Around 88% of American pet owners claim that their pets are bonafide members of their family, according to a YouGov survey. If you've got a dog of your own, this may be a sentiment that you agree with. As dogs provide unconditional love and unfaltering companionship, it makes sense that you-as the recipient of all this-will want to ensure that your pet remains healthy and strong. The good news is that putting your dog on a more natural diet or nutrition plan will be the best thing you can ever do. Here's why!
Stronger Gastrointestinal Microbiome Composition
Gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome of a dog plays a rather significant role in nutrient digestion and the development of postbiotics. Disrupting the composition of the GI microbiome due to unnatural chemicals and compounds in regular dog food leads to a vast array of health problems like inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, kidney disease, and so many others. Research by Susan M. Wernimont and her team have found that introducing more natural plant and animal protein drastically improves the state of their GI microbiome and produces more postbiotics. It also decreased the markers of inflammation and improved the gut barrier's integrity.
Better Stress and Anxiety Management
Dogs are not immune to stress and anxiety. In fact, stressed and anxious dogs have been known to pull out their fur with their teeth, leaving them with sores and wounds all over their bodies, according to Dr. Suzi Beber. Thankfully, there are all-natural dog food and supplements available to help calm your dog. For example, natural foods like blueberries, beef, sweet potatoes, and almonds all contain nutrients that are well-known for regulating stress levels. An added bonus is that when mixed together, they produce a wet food which is best for young and old dog teeth.
Easier Calorie Restriction
The sad truth is that pet food manufacturers are not legally required to put the calorie count on their labels and cans. So they get to claim that they produce "specialty diet food" without having to prove it. You can take control by putting your dog on a natural diet wherein calorie values are already established. You can do research and build your own menu or find a brand that does list the calorie restriction. That way, you can help your dog stay lean and healthy says NYCDoggies.
The beauty of natural nutrition is that you have a direct influence on the improved quality of life that your dog will enjoy. There is a lot more research-led information available on the web if you really want to know more about how you can give your dog the best nutrition. Taking the time to educate yourself is the first step in the best thing that you can ever do for your dog.