| As the name implies, a combo diet is a diet that | | | | Feeding a combo diet doesn't necessarily have to |
| incorporates human food into your dog's regular | | | | mean extra work on your part. All you need to do is |
| commercial diet. For many years it was thought that | | | | add a bit of meat and vegetables from whatever |
| human food was unhealthy for dogs but veterinarians | | | | you're having for lunch or dinner and mix it with your |
| are beginning to be of the opinion that adding a bit of | | | | dog's regular commercial dry food. The ideal combo |
| human food to your dog's commercial dog food may | | | | diet consists of a ratio of ½ premium dry dog |
| in fact be very beneficial. | | | | food, ¼ fresh meat and ½ fresh vegetables or |
| While commercial pet foods are good for your pet, | | | | even fruit if your dog likes fruit. |
| especially the higher end brands with superior quality | | | | If you don't have fresh meat on hand, some quality |
| ingredients, they tend to lack the vitamins and | | | | canned dog food can be used instead. Cooked |
| minerals found in fresh foods. To begin feeding your | | | | hamburger, deboned chicken, tuna, salmon, hard |
| dog a combination or combo diet, start by adding a | | | | boiled eggs, cottage cheese and canned mackerel are |
| few scraps of anything you're eating to his food dish, | | | | all excellent additions to use with your commercial dry |
| your dog will most probably wolf his food down in a | | | | food. Adding some raw or boiled carrots, apple slices |
| flash! | | | | or any steamed vegetables will add to the nutritional |
| Puppies and growing dogs do particularly well on | | | | value of your dog's meal. |
| combo diets because of the superior quality of | | | | Try experimenting with different ingredients to |
| vitamins and nutrients available in fresh food. Dogs | | | | discover your dog's own individual preferences. Not |
| that are growing have higher protein and mineral | | | | only will you keep your dog interested in his food |
| needs than older more mature dogs and fresh meat, | | | | you will be providing him with the essential nutrients |
| fish and poultry contain far more protein than most | | | | and vitamins to keep him healthy and strong. Avoid |
| commercial dog mixes. | | | | over feeding your dog as this will lead to obesity. |
| Another advantage of using the combination method | | | | Obesity leads to a myriad of health problems and |
| of feeding is that it reduces boredom and helps | | | | diseases and can dramatically shorten the lifespan of |
| stimulate your dog's interest in his food. This is | | | | your dog. Dogs don't digest human food as well as |
| especially beneficial when dealing with finicky eaters. | | | | commercial dog food so don't give your dog too |
| Dogs fed the same food day in and day out will | | | | much meat as it can be unhealthy and cause |
| inevitably get bored and lose interest in their food | | | | digestive upsets. Never feed your dog onions, |
| and may lose condition. A dog that isn't feeling and | | | | chocolate, raisins or grapes as they can be toxic to |
| has a decreased appetite may be tempted to eat if | | | | dogs. Practice common sense when planning your |
| he's offered some fresh food mixed in with his | | | | dog's diet and do your research, your best buddy's |
| regular food. | | | | life depends on it. |