Is it a good idea to switch my dog’s food
occasionally so she gets different types of
nutrients?
Barb
Port St Joe, FL
High-quality dog foods are nutritionally replete. This means that they contain all of the nutrients that dogs need.
Therefore, if you are feeding a high-quality food there is no need to mix things up.
However, as long as your dog doesn’t have a sensitive stomach there also is no harm in switching diets now and then. Some dogs will suffer from diarrhea or vomiting if their diet is changed suddenly. If your dog is one of those, then you should probably stick with just one type of food.
Some people are utterly fanatical about the subject of pet food. They are convinced that one type of food (a particular brand of food, or a particular home-made diet, or raw food, etc.) is absolutely, positively, the best food, and the only food that a pet should ever eat! In their minds, all other foods are basically poison.
In my opinion, there is no “best food” for dogs or cats. The high-quality brands are all fine. As long as you feed one (or several) of them, I expect your pet to thrive.
See related Vet Blog entries:
Hello. I am adopting a four- or five-year old Pomeranian who
was rescued from a puppy mill. They had to remove
her back teeth because of the owner not taking
care of her. When I went to visit her she came
right over and sat on my lap. I was wondering what is
the best diet for her to be on since she does not
have back teeth. I just want to make her life a
little better than it is now.
Thanks
Gerald
Lancaster Ohio
First, let me congratulate you on rescuing an animal that needed a home. Based on what you have described regarding your dog´s behavior, I suspect that she will make a very nice pet.
Before I answer your question about what to feed her, I would like to point out that the loss of your dog´s rear teeth does not by itself indicate that she has been neglected. Many factors play a role in the development of dental disease. These include home care, genetics, breed and diet. Pomeranians are very highly predisposed to dental problems, and there are plenty of well-cared-for, well-loved four-year-old Pomeranians living without rear teeth. They generally live comfortable, happy lives.
And there is more good news: most dogs and cats that have lost teeth can eat the same diets as those who have not. I know pets who happily gum down hard food even though they don´t have a single tooth in their mouth.
Because dry food is generally better for pets´ teeth than soft food, I recommend that you try a high-quality dry food for your dog first. If she has difficulty eating it, then you may have to try something softer (such as moistened kibble or a high-quality canned food).
In either case, remember that your new pet is at risk of developing more dental problems in the future. Brush her remaining teeth daily, and have a vet check her mouth once or twice each year.
See related Vet Blog entries:
Is it a good idea to switch my dog’s food
You have questions. 