Maybe you’ve noticed that your dog has been gaining a bit of weight. Or perhaps you want to learn a little more about how to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy. Here’s how to feed your dog a tasty grain-free diet, keep your dog physically active, and stay safe while you enjoy the great outdoors together.
Improve Your Dog’s Diet
Not all dog food formulas are created equal. To improve your dog’s diet, look into grain-free food options online! Why is grain-free food often a smarter choice? It contains fewer carbohydrates, which can help your dog maintain a healthy weight and promotes smooth digestion. When your dog chows down on delicious kibble, they will enjoy easily digestible meals that are packed with high-quality protein sources like meat, chicken, and fish.
Feed Them Homemade Treats
Store-bought dog treats can contain preservatives and additives that may not be so healthy for your pooch. Instead of buying treats from a pet supply store, try making your own in the kitchen! It’s easier than you think. You can find plenty of simple recipes that only require a few basic ingredients. Experiment with a few different homemade treat recipes and see which one your dog likes best!
Additionally, resist the temptation to slip your dog a little food from your own plate. To stop your dog from begging, Tractive recommends feeding your dog while you eat dinner – that way, they will be focused on their own food bowl, and they won’t try to bother you at the table.
Stay Active Together
Dogs of all ages and sizes need physical activity. Of course, how much exercise your dog needs can depend on their breed, weight, and seniority – but no matter what, you need to ensure that they’re not just napping most of the day!
Naturally, you can take your dog for walks once or twice per day based on their needs, but you can also have fun with other forms of exercise. For example, Puppy Leaks recommends tossing a frisbee for your dog, playing tug of war, taking your dog swimming, and playing fetch. If you live in an area where hiking is popular, you can also hit the trails with your dog.
Buy the Right Equipment
Sometimes, having the right toys and products on hand can make exercising with your dog easier and more fun. For instance, you could purchase equipment for an indoor obstacle course, which will allow you to give your dog the activity they need when the weather is too hot or rainy for outdoor exercise. Balls, frisbees, and other toys that you can use to play fetch are also great purchases. When you’re shopping for your dog, make sure that the toys and gear you pick out are safe for them to chew on.
Keep Them Safe Outdoors
Keeping your dog safe while you exercise together is very important, especially if you’re going hiking or swimming. Should you decide to go to a dog park, make sure to closely observe your dog’s behavior with other dogs, and if they look agitated, you’ll need to make your exit together. Make sure your dog is prepared for the weather, too – you may want to buy your dog a jacket and booties to protect them from the elements.
Hire a Dog Trainer
Training your dog to behave well outdoors is essential for both his safety and your peace of mind, and can involve activities such as obedience training, socialization, and desensitization to new environments. Hiring Complete Canine Training can be a valuable investment in achieving these goals and building a strong bond with your furry companion.
If you lead a busy lifestyle, it can be tough to ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise, spends time outdoors, and eats a nutritious diet. But with these tips, choosing grain-free food and getting into a regular exercise routine couldn’t be easier. Soon, your dog will be in tip-top shape!
