How to Switch to a Better Quality Dog Food & Detox
Some dogs eat just about anything while others are quite picky. When changing a dog's diet, it's important to do so gradually and only for a specific reason. Pets do best when their food is consistent and regular, and changes in their routine can upset their appetite and affect their health. Learning how to read the label is an important part of making an informed decision about your dog's diet and moving up to a better quality dog food.
Instructions
-
-
1
Define your goal for changing your pet's diet and educate yourself. Consider allergies, age, activity level and general health of the animal should all be considered. Consult a veterinarian as to the options available for you and your dog. In some cases, pet owners may prefer to cook their own dog food at home to avoid preservatives and other chemicals associated with pet food manufacturing, especially if they wish to detoxify their dogs' digestive systems.
-
2
Critically read the pet food labels. As required by law, dog food lists ingredients in order of composition from largest to smallest. For meat-derived products and some canned goods, a descriptive phrase such as "beef dog food" signifies that beef comprises at least 95 percent of the item, not counting water. If the product has the word "dinner," "entrée," or "formula" in the title, that means that item comprises at least 25 percent of the item, not counting water. In general, the fewer ingredients the better, although some phrases such as "poultry products" are dubious because they signify a litany of ingredients.
-
-
3
Make an informed product decision and purchase a small to medium amount of new food. Protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and other nutrients are all considerations. Note that there is no requirement associated with the word "natural." A better quality food is one that meets the nutritional needs of your animal.
-
4
Change the food gradually over a period of two weeks. Replace a small portion of the old food with new food, increasing the ration every two days or so until only new food is used. Your dog will be more comfortable and amenable to change this way. Discontinue use and consult a veterinarian immediately if your dog has a strong, adverse reaction to the new food.
-
5
Watch your dog carefully over the next few months, noting changes in activity, weight, and defecation. You may need to adjust the amount of food, feeding time, and other habits. Changes are best made incrementally over time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
While dogs are not obligate carnivores, they have specific vitamin and mineral requirements. Discuss this issue with a veterinarian before making a drastic change in your dog's diet.
Sudden changes in diet may result in diarrhea or vomiting. This is why it's important to change a dog's diet gradually over time.
A new dog food may bring to light an unknown pet allergy. Be prepared to respond if your dog has an adverse reaction.
