g of chocolate contains about 1.5 g of theobromine.

• Tea. This drink is dangerous because it contains caffeine, which in large doses causes increased breathing and heart rate, tremors, convulsions, diarrhea and nervous disorders.
• Salt. The constant intake of salt into the dog’s body provokes an imbalance of electrolytes and water-salt metabolism, which manifests itself in the form of dehydration, disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
• Mushrooms. They absorb all the toxins from environment, therefore provoke disturbances in the functioning of the liver and pancreas.
• Nuts. The dog's digestive system is not “tuned” to digest all types of nuts, so they often cause digestive upset.
• Onion and garlic. They serve as a source of thiosulfates, which, when entering the body in large quantities, have a destructive effect on red blood cells and provoke anemia (anemia).
• Citrus. Tangerines and oranges are often the cause of allergies and inflammation of the gastric mucosa for pets.

• Avocado. This exotic fruit contains persin, a toxin that causes stomach problems, diarrhea and vomiting in your pet.
• Sorrel. It contains a high concentration of salts oxalic acid(oxalates), causing dysfunction of the urinary system.
• Ice cream. Ice cream contains milk, which is often not digested by animals, sugar and fats, which cause obesity and diabetes. And cold food itself harms the animal’s gastrointestinal tract.
• Shrimps. Like other seafood, they can sometimes cause severe allergic reactions, stomach upset, and kidney problems.
• Salo. Lard should not be present in a dog's diet, since an abundance of fat causes pancreatitis, obesity and impaired liver function.
• Grapes – considered highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure even after eating a few grapes. However, some individuals can eat it without any side effects.

• Corn. This product is contraindicated both in the form of cereals and in canned form. It is difficult to digest and leads to worsening digestive problems.

Important! As an exception, sometimes you can treat your dog with fresh corn, but its grains may come out undigested.

• Butter. Despite the content of vitamins and fatty acids, it, like any fatty foods, has a negative effect on the dog’s liver. It is allowed to give very rarely a small piece of butter as a treat.
• Pasta. They are of no benefit to dogs because they contain a large amount of fast (unhealthy) carbohydrates that lead to obesity.
• Pearl barley porridge. This product is poorly digested by the animal’s body and can cause diarrhea and allergic reactions.
• Legumes. Any representatives of the legume family are difficult to digest by the digestive system and provoke increased gas formation in the intestines. These products include beans, beans, lentils, and peas.

Important! You can sometimes give your dog some fresh green peas as a treat.

• Millet. Another poorly digestible product that can even cause intestinal volvulus. Millet porridge contains a minimal amount of nutrients, so its presence in a dog’s diet is not recommended.
• Barley porridge. A source of many microelements and vitamins, but they are practically not absorbed by the dog’s body. Barley porridge can be periodically mixed with porridges that are healthier for the dog.
• Tomatoes. In some animals it leads to allergic reactions, and if abused - indigestion, tremors, increased heart rate. As a treat, you can only occasionally give your dog tomatoes, but only ripe fresh fruits.
• Bread and flour products. Most of them contain yeast, which causes flatulence, indigestion, cracks and bleeding in the intestines, and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eyes. A rare treat for your pet can be some dried crackers.

Allowed in limited quantities

• Bananas. They are a source of potassium, vitamins B, C and fiber. The latter will be especially useful for disorders of the digestive system, but it should be borne in mind that unlimited consumption of bananas can lead to constipation.
• Dried apricots. This dried fruit will be a healthy treat, but may have a laxative effect on some individuals.
• Honey. In the absence of allergies, you are allowed to use honey a couple of times a week as a treat, but not more than 1 teaspoon.
• Apples. Not only do they serve as a source of vitamins and minerals, but they also have a hard structure that is beneficial for the animal's teeth. But the seeds contain a toxic substance - cyanide, so when giving your dog an apple, you should remove all the internal parts.
• Kiwi. A slice of kiwi will replenish vitamin C reserves, but you can give it no more than once every 2-3 weeks.
• Strawberry. This is an absolutely safe berry for dogs, provided it is consumed in moderation. It contains vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which serve as a useful addition to a dog’s meat-rich diet.

• Peanut. Despite its second name, groundnut, it belongs to the legume family, so it can sometimes be given to a dog as a treat if there is no allergy. Unsalted can also be a treat. peanut butter, but not more than 1 teaspoon per day.
• Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower). They can be used as a snack, as long as they are peeled and raw. But abuse will create extra stress on the liver and gallbladder.
• Oatmeal(Hercules). The product contains amino acids, vegetable proteins, micro- and macroelements and has a beneficial effect on digestion and can sometimes be used to diversify the diet. It is advisable to give preference to whole grains rather than flakes.
• Liver. It is a dietary food product with a large amount of protein and vitamins. But its excessive consumption can cause various diseases, so you can give liver 1-2 times a week.
• Beef kidneys. They have high nutritional value, but the proteins in the kidneys are slightly less digestible compared to meat, so they should be given only periodically.
• Beet. The vegetable is a source of fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, and many vitamins, but sometimes causes allergies, so it should be given with caution and in limited quantities to avoid diarrhea.

Products allowed for daily diet

• Rice. Boiled rice is an excellent source of carbohydrates for your dog, provided that it is well-cooked but not half-cooked. It has a high glycemic index, which should be taken into account when adding it to the diet of an animal diagnosed with diabetes.
• Pumpkin. This is one of the most healthy vegetables in the dog's diet, which is also used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, including diarrhea and constipation. But it is not suitable for consumption raw, or in large quantities in order to avoid an overdose of vitamin A.
• Turnip. The root vegetable has a beneficial effect on kidney function. It can be consumed both raw and baked.
• Cottage cheese. This product is the richest source of highly absorbable calcium.
• Kefir. Like yogurt, it helps normalize digestion.
• Carrot. This vegetable contains beta-carotene, which is beneficial for vision, and improves the condition of the coat and skin. Carrots can be either raw (performs the function of a “toothbrush”) or boiled.

• Buckwheat. Buckwheat contains a large amount of B vitamins, iron, magnesium and calcium. It is best to give buckwheat to your dog more often than other cereals.
• Mutton. Young lamb can be a good alternative to animal-friendly beef, provided it is lean.
• Chicken stomachs. This offal may contain a high percentage of proteins, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, so it will be a useful addition to your pet’s diet.

What, how much and how to feed your dog correctly? Approximate diet feeding

8 (80%) 54 votes

The dog belongs to the predatory animals. This should never be forgotten. Predators, when killing other animals, devour not only meat and bones, but also entrails and stomach contents.

They often eat until they vomit, and then devour what they vomit again. They return to their inedible prey even when it becomes stinking carrion. If your dog does the same or worse, this is not a bad habit, but only the instinct of a predatory animal manifesting itself.

Many predators eat more than just meat. Badgers, foxes, bears and others happily eat grass, berries, and fruits. This mixed nutrition This is also true for dogs. This must be taken into account when feeding her. Raw food is healthier for dogs than cooked food, as it the best way is absorbed by her body. However, if a dog is given too much raw food, it will develop a specific odor.

In this case, it should be fed semi-boiled meat. The dog does not have a refined taste. She, like many other animals, can be content with the same food every day. But if you accustom her to various foods, she will become picky and picky.

Dogs' food should consist of 2/3 meat and 1/3 plant products. The dog can be fed innards such as:

• heart,
• stomach,
• liver,
• lungs,
• kidneys

Horse meat, beef, lamb, goat meat and mammal heads are also suitable for her. Dogs love to eat various veins and everything that is cut and removed when preparing dinner for people.

Then sea fish, but not salted. Large fish bones should be removed. Lean, slightly stale meat is more easily absorbed by the dog’s body. Plant products - rye, oats, semolina, millet, as well as fruits and vegetables. Dog food should be prepared as follows:

1. cut the meat into small pieces or pass through a coarse meat grinder,
2. cut the bones into pieces of such size that the dog can easily handle them.
3. Meat of questionable origin should be cooked for at least an hour.
4. The resulting broth is given to the dog along with the meat.
5. Flour products - cereals, oat or barley flakes, bran - must be soaked in water for several hours and then scalded.
6. Rice must either be boiled or steamed.
7. Vegetables should be given pureed or finely chopped raw, with animal fats.

What you should not feed your dog: important dietary rules

• Under no circumstances should you feed vegetable tops or cabbage.
• Fruits should be chopped and pitted if necessary.
• Dog food should be warm and mushy in appearance. A thermometer can be your finger. The mushy state of food is obtained by itself when it is well mixed.

Fish is a very healthy food for dogs. As a rule, heads and bones present no difficulty or danger to the dog. In large fish, however, it is recommended to first remove the upper fin and the strong and sharp lower front and rear fins.

Dog biscuits are a complete food for dogs. They contain the essential nutrients needed to strengthen and maintain the body, lime and fish oil. However, biscuits should only be an addition to the dog’s food and not part of its diet. Bones contain lime, protein and other substances necessary for the body. In addition, chewing bones is good for teeth and gums.

You should not give bones to puppies between 4 and 6 months of age. The most useful are the bones of young animals with a lot of cartilage and remaining meat, such as ribs. Boiled bones are not suitable for food; raw bones are dangerous because they are fragile and produce fragments that can injure the throat and esophagus so much that immediate veterinary intervention is required.

Raw and sharp bird bones should be burned, but never thrown into the compost. When the dog turns 4-5 years old, it is necessary to reduce daily ration bones. Eating bones contributes to the creation of a “hard stomach,” i.e., the formation of dry feces.

By observing the feces, you can determine whether the composition of your dog's food needs to be changed. Potatoes, legumes and maize are not suitable for feeding a dog. Pods and maize (corn) often cause nausea. Potatoes are thrown away by the dog's body without any benefit.

Candies, cookies and chocolate, as well as other treats should not be given in large quantities. Dogs love all this very much, but their excess prevents us from controlling the amount of food. The dog becomes excessively fat. It is absolutely necessary to add fish oil and fish oil to your food from time to time.

However, this should only be done in consultation with a veterinarian. Fish fat Always useful for puppies and young dogs. The remains of dinner, even if it is slightly spiced or sour, spoiled food, etc., should not be given to the dog.

Anything that your dog shouldn't or shouldn't eat, don't throw it into your garden compost pile. A dog running freely around the garden, out of curiosity, may begin to rummage through this pile and eat something that is not suitable for it. At the same time, we lose control over nutrition.

How many times should you feed a dog: norms and meal times

The dog's daily diet should correspond to the energy it expends, breed, and age.

• Large dogs eat more, but the caloric content of the food may be lower.
• Puppies and young dogs whose growth has not stopped require food almost three times more than indicated in the given standards.
• Dogs that have to run a lot or work hard (hunting, sled dogs, etc.), of course, should receive more food than dogs that primarily stay at home. A cleanly licked bowl is an indicator that the amount of food is sufficient.
• There should be nothing left uneaten in the bowl. If the dog, after eating, looks at you with a pleading look and barks at the same time, the next day the amount of food should be increased slightly.

If the dog begins to gain weight, the amount of food should be reduced. This reduction, however, must be done gradually, but firmly and persistently and for as long as possible until the dog is in proper shape. It is very difficult or even impossible to apply this method to dogs accustomed to receiving various tidbits at the table.

Feeding hours should be observed as accurately as possible. Puppy before three months feed every 4 hours (for example, at 7, 11, 15, 19 hours), a young dog up to seven months of age - three times a day (for example, at 8, 14, 18 hours), then twice a day, and an adult dog - once a day.

The dog quickly gets used to this regime and knows it down to the clock. A break of 24 hours between two feedings is most beneficial for proper digestion. One day of complete fasting a week is only good for the dog, and if he fasts a little more, it will not harm him either.

A predatory animal does not get food for itself every day and at times is forced to abstain from it for even longer periods of time. But, having killed an animal, he eats to his fill.

Features of feeding puppies and young dogs

Puppies and young dogs should always be given the best food possible. The more nutritious the food, the more it meets the standards, the better the bones and muscles are strengthened. This is achieved not by quantity, but by the composition of food. The food of a puppy or young dog should consist of: raw meat, vegetables, milk and bread.

It is better to grate the puppy meat, fry the bun, and finely chop the vegetables. From six months onwards, a young dog should be given meat in small pieces, and instead of a toasted bun Rye bread. You can feed dog biscuits at the same time.

To prevent milk from curdling in the stomach, it is useful to add a tablespoon of honey to a cup of milk. Milk should be given regularly, but not too much. Feeding a puppy should be accompanied by its upbringing. A young dog always wants to eat tasty food and is not averse to begging. Her nose unmistakably tells her what is happening in the dining room, what is happening in the kitchen, at the table during meals.

If we give in to her even once, we will lose control over the observance of a single diet. Whether we feed the dog correctly can be judged by its feces. With proper nutrition, stool is soft, sausage-shaped, and brown or light brown color. Hard, white or light yellow color shows that we are giving the dog too many bones. Almost black feces - too much meat. Mushy, shapeless feces - the food is not nutritious enough.

What else do you need to know to feed your dog correctly?

When a dog eats, there is no need to disturb it. She should not be stroked or called to you, since in this case her ancient instinct is aroused - to protect her prey. Therefore, it happens that she grumbles even at her owner. You shouldn't pay attention to this. Let the dog continue his lunch calmly. After lunch, the dog should rest quietly for 1 - 2 hours. This is necessary for the body to fully absorb the food taken and is especially important for a young dog.

With increased movement, not all the food eaten is absorbed by the body. The attraction to carrion is not a vice, but only an innate property of a wild animal. If a dog buries a meat-covered bone in the ground and a day later pulls it out again, already smelling and green, he is doing what many predators do, who return to their prey even when it has already significantly decomposed.

Meat that has been stale or has begun to deteriorate is especially easy to digest. Predators are not susceptible to the so-called corpse poison. You should not prevent your dog from burying the remains of his lunch in the ground. This is an ancient instinct that forces the animal to create reserves for itself. In most cases, the dog is not interested in what is buried in the future.

If such instillation occurs regularly, it means that we are overfeeding the dog, and its diet should be reduced. Hunting dogs they should not be allowed to bury food, as they may then bury the shot game instead of bringing it to the owner. They say about such dogs that they become “grave diggers.”

If a dog eats feces it finds, it cannot be punished for it. In most cases, predatory animals first tear the peritoneum of the prey they kill and devour the entrails with all their contents. This content, as well as feces, contain substances that are useful or even necessary for predators. The same applies to our dogs.

There should be a water bowl next to the food bowl, always filled with fresh water. Although the dog takes in large amounts of liquid with food, it should be given the opportunity to quench its thirst at will. If adult dog give milk, it also reduces water consumption.

In the first months of life, the puppy’s digestive system goes through a period of its formation, therefore proper feeding very important. Eating food from a bowl with gusto, your four-legged friend must receive daily full set microelements necessary for healthy growth, because balanced diet makes it possible to avoid problems with the formation of bones, posture, teeth and even character for this restless creature. Our article is about how and what to feed a puppy.

The main rule is balance

By balance we mean not only a set of certain nutrients and vitamins that a puppy should consume. This also includes the volume of food and the regularity of its intake. Dog handlers are unanimous that organizing proper nutrition for dogs up to one year old consists of the following basic rules:

• a comfortable bowl at the right height for the puppy’s height;
• fractional meals;
• intervals between meals;
• do not overfeed (watch the portion size);
• harmful treats are prohibited;
• food room temperature;
• diversity natural products or selection of special food.

What can and cannot be fed to a puppy?

Let's talk about recommended and prohibited foods for your vocal baby. At the age of 1-3 months, it is recommended to feed puppies with natural food: meat (not fatty), eggs, dairy products, fish, cereals, vegetables, fruits. In this case, protein products should make up at least 70% of the diet, the rest can be supplemented with carbohydrates and milk. Meat and fish can be raw or cooked. Such a menu may seem meager, but animals, including dogs, do not need a variety of dishes, like people. Moreover, many of our delicacies, especially fried, fatty, sweet or pickled foods, can cause serious harm to the puppy’s health.

Puppy feeding regimen

The number of meals is related to the age of the pet. The older the puppy, the fewer tricks food and more interval. So, a 2-month-old puppy needs to be fed 6 times a day every 3.5 hours. A puppy 3-4 months old should be fed 5 times a day every 4 hours. At the age of 4-6 months, animals are fed 4 times a day, approximately 4-5 hours apart. After 6 months, puppies only need 3 meals a day with an interval of 6 hours. Starting from 10 months, you can switch your dog to a 2-meal regimen.

Much or little: how much to feed?

The baby has an excellent appetite and can easily overeat. Overfeeding is just as dangerous for a growing puppy as underfeeding. How can you be sure that your puppy is getting the “norm”? If the puppy cannot handle a single portion, cut it down. If your pet has eaten everything, no supplement is needed. The baby cannot yet control his appetite, and then suffers from overfeeding. Do not leave food freely available; the bowl should be empty between feedings, otherwise overeating cannot be avoided. The best way control the amount of food - create a feeding schedule, calculating a single dose. The optimal daily amount you should feed your puppy is 5% of his body weight.

Transferring the puppy to dry food

According to veterinarians, it is better to keep a puppy on natural food for up to 3 months. By virtue of various reasons, the owner may decide to feed the puppy special food. Dry dog ​​food in Minsk can be purchased in small granules, and soak them before feeding, which will allow the puppy to quickly get used to the innovation. Manufacturers ready-made feed We try to ensure that all nutritional components and vitamins are available according to the dog’s age. The food packaging always indicates daily norm food for puppies, depending on weight. The main condition for proper nutrition for animals on dry food is constant free access to fresh water.

The TAM.BY catalog will help you find an online pet store where you can buy everything you need for your pet.