Destructive feeding’ is not a professional medical term, but refers to situations where some dog owners, due to a lack of scientific feeding knowledge or excessive pampering of their dogs, use incorrect feeding methods. These improper practices can lead to serious health issues for the dog, and may even threaten their lives!
Feeding dogs sharp bones
1、Many owners believe that bones are a food that dogs particularly love, and since bones are rich in calcium, they think they help dogs grow stronger. As a result, when feeding their dogs, they often use various types of bones, especially sharp ones like chicken bones and duck bones, as snacks. However, these sharp bones are actually not suitable for dogs. When dogs chew on them, the bones can easily break into sharp pieces, which may cut the dog’s mouth or digestive tract, leading to internal bleeding, intestinal blockages, and other serious health problems, posing a significant threat to the dog’s life.
- Feeding dogs chocolate
It’s well-known that chocolate is extremely dangerous for dogs. This is because chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs’ bodies cannot effectively break down. If a dog eats too much chocolate, they may experience poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid heart rate. In severe cases, the dog could suffer seizures, become unconscious, or even face life-threatening situations. - Feeding dogs too many human snacks
Nowadays, there is an overwhelming variety of snacks, with many fried and overly sweet treats being very popular among people. Some owners, wanting their dogs to try these tasty snacks or simply indulging them, end up feeding dogs human food. Snacks like chips, cookies, and cakes—high in sugar and fat—are a no-go for dogs. Overconsumption of such snacks can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. - Frequently feeding dogs high-salt foods
To make their dogs eat more, or because they’re worried their dogs are not eating enough, some owners add high-salt foods like pickles, salted meats, or overly salted leftover food to their dogs’ meals. While this may improve the dog’s appetite in the short term, prolonged consumption of high-salt food puts a huge strain on the dog’s kidneys and heart, potentially leading to kidney failure, hypertension, and other life-threatening conditions. - Consistently feeding dogs high-sugar foods
In addition to human snacks, some owners like to give dogs various sugary foods like candies, chocolate, and ice cream, thinking that it will make them happy. However, these high-sugar foods are harmful to dogs. They can cause tooth decay and diabetes, and foods containing artificial sweeteners can even affect the dog’s nervous system, posing a serious health risk.
If owners really want to give their dogs treats, it’s best to choose nutritious snacks specifically designed for dogs.
Scientific Methods for Feeding Dogs:
Develop a scientific feeding plan
A scientific feeding plan ensures that dogs receive a balanced diet, promoting healthy growth. Owners should tailor a feeding plan based on their dog’s age, weight, and activity level, ensuring that the food includes enough protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It’s recommended to choose a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food as the main meal, such as the “Chán Bù Nì” dog food brand.
Regular veterinary check-ups
Each dog has different health needs, so it’s important for owners to regularly take their dogs to the vet for check-ups. This helps to monitor the dog’s health, understand their nutritional needs, and receive professional dietary advice. Adjustments should be made based on the vet’s recommendations to ensure the dog is getting the right nutrition.
Observe the dog’s eating habits
Every dog has different eating habits and flavor preferences. Owners should closely observe how their dog eats, noting what they like and dislike, and adjust their diet accordingly. This will help prevent picky eating or a loss of appetite.