Many dog owners unintentionally compromise their pets' nutrition by making seemingly harmless feeding decisions driven by affection. Treats and inappropriate home-cooked meals can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health issues.
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Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, a veterinary nutritionist, emphasizes that the most common mistake is providing excessive treats. He advises that treats should comprise no more than 15% of a dog's daily calorie intake, with some veterinarians recommending a stricter limit of 10%, especially for dogs on weight-loss programs. Despite believing they only give occasional table scraps, owners often provide significantly more calories than intended. A study found that table scraps contributed about 20% of total daily calories, which is too much. While vegetables are generally safe and low in calories, high-calorie human foods like pizza crust and fries can lead to obesity.
Instead of random food scraps, owners can allocate part of their dog's regular meals as treats for training. Additionally, low-calorie options such as carrots, broccoli, and snap peas are nutritious alternatives.
The rising trend of home-prepared diets poses another challenge. Many recipes lack essential nutrients, such as calcium, B12, and zinc, which can result in deficiencies. Dr. Wakshlag warns that dietary calcium deficiency is particularly concerning, as it can lead to severe health issues in dogs. For those considering home-cooked diets, consulting a veterinarian is crucial to ensure nutritional adequacy.
Moreover, dogs may experience adverse effects from a diet too rich in fats and meats. Excess fat can irritate the pancreas and lead to pancreatitis, a painful condition that necessitates a strict low-fat diet to prevent recurrence. Owners should exercise caution when introducing fatty foods, especially to dogs with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.
While bland diets like boiled chicken and rice can be effective for temporary gastrointestinal issues, they are not nutritionally complete and should not be fed long-term. Frequent reliance on bland diets may signal underlying health problems requiring veterinary attention, such as intestinal parasites or food intolerance.
When changing diets, gradual transitions are recommended. A sudden switch can cause gastrointestinal distress. A typical method involves mixing 75% of the old food with 25% of the new food, and adjusting ratios over four days. If diarrhea persists beyond a couple of days or if other symptoms arise, a veterinary consultation is advised.
This information originally appeared in the DogWatch newsletter from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.