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Opt for wet food, if possible
Most people serve their pooches dry kibble, generally because it’s convenient and often cheaper. But canned wet food is really a better choice. “You get higher protein and moisture content, so it’s more specific to what dogs need,” says Dr. Morgan.
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Choose a low-grain diet
Grain-free is a hot nutrition trend right now, but only a small percentage of dogs actually need to eat grain-free because of allergy issues. “It’s important to consider factors like your dog’s breed, age, activity level and overall health when making this decision,” says Lindsay Butzer, DVM, a small-animal veterinarian and PetMeds partner. Plus, the FDA is investigating the potential link between certain grain-free dog food and a type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). “This condition can lead to heart failure and even death in some cases,” Dr. Butzer says. “Additionally, some grain-free diets may not provide the proper balance of nutrients your dog needs, which can lead to other health issues.”
Instead, Dr. Ward advocates feeding your pooch a low-grain diet. “Grains are carbohydrates that contribute calories and can lead to weight gain, so I recommend a reduced carbohydrate diet—or in other words, a lower grain content,” he says. However, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal diet for your dog’s specific needs.
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Make dry food more nutritious
If dry kibble is a more convenient option for you than canned, no problem, Dr. Ward says. But do add fresh vegetables and fruit to your dog’s diet along with this type of food. Just don’t include onions, citrus, avocado, grapes or these other foods that can be toxic to dogs.