The Best Dogs Foods on the Market Are Easier to Find Then You Think
All the beneficial ingredients that go into the best dog foods will not help your dog if he is not drinking enough water. Water is the most important nutrient. Adult dog’s bodies are 60% water and a puppy’s body is 84% water. Dogs can lose all of their fat and half of their protein without adversely affecting their health, but a 10 % water loss can cause significant problems. Dog owners should place as much attention on the importance of the quality of the water their dog drinks as they do on the ingredients that go into the best dog foods; not all water is the same.
A criterion for clean drinking water for dogs is similar to the criteria for clean drinking water for people. Tap water generally provides the best nutrients and least contaminants; however, if the tap water contains high amounts of nitrates, magnesium and iron it can cause long term health risks. For those who fear their tap water may be contaminated bottled water is a better choice. Stainless steel and stoneware dishes are safe choices for food and water bowls. Plastic bowls may scratch giving contaminates an ideal place to live. Water should be cool in the summer and room temperature in the winter. The dogs bowl should always be clean; if you think it may need changing ask yourself if you would drink the water; if the answer is no-change the water.
Is There Anything More Important Then Buying the Best Dog Foods?
Dogs should have access to fresh water all the time. This is even more important than buying the best dog foods on the market. Dogs need three times more water than food every day. They need even more if it is extremely hot, the dog is lactating, or the dog is exercising more than normal. Dogs that eat canned dog food do not drink as much water because of the high amount of water contained in the canned food.
Often, sick dogs don’t want to drink as much water as they need, while the illness increases the need for water. When this happens a dog can quickly become dehydrated. To check for dehydration, dog owners can pull upward on the dog’s skin. If the skin snaps back, the dog is sufficiently hydrated, if it takes several seconds for the skin to go back, fluids may need to be replaces intravenously or subcutaneously. Owner should not offer water to vomiting dogs; this is perhaps the only time not to make sure dogs don’t have access to water. If a dog vomits for a twenty-four hour period he should see a vet immediately.
In addition to better health, proper hydration also contributes to the performance of a dog. Many owners of working dogs flavor their dog’s food in order to make sure they are drinking the appropriate amounts. Studies have proven that proper hydration increases working ability by 80%. The next time you pour one of those best dog foods into your dogs bowl, remember if the dog doesn’t have the right amount of clean water the food is useless.
