Adequate knowledge on the nutritional requirement of dogs is necessary for the dog owners. Dogs are omnivorous. The essential nutrients in dog’s diet are like human beings. They are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins.
1. Meat is one of the most important components of dog’s diet. It is an important source of protein, minerals, fats and vitamins. Red meat containing muscle and bone is required for prevention of bone diseases in young dogs. Raw meat is more favourable and palatable to dogs but should not be fed. It is unsafe because it may contain parasitic worms, cysts, toxin or harmful micro organism. It is rational to feed cooked meat which the dog will not dislike. Cooked meat is safe and less likely to cause digestive upset. Liver is a useful source of protein, fats and is a store house of vitamin A which is essential for dogs.
2. Egg may be fed to dogs because it contains nutritive elements. Raw eggs should not be given to dogs as it contains some harmful components. Raw eggs in the diet may also retard the improvement of hair coat.
3. Cooked fish May be fed for a change in the diet but care should be taken to avoid prick in the throat or damage in the alimentary tract.
A change in the dog’s diet is desirable. A monotonous unpalatable diet may not be liked and the animal may go off fed. A sudden change in diet may lead to digestive upset. A change in the diet should be done gradually.
As food and water provide the basic raw material from which the dog builds up and maintain its body structure, it is very important to ensure that these are fed in proper quantities.
Veterinary hospital Kohima
