Useful Info Preparing for your puppy for a new home life You have actually picked your dog and it is due home shortly (or you may already have it), now comes the most important part of owning a dog. It is a tougher job than you might have imagined, but it can be fun. It is important to review what your preparations have been, and the things you need to own a dog.
The basic things that are obvious are - lead, collar, ID tag, crate, food, bowls (for water and food) and of course TOYS. Selecting the right items is very important, and there is so much choice out there!
Different dogs will need different things, preparation is so important, to help make the transition of your new arrival into its new home, making it so much easier and less stressful for you and your dog,
Ensure you have the basics before the arrival of your new companion. Appropriate food Bowls for eating and drinking from Collar and leash Name tag Crate and or carrier Toys Grooming supplies (brush, comb, nail clippers, dog shampoo etc.) Bed / bedding Towels / blankets Exercise pen Appropriate food As far as food goes, there are so many choices for you to make, if you really want to understand what is best for you and your dog! DO SOME RESEARCH?
There are many products on the market, all packaged to appeal to you. There are many owners now that feed RAW diet often referred to as a BARF diet, (Biologically Approved Raw Feeding or sometimes called Bones And Raw Feeding)All dogs need Proteins, Carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats. Puppy foods have higher levels of protein, whereas older dogs require less protein. Protein is present in all kinds of meat and meat by-products; therefore if it is a pure meat, like chicken, lamb, beef or chicken meal these are the best sources of protein for the dog.
Many manufactured foods use other sources of protein such as vegetable proteins like soy. These are harder for the dog to digest.Carbohydrates are necessary for energy, their sources are typically rice, corn or some other grain, and can include vegetables like sweet potato.
Wheat and Soy can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, which is why rice is used as a starch within the food.Dogs need vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies functioning. A lack of iron means not enough hemoglobin to pick up red blood cells in the lungs, which will mean a less energetic dog. Lack of vitamin E can result in brittle skin, and vitamin C being a wonder vitamin for its curative powers.Fat is also necessary part of any dogs diet, fat is what keeps the dogs' skin supple and coat shiny. Too little fat and your dog will end up with a dry brittle coat and dry skin. Too much and you will end up with an obese dog. So choose wisely.
WATER Water is essential for all life and the dog must have access to fresh clean water on a daily basis. Dogs can go longer without food than they can water, they need it stay hydrated and cool off. It is vital that you leave water out all times during the day for the dog to drink when the need arises.