The food that dogs digest the best
I would like Musher to live as long and healthy as possible. Adopting my dog was one of the best decisions of my life. I shared and I share unforgettable moments with her in my daily life as in all the activities that I do with her: canicross, canipaddle, hiking, bivouac, snowshoes... But I know that she is not immortal so that she is in good shape for as long as possible, I pay great attention to her diet, her lifestyle, her health, her daily activity… I am going to share with you my advice for taking care of your best friend and sharing adventures magic with him for as long as possible.
My dog's diet: the No. 1 criterion for having a dog in great shape
Raclette, burger, crisps, charcuterie, chocolate, sweets, sodas… people who have a daily diet made up of processed, sugary and fatty or even too salty products quickly develop major health problems. To be in shape, there is no secret, it is necessary to eat a balanced diet, healthy products and do a minimum of sport!
For your dog, it's exactly the same! If we lived old and in good shape while eating crisps in front of our TV, it would be known: thus premium kibble for your dogsThis is the secret of their good health! In recent years, the croquettes department has grown significantly. Between low-end supermarket croquettes, mid-range croquettes found in pet stores and premium dog food, organic, dietetic, tailor-made for each animal, there is something for all tastes and all budgets. . There even exists croquettes adapted according to the pathology of your dog, only prescribed by prescription by your veterinarian.
Why choose a premium food for your dog? To be palatable, manufacturers add fat and many unnecessary ingredients such as dyes, sugars, preservatives in low-end dog food. An explosive cocktail that in the long term may cause health problems for your dog. It's a bit like junk food for dogs! A premium diet ensures good health.
The quality of the kibble is fundamental for the good health of your dog. You have to choose croquettes that he digests well. A dull and greasy coat, dirty teeth, bad breath, a high level of flatulence, a dog that is getting fat or on the contrary that is losing weight, droppings that are too soft or too numerous, etc., these are so many signs that should alert you on the quality of your dog's kibble. Watch his digestion closely!
How to complete your bowl for good digestion?
I have a super super super greedy dog! Musher eats his bowl in 1 minute flat. And just like us, eating quickly is not good for your digestion or your health. So to force him to eat more slowly, I offered him an anti-glutton bowl. She can no longer open her mouth wide to swallow her croquettes whole!
I also chose to add other foods to his bowl to promote better digestion. No matter which dietician you go to see, she will always tell you to add vegetables to your plate to reach satiety more quickly and reduce the other proportions of your plate, to add fiber to your ration and improve your digestion... You can definitely apply these tips to your dog!
Musher having a few kilos too much, I slightly reduced his ration of kibbles and I compensated with a handful of green beans. You can also give him zucchini or carrots for example.
On the digestion side, there is also a fundamental rule to respect: you should not feed your dog 2 hours before and 2 hours after physical activity to avoid stomach upsets which can be fatal if they are not taken care of very quickly. by your veterinarian.
And of course, whether you have chosen a premium diet in the form of kibble or in the form of fluid or fresh food trays, you must ensure that your dog has always fresh, clean water to carry on the tongue and at will.
A fit dog is a moving dog!
Another obvious fact, but worth remembering. For his balance, your dog needs to exert himself. I'm not talking here about the little hygienic stroll for the morning and evening wee-poo, but many a real ride where doggie will be able to run, sniff, play with friends... Your dog, even if he's rather a homebody, needs to move to talk to himself.
Be careful to adapt the level of activity to the level of your dog! It wouldn't occur to you to go for a 10 km run if you suffer from osteoarthritis in the knee, it's exactly the same for your dog.
What sports to do with your dog?
In this area, there is something for everyone.
Do you like running and so does he? Test the canicross. It is a complete sport that can be practiced both in the park next to your home and in the great outdoors. If your dog likes towing, it's a safe bet that he will enjoy this canine sport. And for more fun, you can join a canicross club and practice this activity with other two- and four-legged friends! Are you a competitor at heart? Sign up for a canicross competition and measure yourself against other duos!
Are you more of a mountain biker? Test the canivtt. It is also a pulling sport but this time rather reserved for enduring and powerful dogs. Your dog must know the basic commands of any traction sport: stop, left, right...
Does your dog have good swimming skills and love the water? Opt for water sports : canoeing, paddle boarding, surfing... Your dog will love sharing your outings in the water. Equip it with a dog life jacket to ensure its safety. In winter, so that my dog does not get cold, I opted for a neoprene vest. It's a bit like me, she puts on her suit to be warm throughout the session.
Are you comfortable rollerblading or skateboarding? You can share your passion with your dog. Many Wouafer's already practice the caniroller or the caniskate so why not!
And to end this review of sports to do with your dog, here are some ideas for winter activities to share with your dog. You can go on a snowshoe outing with your dog, do a ski-joëring session, take him with you on ski touring, offer him a caniluge session or simply have a snowball fight. For canicross enthusiasts, know that there are also white canicross competitions! You don't have to be chilly...
Whatever winter activity you choose to share, be careful that your dog doesn't get cold during or after the activity. I don't cover Musher during our activities because she moves a lot and warms up on her own, but as soon as we're done, I put a coat on her so that she doesn't catch a cold. I put it on, for example, in the car on the way back or when we take a snack break on the side of the track.
What about canine puzzle games?
Your dog also has need to move the neurons ! You have to pay attention to your physical health as well as your mental health. I very regularly offer little brain games to my dog: open and close cupboards, carry objects from one room to another, pick up some of his toys and bring them back to me, hide and seek objects or food... do not put your dog in difficulty, his moments of sharing with you must remain moments of play and complicity. You can of course teach him new "tricks", but if your dog is not in the mood or can't do it, offer him something he can do instead to end this session on a high note and keep your motivation intact for the next session.
The check-up at your veterinarian: the health guarantee for your dog
Very often, when we realize that something is wrong with our dogs, it is often much (too) late. As our dogs cannot speak, they cannot complain and share their discomfort with us. It's not always easy to spot the changes which should alert us: digestive disorders, different excreta, a slight limp, a sleeping position that has changed... In our daily routine, these small changes can go unnoticed. The best way to check that your dog is in good shape is the annual check-up with your veterinarian. He can then listen to his heart, check his ears, watch his joints...
Musher is already 7 and a half years old, so I am monitoring his health closely. I chose ultra-premium croquettes for her that suit her perfectly. A few years ago, I had selected croquettes for athletic dogs because we did a lot of things together, but his digestion was not good. These croquettes were much too rich for her. Since then, our daily life has changed a bit and we have slowed down, so I opted for lighter kibble and it digests much better. She is in perfect health!
I cross my fingers and toes as much as I can so that my comforter stay in shape for many more years, because I want her in my life for as long as possible. I hope this article has helped you to see more clearly about your dog's diet and his level of physical and mental activity! I wish you all Wow Good adventures with your dogs my dear Wouafer's.