Is fresh dog food necessary? Here’s the Clever Critter’s take after reviewing the research and 20 years’ hands-on experience with dogs.
Have you got a canine companion at home? If so, the rise in “fresh” dog food may be making you wonder if this is the best way to treat your furry friend to the best nutrition possible, or just a clever trick when it comes to dog food!
As experts in dog care, we understand the importance of making informed choices for your canine companion’s well-being. In this guide, we will explore the benefits and considerations of choosing “fresh” food for your dog…
Top 7 Benefits of Fresh Dog Food & Treats
Discovering the benefits of fresh dog “eats” go beyond just satisfying your pup’s taste buds. It plays a crucial role in their overall health and happiness. Among the top benefits:
Quality Nutrition:
- Fresh dog food can be rich in high-quality, natural ingredients, providing essential nutrients for your dog’s overall health.
- Eliminates fillers like corn, wheat, soy, or meal commonly found in commercial treats, ensuring a more wholesome diet.
Digestive Health:
- Minimizes the risk of digestive issues by avoiding artificial preservatives and unnecessary additives.
- Supports dogs with special dietary needs, such as grain-free or gluten-free, promoting better digestion.
Tailored to Specific Needs:
- Different treats serve various purposes, including dental care, joint supplements, or training rewards.
- Allows for customization based on your dog’s unique requirements and preferences.
Calorie Control:
- It enables better control of calorie intake—especially crucial for maintaining a healthy weight!
- By consulting your dog’s vet, you can ensure the right nutritional balance for your dog’s activity level and individual needs.
Enhanced Taste:
- Fresh dog food often offers a variety of textures (crunchy, soft, or chewy) and flavors (beef, peanut butter, cheese), catering to your dog’s preferences.
- Increases the likelihood that your dog will find the treats appealing, making training sessions more effective.
Allergy Prevention:
- Avoids common allergens like corn and soy, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and promoting skin and coat health.
- TIP: Monitoring your dog’s response to new foods can help identify and address potential sensitivities.
Overall Well-Being:
- Contributes to your dog’s happiness and vitality, with improved energy levels (and often improved behavior, too).
- Investing in fresh, high-quality treats is an investment in your dog’s long-term well-being.
In short, while it may not be strictly necessary to feed your dog an entirely fresh diet, it’s certainly something we recommend exploring thanks to its many benefits.
A few other tips for feeding your dog
As your furry friend’s caretaker and best pal, your choices when it comes to nutrition and feeding are among the most important ways to ensure his or her good health! Here are a few other tips for getting this right:
- Natural ingredients: When selecting food for your pup, this is a big one. You want to avoid food with fillers like corn, and artificial preservatives. Instead, opt for food made with natural ingredients such as proteins (chicken and beef are good options), whole grains (oats, brown rice and whole wheat), and fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes and apples).
If your dog has special dietary needs, ensure their food consumption aligns with those requirements, of course!
Consider your dog’s specific needs when choosing dog food. Different foods serve various purposes, such as weight control or dental care.
EDMUND’S PRO TIP: Keep an eye on portion sizes and how many treats you give! Calories from meals and treats can add up quickly. Consult your veterinarian to determine the right quantity based on your dog’s breed, age, size, activity levels and nutritional needs.
- Pup preferences. What are the textures and flavors your dog likes most? Knowing your dog’s favorites ensures you’re providing food that genuinely excites them. Be mindful of any changes in your dog’s stool or behavior after introducing new dog food, as this could indicate sensitivity or allergy.
So, “Is fresh dog food necessary?” — that’s a decision you and your dog need to make together! Whether you go with fresh or another quality food, providing your dog with high-quality nutrition is a loving investment in their overall health and well-being. And we’ve got all the top options right here at the Clever Critter Shop!