Nutritious food ensures that your pet stays healthy and happy. All pet parents know this and strive to give their furry friends the best food. Unlike cats who occasionally go on hunting trips, most dogs are dependent on their owners to meet their nutritional requirements. So, if you’re a dog parent, here are some excellent tips to improve your pet’s diet.

1. Balance is key
Like humans, dogs also need carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins to stay healthy. Whether serving your dog store-bought or homemade food, ensure that they get all the essential nutrients. Also, be mindful of the quality and quantity of the food you serve. Treats must make up no more than 10 percent of your pet’s daily calorie intake, and most vets might suggest serving two large meals or three smaller ones each day. Talk to them about the necessary food groups and calorie needs of your pup/dog.

2. Water is equally important
Water is perhaps the most overlooked part of a diet. Pet parents should ensure that their furry friends stay hydrated and pay attention to how much water their canine is drinking. Too much or too little water intake can indicate a health issue, so keep an eye out for these signs.

3. Homemade but not human
If cooking for your dog makes you feel more connected to them, or if you just prefer serving them homemade meals, go for it. Assemble meats, vegetables, and rice and, by all means, prepare a gourmet meal for your canine friend. That said, feeding them human food is never a good idea. Many human foods do not sit well with dogs’ GI tracts and can cause indigestion, allergies, and sometimes, may even be toxic. Speak to the vet about what human foods are safe for dogs and consider any food allergies your pet might have before preparing their meals.

4. Spices are strict no-nos
While cooking pleases the palate, spices are among the top ingredients to avoid in pet food. If you’re preparing your dog’s food at home, cook the meats at safe temperatures and ensure that you don’t serve it raw. Also, do not add any spices to pet food. Spicy foods can be toxic for dogs and could result in stomach problems like diarrhea. It can also lead dogs to feel excessively thirsty, causing them to vomit.

5. Change is a necessity
Store-bought dog food is convenient and readily available, but feeding your dog the same processed food over the years is not be a healthy option. A dog’s diet should include quality food with the right nutrients for healthy skin and coat. Most importantly, variation is key, as increased exposure to the same foods can lead to allergies. Even if you do not have time to cook for them, switch between different flavors and types of store-bought food.