from the extra quota of protein from a performance diet.
needs:
show up with similar symptoms, particularly the gastrointestinal disturbances that flare up soon after your dog consumes the food in question. But the difference between these two reactions to food is that allergies activate the body’s immune defenses, whereas intolerances do not. Both can make life pretty uncomfortable for your pet. But the good news is if your dog has an intolerance, you can use Full Circle Feeding to help their sensitive stomachs become more settled and resilient. Limited-ingredient dog food Limited-ingredient dog food provides a safe way to feed your dog when allergies or intolerances make them react to specific protein or grains. PureVita by NutriSource uses simple ingredients — just one protein along with one easy-on- the-system carb. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, PureVita provides a gentle introduction to Full Circle Feeding, Start with one flavor, and monitor your dog’s reaction. You can also feed with a limited-ingredient dog food to help you drill down on which food or foods are making your dog react. Building the healthiest dog diet for all-around health Once you get into the mindset of choosing a variety of meats, legumes, starches and whole grains for your dog, you’ll be on your way to practicing Full Circle Feeding. More sources mean more nutrition, and that’s why it’s the best way to work everything your dog needs into their diet. Article gathered from https:// nutrisourcepetfoods.com/blog/pet- parents/balancing-proteins-carbs- for-dogs-explained-2/
• Brown rice • Oatmeal
Low-protein dog food It may seem counterintuitive, but some dogs benefit from having less protein in their diets. Senior diets and weight management diets don’t have that 30% or higher protein, and the purpose is to save calories to help dogs achieve a healthy weight. Plus, less protein can make the meal more digestible and less irritating on the systems of older dogs, particularly the kidneys. Finally, vets may prescribe a low-protein diet for dogs with medical issues involving the kidneys and liver, containing protein levels that are well below the 20% minimum required in adult dog food. Do dogs need carbohydrates? Canines do need carbs. In fact, even grain-free diets are a good source of carbohydrates. That can be surprising for pet parents because grain-free dog foods are often thought of as low-carb or carb-free. Dogs need carbohydrates to provide the essential fuel for their daily activities. When carbohydrates are digested, glucose is released into the body for the muscles and brain to use. When you choose carbohydrates from a variety of sources, including grains, cereals, legumes and starches, your dog gets access to essential nutrients that nourish the body and contribute to a healthy microbiome. Complex carbs are nutritional powerhouses, containing amino acids, antioxidants, fiber, starches, vitamins and minerals. Good sources of carbohydrates for your dog As you forage for good sources of high-quality carbohydrates for your dog, refer to this list to ensure your dog is getting the variety his body
• Barley • Millet • Buckwheat • Peas • Sweet potatoes • Chia • Flaxseed • Spelt • Green lentils • Red lentils • Garbanzo beans
How to choose carb sources for your dog Choosing the best variety of carbs can be overwhelming. But Full Circle Feeding makes this process much simpler for pet parents, because you can rotate your dog’s carb sources simply by alternating between grain- inclusive entrees and grain-free diets. Grain-inclusive diets feature whole grains, brown rice, oats, barley and buckwheat. Grain-free entrees have carb sources that don’t originate from grains, including beans, peas, lentils and potatoes. As you select the next bag of kibble, keep an eye on the ingredients list and make sure they offer plenty of variation from both the whole grains and non-grain categories, because in the long run, ingredient overload can result in your dog developing sensitivities and intolerances to that ingredient. Choosing dog food ingredients for allergies and sensitive stomachs Did you know dogs are far more likely to be allergic to a specific meat — and not grains? If a grain ingredient is causing your pet distress, it could very well be that his system has developed a sensitivity to the ingredient rather than an allergy. Food allergies and intolerances
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 43
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