MARKtoe! AUGUSTUS 2023 Uitgawe 107 | Page 59

PETS

These days , there are more dog food brands than we could name , with canned food , raw food , pellets , “ homemade ” cooked dog food , pouches of wet food and even gravies available . Whatever your budget , there are options that can ensure your dogs get the right nutrition and a really delicious meal ( or two ) every day .

THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRIENTS

A dog ’ s optimum diet should contain six basic nutrients - protein , fats , water , carbohydrates , vitamins , and minerals . The highly essential protein content , along with fats , come from meat ingredients , while fruits , veggies and grains vital to provide the other nutrients . Depending on the brands you have access to , it might be worthwhile spending a bit more to ensure healthy concentrations of ingredients and nutrients , and that the food is easily-digestible .

WET , DRY OR A COMBINATION ?

Wet food is those found in cans and pouches , as well as “ homemade ” meals often found in clear plastic in the frozen foods aisle of the store . Wet food has a more pleasant smell and consistency , most closely resembling meat in its natural state .

Vitamin and mineral boost

You might want to consider grating raw carrots , broccoli and other healthy raw vegetables into your dog ’ s food to boost their nutrient intake .

58 MARKtoe ! Augustus 2023