Any loving and responsible pet parent would want their dog to eat the healthiest food. After all, a nutritious meal plan directly affects their mood, behavior, overall health, and longevity. However, if you’re looking for dog food, you might have realized that choosing one isn’t easy. There are a variety of options from numerous brands, all claiming to be the most nutritious dog food in the market. To help you narrow down your options, we have shared a few tips to pick the right food product for your dog. Read on to find out! Consider your dog’s breed, weight, and age The physical characteristics of dogs vary significantly from one breed to another. Accordingly, their nutritional requirements also change. For example, a German Shepherd needs a totally different set of nutrients to stay healthy and active than a Chihuahua. Similarly, overweight dogs’ meal plan is a lot different than that of underweight and ideal-weight dogs. Age also plays a vital role in determining a dog’s nutritional needs. Verify nutritional requirements When shopping for dog food, be sure to pick one that’s not overloaded with artificial ingredients like preservatives that can harm their health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary organization that has laid down strict requirements to ensure that a product has all the essential macro and micronutrients for pets.

Buying cat food seems easy until you’re faced with tons of brands and different options to choose from. The question then is, what should you choose? Better yet, how do you choose? To make this process simpler, here are four pointers that will help you pick the right cat food for your beloved pet. Understand your cat’s nutritional needs Before you even get to the part of buying the cat food, you need to understand your cat’s nutritional needs. These needs can vary from cat to cat. Once you’ve understood this, you can narrow down your choices for the kind and brand of food you want to buy. Typically, cats need proteins, taurine, vitamins, minerals, and tons of water. Make sure the kind of food that you are choosing fulfills these essential requirements. Read the label When you have to pick the right foods for your cat, you need to start by reading the label. The label of any cat food will provide you with all the nutritional information that you need. You can first start by looking for the source of protein. Ensure that they mention the source of the protein such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef rather than simply mentioning ‘meat’.

Certain foods that are safe and healthy for humans can be severely toxic for dogs. Understanding what these foods are can not only help one manage what they feed their dog better but also create a more dog-friendly home. Here’s a list of eight foods that one should keep away from a dog. Avocado The leaves and fruits of the avocado plant are harmful to dogs. This is because avocados contain persin, a chemical that is completely safe for humans but very toxic for dogs. If eaten, even a small quantity can cause difficulty in breathing and fluid accumulation in their organs, which can lead to death. Chocolate All types of chocolates are harmful to dogs, but dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are the worst of the lot. They contain an element called theobromine which can cause severe problems like diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs. Always keep chocolates out of a dog’s reach to prevent this from happening. Cooked fat and bones Although it may seem perfectly normal to give a dog a bone, don’t do it. Dogs find it difficult to digest cooked bones. Moreover, it may also splinter or act as a choking hazard to them.

Cats are fussy eaters, and that’s why brands make sure that their foods meet feline standards. But some foods that we humans consume also happen to be safe for cats and can be fed to them in moderation. These foods take minimal time to prepare, and it is better to serve something wholesomely made in your kitchen rather than relying solely on packaged cat food. Here are a few choices to consider: Eggs Eggs pack nutrients that are beneficial for humans as well as safe to feed cats. In fact, eggs are a staple food ingredient found in different types of cat food, both wet and dry recipes. But ensure that you don’t feed them raw eggs as this increases the risk of salmonella. Lightly seasoned boiled or scrambled eggs are fine as long as given in moderate amounts. Vegetables and fruits Quite an assortment of vegetables and fruits that we eat are safe for cats. Cooked spinach is a popular nutritious option to consider as the veggie is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and E. Pumpkin is an excellent choice low in calories and high in fiber. Cats can also safely munch on some banana slices, apples, blueberries, strawberries, pears, watermelon, and some cantaloupe.

Just like humans, good nutrition is crucial for the overall well-being and longevity of canines. Though some foods that you eat can harm your four-legged companions, many others are completely safe. In fact, some even contain an array of nutrients beneficial for your dog’s overall health. In this article, we’ve listed common human foods that are safe for dogs. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before giving these foods to your dog. Human foods that dogs can eat safely and easily Fish Fish is not only safe but extremely nutritious for dogs. Salmon and tuna, in particular, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve and maintain their immune system, coat, and skin. Remember, you must only give well-cooked fish to your dog, as undercooked or uncooked ones may contain harmful parasites. Carrots Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which plays a role in maintaining a dog’s immune system, fur, and skin. Their low-calorie content also makes a great snack. Besides, chewing on raw carrots helps remove plaque from your furry friend’s teeth. Peanut butter It’s not just humans who love this snack; dogs love peanut butter too. Peanut butter is a good protein source and it is also packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamin B and E, and niacin.