Finding The Right Balance

When you're a dog owner, there are times that you wonder if your dog is getting the right mixture of nutrition in his dog food. Dogs can eat almost anything, and with the increased rate of obesity in our country, it's important to know the nutritional value of what we are feeding them.

Over 69% of Americans have difficulty giving their dog optimal nutrition. It usually isn't balanced enough.Two companies, Hill's Science Diet and PetMD have teamed up to inform dog owners about giving their dogs the right mixture of food. It's called "MyBowl".

What's MyBowl

MyBowl is an interactive educational tool to inform dog owners about the correct combination of nutrients dogs receive. All dogs should have the following as part of their diet:

• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Fats and/or oils
• Vitamins and minerals

Carbohydrates help regulate the digestive system by keeping the sugar levels even and giving your dog the burst of energy needed to get through the day. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that isn't digestible but will help your dog feel full and not want to overeat. Both types of carbohydrates are essential for your dog.

Protein helps maintain muscles and maintains growth. It's the first ingredient in most dog foods because it's a pure form of nutrition. It helps keep their bones strong.When you give an animal a protein like beef or chicken, it will be tasty and nutritious. Protein is a must for any dog food.

Photo: Pet MD

Fats and oils can be intimidating to most dog owners. Too much fat can put extra weight on your dog. However, they also provide energy, give your dog a shiny coat and help promote heart health. We all need a little bit of this to help stay in prime condition.

Vitamins and minerals are important for good health but also are needed in smaller quantities. Examples would be fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts.

Dog Food That Does The Thinking For You

Hill's Science Diet has now created a new dog food called Ideal Balance. It contains just the right mix of the necessary nutrients to keep dogs at their best.

Good nutrition doesn't have to be complicated. With the new programs like the one at Pet MD and making sure that the dog food you buy meets the standards of the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) it's simpler than you think.

Let's Discuss!

What do you do to keep your pet healthy?

Other Posts Of Interest

The Launch Of A Business
When Your Dog Is Beyond Chubby
Project Pet Slimdown
Laura's Struggle With Hemangiosarcoma