Dr. Ihor Basko, veterinarian and owner of All Creatures Great and Small Holistic Veterinary Clinic, suggests there are a wide variety of natural foods that are not only safe for your dog to eat but can provide your pet with the vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help it thrive. Vegetables, fruits, grains and meat should become an integral part of your dog's diet.
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Fruits and Vegetables
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Apples, blueberries, cranberries and bananas are safe for dogs, in small amounts. These fruits are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C. In addition, bananas can improve the digestive system, by fostering the growth of helpful bacteria. The Natural Animal Care website suggests steaming or juicing fruit will make it easier to digest. The seeds and stems should be removed from the apples, because they can be toxic in large amounts.
Dogs can eat carrots, broccoli, green beans and leafy green vegetables. The Real Owner website suggests that increasing a dog's daily intake of vegetables can help prevent obesity. Vegetables can be incorporated as part of your dog's meal, or they can be used as treats, in the place of dog biscuits or high-calorie snacks. Teething puppies also will enjoy gnawing on frozen baby carrots. Dr. Basko recommends that 20 to 40 percent of your dog's diet be composed of cooked vegetables or that 5 to 10 percent of your dog's diet be composed of raw vegetables.
Starches and Grains
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Dr. Basko indicates that starches are safe to feed dogs. He suggests limiting white rice, since it can lead to obesity. However, grains such as oats, barley and brown rice can safely be eaten by dogs or incorporated into a dog's regular diet. He recommends basing 20 to 30 percent of your dog's daily food intake on grain-based products.
Meats
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According to The Dog Owner's Guide, the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) philosophy advocates feeding dogs raw chicken, beef, turkey and other meat products. The theory behind this movement is that dogs, in the wild, do not eat cooked foods, and commercial dog foods are lacking in the enzymes that dogs need to stay healthy. The BARF philosophy also advocates giving dogs raw bones. However, there are those who disagree with this approach. For example, Dr. Jon Geller, DVM and writer for the Dog Channel, explains that dogs can contract parasites, salmonella and E.coli by eating raw foods. Dr. Basko, however, notes that puppies need more protein, and he encourages owners to feed their dogs raw meat. Regardless of whether the meat is cooked or left raw, boneless and skinless chicken and turkey can provide a good source of protein and nutrition for dogs. Dr. Basko suggests that 10 to 30 percent of your dog's diet be based on animal protein.
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