As a passionate dog lover, it is probably right at the top of your agenda to ensure that your buddy remains healthy and happy. At the core of that is feeding your dog a healthy diet. Though commercially prepared dog foods can be well balanced, you may find some of the best things for your dog’s health right in your kitchen. Adding these foods to your dog’s diet not only saves you money but gives you complete control over your pet’s diet.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into some healthy kitchen staples that can help round out your dog’s diet, including foods that support optimal gut health via dog probiotics. We’ll also give you some ways to look after your dog as a working mom to maintain a healthy relationship with your pup on your toughest days.
Lean Proteins
These are excellent sources of protein, essential for the maintenance of muscle mass, energy levels, and overall health. Some great options are: Chicken protein comes from chicken. This versatile protein is easy to cook and can be served boiled, grilled, or baked without any seasonings. Remove bones and skin. They may cause harm to your dog.
You should introduce new proteins or nutrients into the dog gradually. This is because a single introduced protein could upend their stomach.
Fruits and Vegetables
A lot of the fruits and vegetables that are to be found in your kitchen can be safely fed and will give dogs incredibly varied health benefits. Among the most popular are carrots and berries.
Crunchy and containing very few calories, carrots are one of the better treats you can serve your dog as they will be good for cleaning their teeth. You can buy them raw or cooked and most dogs love to chew on them as a snack. These small berries contain antioxidants, which can help maintain the immune system in your dog and foster cognitive health. They can be given as a treat or mixed with food.
Rice and Oatmeal
Most of the carbohydrate energy comes from foods already in the house.
Plain, Cooked Rice
This is fine fare if your dog needs some reprieve from a bout with the runs. Plain cooked rice is gentle on the stomach and can be mixed with lean proteins for a fine food.
Oatmeal
This is another good, healthy grain product. The fibre content in oatmeal supports digestive health, but be careful not to add sugars and flavourings when serving the oatmeal.
Both rice and oatmeal are versatile ingredients, depending on how you mix them with other items for your dog to eat.
Eggs
Cooked eggs are a nutritious rich, tasty snack with more protein, fatty acids, and vitamins. Boiled or scrambled eggs require no seasoning; all you need to do is prepare them.
Eggs may help improve the dog’s condition of his hair and well-being in general, and hence many dog owners just can’t get enough of this food.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the favorite treats for most dogs with a lot of healthy fats and protein. But ensure that the peanut butter you are purchasing does not contain xylitol, which is a sweetener toxic to dogs, and use a spoonful of peanut butter in the form of medication administration or as something nice to brighten up your dog’s day.
Caring for Your Dog
It is really challenging to find that suitable balance between having a busy work schedule and ensuring your dog gets its share of love and attention. Some practical tips to help you get the swing in this dance are:
Meal Prep
You probably prep meals for the week; why not do that with your pup? Prepare lots of safe foods, such as rice, chicken, and vegetables, and store them in containers. This way, you can prepare healthful meals for your dogs on the busiest of days.
Scheduled playtime
They thrive on consistency. Set specific times of the day for walkies and playtime. It doesn’t have to be one long time in the evening, but a 30-minute playtime when you might eat lunch is enough for your dog.
Monitor Their Health
Being a working mom, you get too busy trying to keep up with your daily routine, but when it comes to taking care of your dog, make sure you keep an eye on them. If they are bubbly, check them out and see if all is still right.
Monitor their energy levels, appetite, or perhaps other new behaviour changes. The vet checkups will ensure your dog leads a healthy and cheerful life.
Wrap Up!
With all these easy kitchen staples in your dog’s diet and some of these very simple practical tips, maintaining a balanced healthy lifestyle for both you and your furry friend will not be such a task after all. A happy and healthy dog means you have done your best to care for him! All your efforts in providing nutritious meals and loving the bond will surely pay off in wagging tails and joyful barks.
