Modern man treats a dog like a family member, so the emotional connection between the owner and his pet is becoming closer and closer. At the same time, by humanizing the animal, the owner exposes him to danger, since he does not take into account some of its features and differences from humans. Projecting your own desires and lifestyle on dogs is wrong, because there are many differences. Check here.
Features of the digestive tract of dogs:
- The ratio of body length to the length of the digestive tract is less in dogs than in humans. The intestinal transit time is 12-30 hours. Hence, the degree of absorption of nutrients is much lower.
- Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans (1,700 vs. 9,000). They are unpretentious in taste and do not need a variety of food.
- The features of the dog's digestive tract are aimed at eating as much as possible as quickly as possible. Food is swallowed without pretreatment of carbohydrates (alpha-amylase is absent in saliva).
- Another set of essential elements (for example, dogs do not need vitamin C, but they do not produce vitamin D, it must be supplied with food).
- The composition and amount of digestive enzymes gradually changes depending on the composition of the feed, therefore, the transfer to a new feed must be carried out gradually.
- Among dogs, there are significant breed differences (weight from 1.5 to 80 kg). Small breeds assimilate food better. Large breeds are prone to diarrhea due to the proportionally shorter GI tract.
Natural Diet Vs Industrial Feed
Industrial Feed
Complete food (dry and canned) is a product made under the strict supervision of specialists from raw materials of animal and vegetable origin, with the addition of vitamins and minerals. All components of industrial dog food are selected in proportions and quantities that fully provide the animal with the necessary nutrients: fats, proteins, carbohydrates and trace elements.
In the case of commercial feed, the manufacturer takes over the control of the composition. If the production meets the established standards in the world (FEDIAF or AAFCO), then the compliance with the needs is guaranteed by these organizations, which increases the credibility of the product. These norms are compiled by scientists, they are based on data obtained as a result of research. The norms are regularly updated in accordance with the received new research data.
Natural ("Home") Feeding
Home feeding has its advantages: the ability to independently choose the components of the diet, control the quality of products, and introduce much more variety. With the help of home food, many nutritional problems can be solved - easily, "tasty" for the patient, and in some cases even more efficiently.
Mixed Feeding
Mixed feeding is the most difficult type of feeding, but it also has its advantages. When feeding a reduced daily norm of a commercial ration, the pet's requirements for minerals and vitamins are often met, since sometimes the formulations are calculated with a certain "reserve". This makes it possible to add homemade foods - to regulate essential nutrients or energy in the diet, to stimulate appetite, or as training treats, after all, to strengthen the bond with the owner - the goals can be very different. Whether this type of feeding meets the needs of the animal can only be assessed by a nutritionist.
Not every food and quantity can be combined with homemade products. Sometimes additives or correction of the proportions of the components are also required is not suitable for all animals.