13 myths about your dog's nutrition

The amount of Myths that exist around dog nutrition. In this post we review some of the most false beliefs, because knowing more precisely the true implications that have different types of products in your pet, will also allow you to avoid possible risks, in addition to helping you maintain in your dog a healthier diet, according to their particular characteristics.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs (yes, but with nuances)

One of the most replicated myths about chocolate is that it is a toxic substance that you should never give to your dogs or error, because it will be necessary to call the veterinarian. This has an important nuance that we will analyze below. Although there is something really in this statement, in fact it corresponds only to certain harmful components that have Some chocolates; particularly the Methylxantin -Nocked more like Theobromine-, which is a substance that is mainly in dark chocolates.  

Actually, to poison your pet with white chocolate It would have to eat about 21 kilograms if it is a medium -sized dog, or 13 kg if it is a small dog. That is, only if it ingests amounts that multiply their own weight could become lethal amounts, according to data from Debora Lichtenberg researcher. The veterinarian also details that the darker the chocolate is, the more the possibility of poisoning is increased. For example, if it is milk chocolate 1.3 kg would be needed in a medium -sized dog, so if your dog ingests a small portion in an oversight, it will not represent greater threat. Although, if it is dark chocolate, 85 grams can be enough to produce significant discomfort in a medium dog, so it could be a problem if it came to eat a whole box. Really, we have the greatest risk of toxicity in the chocolates that were baked. 14 grams could be enough to generate a reaction in small dogs, although this figure increases to about 40 grams in the case of large dogs (+13 kg). That is, only in these types of cases these statements can be considered as something more than simple myths.

Some foods make them more aggressive

Among the myths that have been widely dismantled, is the belief that some foods such as Chile or raw meat They can cause a higher level of aggressiveness in dogs, even being used intentionally for this purpose.  

However, in reality these types of components have a minimum and almost no incidence in aggressiveness, and instead so that this proliferation has much more influence Education and type of treatment They receive.

They should never eat bones (yes, but with nuances)

This is one of the most widespread myths of nutrition in dogs. During the thousands of years of evolution of this carnivorous animal, the bones are something that they have always been present, as it also fulfills important nutritional functions, but also motor. Although, like all myths, this belief arises from certain real dyes; And is that Indeed there are bones that could cause damage to your pet, although if you choose the most appropriate, and take due forecasts, you will be doing a good by providing this type of food frequently.  

The first thing you should rule out initially, is to give them bones that have been boiled, about which organizations such as the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have warned, since this prevents spray and enhances the possibility of causing damage throughout the digestive system; also the spinal cord bones, they can be lethal for their form and hardness, and it is also recommended Avoid ribs or porkbecause they have a greater tendency to produce splinters. In any case, it is advisable to maintain surveillance during intake or when I use them to play, to be able to ensure in a way that some type of incident is not registered; Although they generally have the ability to crush them and eat them safely, which will be contributing essential elements such as calcium and phosphorus, in addition to helping them clean and strengthen their teeth, as well as to stimulate the digestive system and facilitate the expulsion of toxins.

You should never give food leftovers (yes, but with nuances)

This is another of the myths that actually has more falsehood than certainty, because, although it is true that if you ate pizza, Hot Dogs Or other examples of processed food, it will be more the damage that you can cause, than the nutrition you can contribute; Actually recent research such as that conducted by scientists from the Walsworth Institute have shown that if they are food remains from fresh food, multiple nutritional supplements of great value can be provided for your dog. So, everything depends on what you have eaten.  

That is, if you ate pasta, rice, potatoes, as well as some raw vegetables and fresh fruits, the nutritional contribution will be important and useful for your pet. Just remember that acid -orange, tomato, etc. are contraindicated, garlic, onions, grapes and avocado or other fruits with the very large bone -unless you make sure you remove it. You should also be careful with spices and condiments.

They need many carbohydrates

In carbohydrates we have another example of dog nutrition myths, since they are frequently associated with energy; And although it is true that they can fulfill a function in this sense, there is also evidence that there are other substances that perform this same task. Therefore, in reality, no exclusive function of carbohydrates in dogs is known.  

Researchers like Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown They agree that there is no “carbohydrate deficiency” in dogs, or at least no serious and generalized implications have been found.

Eat grass if they feel bad

The beliefs that dogs eat grass are also myths when something bad is happening to them and seeks to somehow regenerate their digestive system. Although this may have a bit of really, in reality scientific studies have shown that it is a Very common behavior which is present in almost 4 out of 5 canids, without their health status being the main reason.

In fact, it is mainly normal behavior inherited from genetic ancestors such as wolves, which maintain these habits as a way to reduce anxiety - and a little hunger - being in wildlife, in addition to this generating gastric acids and stimulates intestinal contractions, favoring digestion. This, combined with the physical qualities of the grass, allows you to also drag worms and bacteria, thus purging its stomach. Although this is generally done routinely and without being motivated by some discomfort in your dog, only, in some unusual cases in which intense episodes are presented where your pet seeks to eat with great eagerness and speed the grass or other herbs, could have something stuck in the digestive system. Which could be an instinct to try to cause vomiting. Only in this type of case can it be alert signal that justifies a priority consultation with your veterinarian.

You may be interested in reading: Why do dogs eat grass?

Cow's milk is good for puppies

Persistent advertising is often able to create myths and make us forget obvious as that cow's milk is cow, and that most mammals can actually be harmful. This is one of the myths particularly linked to newborn puppies. This type of milk contains a high proportion of sugar and lactose, which hinders your digestion, even more at this stage.  

And although perhaps it can represent a certain contribution of some minerals, this is not the most recommended way for your puppies, because they are more likely to cause gases, diarrhea and even vomiting. So, even if you want to use it only as a way of moistening and soften your croquettes, it will be more useful if you do it with water and allow a natural breastfeeding in the widest possible way.

You want a bright hair on your dog, put egg

This phrase is another myths that abound about dog care. But instead of taking into consideration tips without some reliable source, we suggest you take into account the warnings of organizations such as American society for the prevention of animal cruelty, who have warned about the negative effects on metabolism that generates the Avidina, a substance that is present in raw egg yolks. 

If what you want is to improve the appearance of your fur, you must start with its nutrition, which must be balanced and with sufficient proteins, in addition to the sporadic bath and regular brushing will also be more weight factors to take care of its brightness and vitality.

If I think of a stronger race I will grow more

They are also myths lacking scientific support to believe that by feeding your dog of small and quiet breed with feed for dogs with higher nutritional needs you will increase its fierceness and growth capacity.

 

The fisitomic capacities of your pet are dictated by genetic information and other factors of true importance; And although it is true that a better food will allow life to a stronger, healthier and even large pet, this is determined by the efficiency in the nutrients that your pet specifically needs, according to its race and age.

You can take little harmless medicines

If you think your dog has some type of discomfort, the myths that suggest that children's analgesics can be used safely in dogs, it is another serious mistake than You can put your pet at serious risk.  

Human medications are not suitable, nor have they been verified in dogs, and even many of the most common, such as paracetamol, have been shown to cause stomach ulcers, in addition to generating serious damage to the liver or kidneys of your pet.

Dogs must always have their food available

Be careful with myths, even today there are those who believe they consent to their pet better, if they leave them a dish full of food all the time. However, multiple scientific research has documented that it is really convenient for dogs to also have their regular food hours.  

In this way, not only your digestive system will work with a better rhythm, thus facilitating the times for exercise and rest, but will also help you if what you are looking for is to generate times to carry out their evacuation needs, also avoiding problems such as obesity.

You can eat as many treats as you deserve

In the same way it is also important to take care of the amount of sweets you give to your pet. If you are in a training session, where you want to reward your "good actions", It is important that you apply limits, since this type of food is designed to be snacks that are harmless sporadically. In addition, they can contain multiple elements with excess toxic capabilities.  

The excessive contribution of treats will also delimit the "special" meaning of the reward, thus reducing its psychological impact.

Organic feed is the best for my dog

Sometimes myths and a false conception of products labeled as “organic” are also created, and although it is true that in theory it represents an advantage to opt for fertilizer -free products, hormones or pesticides, it is also important to consider reality. We are not saying that the organic is bad, but what should be kept in mind is that it is not a “perfect food” label, which will necessarily represent the best alternative for your pet. From the entrance, it considers that many companies of doubtful origin use this emblem only for commercial purposes and without actually guaranteeing its origin -ojo with those products whose company does not have a page or telephone where to consult-, in addition to that there are also commercial traps, where feed are provided very “organic”, but when reviewing in detail the table of nutrients, you detect that in reality the greatest proportion is compounds of little nutrition A capital importance. Choosing the right feed for your dog depends on its characteristics, so it is convenient to make sure to choose the most suitable feed for your dog.

Conclusion

Many myths about dog nutrition actually have very little and a lot of lie, and others are based on reality by distorting it.  

In conclusion, it should be noted that the best diet you can offer to your pet is that of a feed of the highest quality, thus ensuring balanced and safe nutrition.