As the name implies, a combo diet is a diet that incorporates human food into your dog's regular commercial diet.
For many years it was thought that human food was unhealthy for dogs but veterinarians are beginning to be of the opinion that adding a bit of human food to your dog's commercial dog food may in fact be very beneficial.
While commercial pet foods are good for your pet, especially the higher end brands with superior quality ingredients, they tend to lack the vitamins and minerals found in fresh foods.
To begin feeding your dog a combination or combo diet, start by adding a few scraps of anything you're eating to his food dish, your dog will most probably wolf his food down in a flash! Puppies and growing dogs do particularly well on combo diets because of the superior quality of vitamins and nutrients available in fresh food.
Dogs that are growing have higher protein and mineral needs than older more mature dogs and fresh meat, fish and poultry contain far more protein than most commercial dog mixes.
Another advantage of using the combination method of feeding is that it reduces boredom and helps stimulate your dog's interest in his food.
This is especially beneficial when dealing with finicky eaters.
Dogs fed the same food day in and day out will inevitably get bored and lose interest in their food and may lose condition.
A dog that isn't feeling and has a decreased appetite may be tempted to eat if he's offered some fresh food mixed in with his regular food.
Feeding a combo diet doesn't necessarily have to mean extra work on your part.
All you need to do is add a bit of meat and vegetables from whatever you're having for lunch or dinner and mix it with your dog's regular commercial dry food.
The ideal combo diet consists of a ratio of ½ premium dry dog food, ¼ fresh meat and ½ fresh vegetables or even fruit if your dog likes fruit.
If you don't have fresh meat on hand, some quality canned dog food can be used instead.
Cooked hamburger, deboned chicken, tuna, salmon, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese and canned mackerel are all excellent additions to use with your commercial dry food.
Adding some raw or boiled carrots, apple slices or any steamed vegetables will add to the nutritional value of your dog's meal.
Try experimenting with different ingredients to discover your dog's own individual preferences.
Not only will you keep your dog interested in his food you will be providing him with the essential nutrients and vitamins to keep him healthy and strong.
Avoid over feeding your dog as this will lead to obesity.
Obesity leads to a myriad of health problems and diseases and can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your dog.
Dogs don't digest human food as well as commercial dog food so don't give your dog too much meat as it can be unhealthy and cause digestive upsets.
Never feed your dog onions, chocolate, raisins or grapes as they can be toxic to dogs.
Practice common sense when planning your dog's diet and do your research, your best buddy's life depends on it.
For many years it was thought that human food was unhealthy for dogs but veterinarians are beginning to be of the opinion that adding a bit of human food to your dog's commercial dog food may in fact be very beneficial.
While commercial pet foods are good for your pet, especially the higher end brands with superior quality ingredients, they tend to lack the vitamins and minerals found in fresh foods.
To begin feeding your dog a combination or combo diet, start by adding a few scraps of anything you're eating to his food dish, your dog will most probably wolf his food down in a flash! Puppies and growing dogs do particularly well on combo diets because of the superior quality of vitamins and nutrients available in fresh food.
Dogs that are growing have higher protein and mineral needs than older more mature dogs and fresh meat, fish and poultry contain far more protein than most commercial dog mixes.
Another advantage of using the combination method of feeding is that it reduces boredom and helps stimulate your dog's interest in his food.
This is especially beneficial when dealing with finicky eaters.
Dogs fed the same food day in and day out will inevitably get bored and lose interest in their food and may lose condition.
A dog that isn't feeling and has a decreased appetite may be tempted to eat if he's offered some fresh food mixed in with his regular food.
Feeding a combo diet doesn't necessarily have to mean extra work on your part.
All you need to do is add a bit of meat and vegetables from whatever you're having for lunch or dinner and mix it with your dog's regular commercial dry food.
The ideal combo diet consists of a ratio of ½ premium dry dog food, ¼ fresh meat and ½ fresh vegetables or even fruit if your dog likes fruit.
If you don't have fresh meat on hand, some quality canned dog food can be used instead.
Cooked hamburger, deboned chicken, tuna, salmon, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese and canned mackerel are all excellent additions to use with your commercial dry food.
Adding some raw or boiled carrots, apple slices or any steamed vegetables will add to the nutritional value of your dog's meal.
Try experimenting with different ingredients to discover your dog's own individual preferences.
Not only will you keep your dog interested in his food you will be providing him with the essential nutrients and vitamins to keep him healthy and strong.
Avoid over feeding your dog as this will lead to obesity.
Obesity leads to a myriad of health problems and diseases and can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your dog.
Dogs don't digest human food as well as commercial dog food so don't give your dog too much meat as it can be unhealthy and cause digestive upsets.
Never feed your dog onions, chocolate, raisins or grapes as they can be toxic to dogs.
Practice common sense when planning your dog's diet and do your research, your best buddy's life depends on it.
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