Although they can begiven most leftovers from lunch their nutritive system is somewhat differentfrom ours and if we want our dogs to stay healthy a bit of explanation isneeded. Even though they fall under the large order of Carnivora they are inessence omnivores like us and can be fed a variety of both animal andplant-based food if it meets their requirements.

They have the enzymesystem capable of digesting carbohydrates too, but longer sugar chains likestarch are problematic and need to be broken down first if they are to gainanything from them. The exact ratio of nutrients depends mostly on ageand should be consulted with a professional veterinarian if need be.

Their water needs are much easier to fulfill - they will drink (and splash around) any clean water they find on their level without much fuss. Tap water throughout the world is safe for them to drink, and you should make sure they have a filled bowl for them at all times.

The microelements of their diet are mostly met through usual food consumption but sick dogs, as well as those who are under certain training or exertion, should be given supplements too.

If you are havingtrouble finding an all-around good type of dog food it may be wise to considercombining different sources or adding supplements. Liquid supplements for dogs are very easy touse, much easier than trying to force a vitamin tablet down a dog’s mouth ortrying to hide it in a juicy piece of meat. A few drops of the stuff in theirfood or water is usually enough for the whole day, though make sure you are notgiving them too much of a certain micronutrient. Liposoluble vitamins, such asvitamin D, although necessary, can cause trouble when taken in huge amounts.

Hopefully, the days ofdangerous pre-prepared dog foods are behind us and a reliable network ofproducers and quality inspections are doing their job. Nevertheless, it is ourpet’s wellbeing at stake and a routine check-up at the vets is still necessaryto make sure everything is alright with their kidneys and other intestines.

A dog should always bearound an ideal weight whether it resides in a smallflat or has a great yard at its disposal.

Calculators for thedaily caloric intake can be found throughout the web and are a useful tool touse - if nothing else a rule of thumb is 30 calories per pound a day for mostdogs, so they stay at a healthy weight. So, for example, an average adultborder collie of 40 pounds should be fed at least 1200 calories a day (roughlyequal to about 1.6 pounds of dry and wet food), ideally separated into twoequal meals.

When we think about agood and balanced diet it shouldn’t only be a fat piece of meat thrown in theirfood bowl - apart from the bones they chew to sharpen their teeth, the food adog eats should be easily digestible and healthy for them. Since we are incontrol of their lives it is our duty to make them as good and as enjoyable aspossible.