Chicken for Dogs and Myths to Know About
You may be scouring the internet on what to feed on your newly adopted puppy. Read more about feeding puppies on this page here. Some may become overwhelmed with plenty of tips that they are receiving. Unfortunately, there is also plenty of misinformation and myths on the internet about dog food.
Pet owners may even have heard some advice and tips from others, and some have read urban legends about a specific food. If you want to screen the dog-feeding myths and know the truth, then you’ve come to the right page. Some of the myths to know about are the following:
Myth No. 1: Feeding your Puppy Lamb is Okay because it’s Hypoallergenic
It’s important to know that no food in existence is considered “inherently hypoallergenic.” This was initially the case because the lamb was not tried for decades, and this is a meat that’s never fed to the canines before, so it’s unlikely that they will develop some allergies on this.
However, if many people begin a regular diet and feed lamb to their pets regularly, everything can be fine. But know that some breeds may develop some rash or even symptoms after eating lamb, so it’s still best if you can consult with your vet. Manufacturers are now moving to exotic meats like bison and duck, but it’s still yet to be determined whether they will produce a hypoallergenic effect or not.
Know that what your pets need is a well-balanced protein. There’s the debate of lamb vs chicken where many owners are deciding which ones are best for their canines. Know that chicken is a kind of protein found in many foods, and it contains omega-6 fatty acids as well as amino acids. It can help with shiny coats and the overall well-being of your dogs.
On the other hand, the lamb is considered a novel protein because it’s rarely finding its way into dog food. However, this is regarded as red meat, and it can be an excellent source of iron. The right food contains linoleic acid, B vitamins, and other proteins that support the nervous system and overall muscle function. Whichever one you prefer, ensure that your veterinarian approves it, and you should observe your pet’s diet more carefully.
Myth No. 2: You Should Never Feed Pork
This is not true as most canines will love pork at some point. However, some of the commercial dog foods in the market may not contain pork. Some sites may warn you of these killer pigs, including the high-fat content in pork that causes pancreatitis to your canine. Learn more about pancreatitis in this url: https://thebark.com/content/treating-pancreatitis-dogs.
However, many companies even offer pork-based treats and foods. The scarcity may be because pork is usually used in human consumption, so some of the feet and snouts won’t even have been enough to make their way into the plants. Another thing is that there’s the possibility of getting trichinosis in uncooked pork, but this is not true at all as no pet owner will have to suggest a raw ingredient into their canine’s breakfast.
What the vets are saying is that pork is considered an excellent source of animal protein, it’s digestible, contains unique amino acids, and these are the nutrients that not all canines are exposed to. Besides, this is considered as the other “white meat” that’s perfectly safe for consumption.
Myth No. 3: Dogs Should Not be Fed Chicken Bones
The fact is that chicken bones are perfectly okay with canines as long as they are raw. Some pets don’t have any problems munching and crunching up raw necks, wings, and carcasses, and they actually love them.
However, there’s the case of not feeding your canine with cooked dogs because they splinter, and they are challenging to digest. Know that raw bones even ensure that they are exercising and cleaning their jaws and teeth. This is a recreational habit where the lamb flaps and brisket bones from the butcher provide hours of entertainment.
Myth No. 4: Raw Eggs will Result in Shinier Coats
You may have heard your parents saying that feeding raw eggs to the canines will give them shinier coats. However, many studies have debunked this myth and say that this is not true. However, this idea has its merits. Eggs contain vitamins, fats, proteins, and other nutrients that are excellent for skin and hair growth.
One of the vitamins contained in eggs is biotin, and this is essential for the faster metabolism of fatty acids and cell growth. In humans, biotin is widely accepted to be helpful because it promotes hair growth. While the egg whites may have plenty of biotin inhibitors called avidin, the yolks will usually make up for this. However, a diet that has a high-fat content shows that it can help your dog achieve a softer and glossier coat more than the raw eggs, so it’s better if you can switch to another alternative.
Myth No. 5: Grains or Corns are Bad for Canines
Many people always blame certain grains for their allergies, and there’s some truth that some breeds are genuinely allergic to corn, maize, or others. However, there are also cases where a canine is allergic to meats, which is just a matter of their overall health condition.
Overall, giving your canine some corn and other grains is good for them. They even tend to replace those ingredients and nutrients lost in some diets free from grains. However, you need to be aware that the Food and Drug Administration is now conducting some investigation with the potential of linking grain-free diet and heart diseases, so it’s best to be careful.
Myth No. 6: Meat is More Nutritious than their Meal Counterparts
You may be in the market to compare some of the ingredients lists that exist today. You may be torn between choosing a meat meal or actual meat. If your goal is to achieve a balanced way of giving nutrients, then a meal can be right for you. The ingredients usually appear in descending order according to their net weight and whether they have water in them.
If you ever see chicken on the list, this may mean that this was unprocessed, and it was completed with water. The fats were removed, and the chicken has been mixed with water. Know that meals may weigh less than the actual chicken itself, but they may contain a higher percentage of proteins, which can be a healthier alternative in the long run.
Now that you have an idea about what’s true and not when it comes to dog food, it’s time to consider some of the factors that will give them a nutritious and excellent meal.
Picking the Best Food for your Canine
Get the Taste that they Love
One of the most important considerations that you should ponder on is whether your canine loves the taste of the particular food that you’re offering. Your canine may not be a fan of specific meats, and mealtimes can be a struggle as a result. What you may want to do is feed them something that they prefer. Most often, they will love the ones with the more pungent smells because they begin tasting with their noses.
Costs
Many pet parents may not simply afford luxurious meals like freshly caught salmon that’s given twice a day just for the satisfaction of their pooches. Other more expensive meats can include salmon and tuna, which is not cost-effective in the long run. This can be given as treats for special occasions. Still, if you’re a pet parent looking for more affordable alternatives, it’s best to choose turkey, chicken, or poultry-based that you can usually buy at your local grocery store.
High-Quality
You don’t need to provide premium-quality food that will break your bank account. Instead, aim for high-quality and fresh meat that has the healthiest part for your pet to consume. Many of the free-range and human-grade edibles are perfect, and they can be a week’s supply. Avoid those with chemicals or added hormones as they can be harmful to your canine’s health.
Specific Needs
Consider the current health condition your canine is in at the moment. Your vet can guide you about the food that he can or can’t eat, especially if he has arthritis, allergies, or other medical conditions. Dalmatians may need purine from the white meats, while those diagnosed with renal disease may want to get more phosphorus with the red meats. A nutritionist can guide you with this if you’re having difficulties finding the best food for your pet.