​ Nutritional Needs For Dogs:

 Small dog’s with low-activity only needs around 185 to 370 calories on a daily basis, as for a large dog weighing between 67 to 88 pounds; they might need around 1,000 to 2,000 calories, which relies on the dogs activity level and whether it is a male or female.  Still countless dogs get way to much food than they really need. Over 1/3 of the dogs in the USA, that is over the age of 1 year old are overweight. This is the way that the vet experts break down the nutritional needs for our dogs.

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​​How Meat Helps Meet Your Dogs Nutritional Needs:

​Our dogs love a great many of the very same foods we do. However if you think of your beloved  and cherished dog as a furry little person, then you better think again. Even though your furry companion needs protein and fats, he might just need fewer carbohydrates than you can imagine.18% of the protein should make up your dog’s diet, as well  as it should for you. The animal protein from meat and fish dogs eat offers the balanced protein that your dog needs. Dogs also eat and enjoy some vegetables also.

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Do you think this means your dog could be a vegetarian?

​Well the pros usually refuse to approve it unless you feed your dog the Association of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO) compliant diet. This makes sure that all the necessary  amino acids are included. (check the label on the dog food for the AAFCO designation.) If feeding your dog a diet of homemade plant-based food, then you might have to supplement it to get all the amino acids that are vital for good canine health.

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Dogs Really Love Fat, But Just How Much Is Alright For Your Dog?

​Dogs need the fats for good nutrition, to help keep their coat, skin, nose, and their paw pads healthy. The fat your dog consumes is a great energy source and it contains twice as many calories per gram than the protein or carbs. But in no way does this mean that you should give your dog all the fats that they crave. Around 9% to 15% of the calories for an adult dog should come from fat. Here are two easy ways dogs can get too much fat, one way is if they get treats from your table or two by sneaking food from your cat. (did you know that cat food has more fat, protein, and calories per mouthful than your dog’s food, which is the reason that dogs love it so much).

 Your Dogs Nutrition and Carbohydrates :

​A dogs body can make use of carbohydrates for energy, but carbs are not a natural source of energy for a dog.  The dog’s body has naturally evolved to get their nutritional needs met by fats and proteins. There aren’t any minimum recommendations on carbohydrates for dogs. Dogs also don’t have fiber requirements either but, without fiber in their diets they often get diarrhea.

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Water Is A Vital Part Of A Dogs Good Health:

​There isn’t an animal on this planet including humans that can survive without plenty of fresh, clean water, so always refill your pets water bowl with fresh, clean water every day and especially after long walks, games, and any other activity that takes a lot of energy.

Dogs That Are Obese Need Exercise Too:

​You know the old saying about how the dog and the owner tend to look a lot alike and sometimes that goes for around the middle also. Dogs are great motivators to get up and do some exercise because they need the exercise too. There has been a study done that suggests walking a dog on a daily basis can give you a big health boost, like quitting smoking does. Little dogs don’t need as much rambunctious play like medium and large dogs, anyhow all dogs need some kind of activity at least once and preferably twice a day on a daily basis to keep them healthy and maintain good healthy bones and muscles. Before you start an exercise program for an unfit dog you first need to talk to your vet, also be careful of heatstroke even in a healthy dog, heatstroke is a danger to all dogs no matter how fit or unfit they are. Degenerative joint disease and chronic pain are risks that are elevated by obesity in your dog.  So if you can’t feel your dog’s ribs without pressing or there isn’t a tuck in your dogs tummy, and the dog doesn’t seem to have a waist, then your dog might be too overweight for good health. Be on the safe side and ask your vet just to be sure.

Making Sense of Your Pets Nutritional Needs:

​So ask yourself is your dog getting all the nutrients that he or she needs? It can be very challenging to comprehend all the fine points of your pet’s nutrition and to decipher them into your pet’s daily diet. Your dog’s veterinarian  can help you to understand your pet’s diet for their good health, and offer you advice on an exercise program and behavior modification, which will help your cherished and loved companion to get the preventive care he or she needs for a long, happy, healthy and active life.

Avocados:

​Avocados have an element called persin in them; it’s not dangerous for humans who don’t have any allergies to avocados. However, in large quantities it might be dangerous for dogs. If you grow avocados, keep your dogs’ away from these plants. The substance person is in the leaves, seed, bark as well as the fruit.

Alcohol:

Alcohol has the same results for dogs as it does for humans on their liver and brain, it takes much less to do damage. Even in small amounts it can cause your dog to start vomiting, have diarrhea, problem with coordination, have problems breathing, go into a coma, or even death. The smaller the dog is then the greater the effect is.

Onions and Garlic:​

Onions and garlic in any form, whether it’s raw, powdered, cooked or even dehydrated, can annihilate dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia. This can even happen with onion powder that’s in baby food.  A rare little dose is more likely to be ok. However, not in very large doses or on even small amounts on a regular basis can cause poisoning. The symptoms of anemia are implicated as weakness, vomiting, and little interest in food, dullness and breathlessness.

Coffee, Tea, or Other Caffeine Drinks:

In  large enough amounts caffeine can be fatal for your dog, there isn’t an antidote either. Indications of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, a rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits as well as bleeding. Coffee and tea aren’t the only things that have caffeine, there are the coffee beans and grounds it can also be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, stimulant drinks like Red Bull and also found in some cold medications and pain killers.

​Dog ​​​​​​​​​Shows and Events are just one way to have fun with your dog. ​Find a dog walk, dog adoption event, dog activities and fundraisers.Dog sports is another way for you and your dog to have fun and get plenty of exercise altogether. Like flyball, frisbee, or hide a toy and have your dog find it.​​ Here below is a list of some dog shows and events in our area.