The Best Dog Diet Tips: Make your Dog Healthier Than Ever

Has your vet mentioned that your dog’s waistline seems to be…well, expanding? You can be comforted that you’re not alone. The pounds creep up on many dogs, but a few dog diet tips can help. Read on to learn how to make your dog healthier than ever.

The importance of protein
When you’re purchasing a dog food, make sure the primary source of protein is from animal products. Stay away from foods that contain ingredients like soybean meal or corn gluten meal as the primary source of protein. When your dog has the right protein for his body, he digests it better.

The benefits of exercise
Giving your dog regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat obesity. Even if you can only spare 20-30 minutes a day – this is still wonderful for your dog. Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefits of regular exercise too!

Read the label
When my dogs where younger, they never overate. But then one day the vet pointed out my dogs could stand to lose a few pounds. Since I was "free feeding" my dogs, the vet told me to start with portion control. Each dog food bag contains the appropriate amount to feed your dog based on weight. This is a very helpful tool. Also, you can buy a reduced calorie or "diet dog food" for your canine.

Cut-out the snack breaks
Do you give your dog a treat when you leave for work, when he goes potty or just when he looks really cute? It’s tempting to load up on the treats, but those innocent little rewards add up quick. If your dog is a "treat-o-holic," start by cutting his treats in half. Plus, consider switching out his current brand with a low-calorie version.

Watch the sneaky little dieter. If you haven’t already, stop feeding your dog from the table. Even the most harmless little bites can keep your dog begging for more. Once you cut your dog off from table snacks, you may notice he gets a little sneaky. Our German Shepard has been known to snatch a hamburger off of the table when we’re not looking! So make sure to keep all temptations out of reach.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will really payoff. Your dog will enjoy protection from diabetes and other health problems. And you can rest assured that you’re doing everything to help him live a long healthy life.

For more information, visit dog-health-info