Dubbed as man’s best friend, dogs have been bringing light into our lives for centuries. Even if you don’t own a dog yourself, you’ve likely watched one or more of the most popular movies on canines – Lassie, Beethoven, Marley & Me… But if you do have a dog, or you plan on getting one soon, you no doubt want to provide them with the best life possible.
And that’s what this article is all about – in it, you’ll learn all about making a dog happy and healthy, including the top dog foods, the best bones, and the best toys you can get for your canine companion.
So please, read on and enjoy!
Table of Contents
1. Foods
Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. As such, you’ll want to feed your dog a balanced diet consisting of protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. And you’ll want to look for a variety of these nutrients in your dog food.
To help you find a good dog food, we’ve put together this handy list of the essential nutrients every dog needs.
#Protein
Protein is a must for every dog, as it’s an essential part of growth and repair.
And for dog owners, it’s important to know that protein is an important source of amino acids, which dogs need to develop muscles and other tissues.
#Carbohydrates
At the same time, dogs need carbohydrates, which are a great source of energy. And while dogs can, in fact, survive on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet, it’s not advisable.
That’s because even though dogs can get energy from protein, carbohydrates are a great source of fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion.
#Fats
While fats aren’t as important for dogs as for humans, it’s still important you provide your dog with some fat in their diet.
Fat is a great source of energy, and it’s also needed for every dog’s immune system.
#Vitamins and Minerals
Dogs also need vitamins and minerals for growth and repair.
And in terms of vitamins, dogs need a variety of B vitamins, as well as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.
In terms of minerals, dogs need iron, phosphorous, and calcium, among others.
But when it comes to buying dog food, shop around as many brands are available at different prices. Some online stores every offer fast dog food delivery, which would be really helpful if you’re in a pinch.
Bones
Dogs have a natural urge to chew, which is why you see them gnawing on your shoes, your furniture, and even other animals. It’s important you provide your dog with some toys and chew toys, especially if your pet tends to chew on things.
And while you can always buy your dog a toy from a pet store, there’s nothing better than giving your dog a dog bone.
There are a few great dog bones you can buy your pet, including:
- Rabbit stalks
- Kong dog bones
- Nylabone dog bones
Although these dog bones are all great, some are better than others. For instance, we recommend you buy your dog a deer antler, which is the best dog bone you can find. These bones are completely natural and they’re great for your dog’s teeth and gums.
Deer antlers are the perfect alternative to the rawhide and plastic dog bones you see in pet stores.
Toys To Make Your Dog Happy
Dogs love to play, and they especially love to play with toys. While you can buy your dog a variety of toys at a pet store, there’s nothing like making your dog a toy yourself.
In fact, there are hundreds of DIY dog toys you can make at home.
Toys made from rope, toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, and such are very popular. You can stuff them with treats or with dog food, and you can make them any size and shape you want. This can also be done with socks and other old clothes.
You should make sure that the toys you make for your dog are safe, though. They shouldn’t be able to swallow any of the toys you give them, and always ensure that chewable toys are either supervised or safe to chew.
Collars and Leashes
Now that you know everything there is to know about feeding and caring for your dog, it’s time to look at the best dog collars and leashes you can get for your four-legged friend.
While you could buy your dog a leather collar or a leather leash, we suggest you go with a collar and a leash made of fabric. That’s because fabric collars and leashes are much safer for your dog, as they’re far less likely to get tangled.
In terms of choosing a leash, we recommend you buy a leash that’s 6 feet long – that way, you’ll have plenty of length to control your dog properly. You should also make sure the leash is sturdy and durable enough to hold your dog whenever they try to pull.
When choosing a collar, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right size for your dog, and you’ll also want to make sure the collar is comfortable and doesn’t rub against your dog’s neck.
Bowls
A dog bowl is one of the simplest dog accessories you can have, but it’s also an important one. This is because a dog bowl is how you’ll feed your dog, and it’s the way you’ll keep your dog hydrated.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a dog bowl. First of all, you’ll want to make sure the dog bowl is the right size for your dog. A small-sized dog bowl will be too small for a large dog, and a large dog bowl will be too big for a small dog.
The next thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that you’ll need a dog bowl that’s easy to clean. That way, you don’t have to worry about keeping your dog bowl clean and your dog doesn’t have to worry about getting sick from drinking dirty water.
Finally, the dog bowl you choose should be sturdy and durable enough to handle your dog’s chewing. That way, you don’t have to worry about your dog breaking the bowl or making a mess of it.
Summing It Up
There’s no doubt that dogs are great pets. They’re loyal and loving, they can be great companions, and they’re great at keeping your home safe.
But if you want to make your dog happy, you need to make sure you’re taking care of them properly. That’s why we’ve made sure to include all the information you need to make your dog happy and healthy in this article.
From giving them the best food and treats, to providing them with some great toys and chew toys, to grooming them properly and taking care of all their needs, you’ll be able to make your dog happy and healthy with the help of this article.
And not only that, but you’ll also be able to make your dog a vital member of your home, and you’ll be able to have a great time with them.