Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Changing Your Dog's Diet Could Create A Calmer Pet

You are what you eat, a saying that you may have
heard. Well it applies to our pets too. many
behavioral issues can be traced back to what we
feed our pets, poor nutrition or an intolerance,
possible an allergy to one of the ingredients
within the food that you give could be causing
the problem. Animals have no other way of
expression apart from their actions, they cannot
say they feel irritated or itchy, we have to use
our judgement and discretion in assessing the
changes created by a different diet or food.

A common issue that can be attributed to diet is
coprophagia. Coprophagia is a compulsion to
consume feces. It is a very unsanitary habit and
if you see your dog exhibiting this behaviour
often you must take steps to stop it. A dog may
be attracted to feces because it is not fully
digesting its food. Low quality foods that are
high in fat and grain fillers are usually to
blame. Switch your dog to a high protein diet.
Training and diligent cleaning will also be
necessary to fully control this.

There is research to support that anxiety and
aggression in dogs is often related to their
diet. Dogs will display abnormal response to
discomfort or pain. This could be due to a lack
of proper nutrition or from foods that are
irritating their system. Some experts claim that
the additives and colouring in commercial dog
foods may also be contributing to the problem.
Feeding your dog a premium food with quality
ingredients can help promote positive changes.
But a new diet is only one part of the solution.
An aggressive or anxious dog will still require
obedience training. It should also see a vet to
rule out illness or injury.

A sudden change in temrament or condition may be
due to food allergies. Symptoms can include
lethargy, incontinence, hair loss, and skin
infections. Most dogs with food allergies are
reacting to grain. Grain free foods are now
widely available in most pet stores. Sometimes
the dog may be allergic to a specific type of
meat. You may need to look in to more exotic
options to meet your dog's needs such as salmon,
duck, bison, or even kangaroo. You should consult
a vet to diagnose dog allergies before you make
any changes. These symptoms may also be signs of
other illnesses.

Considering the consequences, choosing the right
food for your dog's physical and emotional
well-being can feel overwhelming. But it is as
simple as knowing what your dog's needs are and
taking a critical look at a brand's ingredients.
Dogs need a diet that is high in protein and low
in fat and carbohydrates. Look for foods that
list whole meat products as one of the first few
ingredients. Avoid foods that list too many
grains such as rice or corn. Some owners prefer
to take control of their pet's diet and prepare
fresh food themselves.

Dogs are sensitive animals that will respond
physically and mentally to the foods they
consume. Sometimes a change in diet can make all
the difference when dealing with a behaviour
issue. Take the time to learn what types of dog
food may be most suitable for your pet's
individual needs


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This article discusses behaviour in your dog and
the possible causes of this behaviour,
information resourced from
http://www.chudleys.com

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