Dogs have strong teeth for an important reason...

Dogs are carnivores but can be omnivorous and whilst they require a predominantly fresh meat diet, vegetables, pasta and rice are also important but only in small portions. Nutrition plays an extremely important role in maintaining your dog’s health and well being.

The prominent canine teeth at the front of the mouth are designed to fasten on to their victim during the hunt, to bring the victim to the ground. The incisors, which are the small chisel-shaped teeth at the front of the mouth, are designed for stripping small tags of meat from bones. The pre-molars behind the canines are cutting teeth, and the powerful molars at the back of the mouth are adapted to apply maximum crushing and severing forces to large bones and for cutting flesh.

The skull shape and adaptation also reflect this role. Large temporal muscles for strong jaw action are located on either side of the head. The jaw is adapted as a powerful lever. The teeth are deeply rooted and angled to stand the forces required. If you consider the wolf when they attack prey the animals are consumed in their entirety: meat, skin, fur, bones,intestines, every part of the animal.

Chicken and beef are the best meats for dogs

Dogs are well adapted to consume a fresh meat diet, however the size of the dog will determine the way the meat should be prepared. The best meat is beef or chicken purchased from the meat section (human quality) at the supermarket or preferably your local butcher or the market.  A small dog will require the meat to be chopped in pieces that are not too large, but if you consider the species, even though domesticated, the meat size should encourage them to use their natural feeding strategies to achieve the best digestion of nutrients provided.

It is feasible to expect that a large dog can be fed large pieces of meat without presenting any difficulties at all. Small bones for small dogs and larger bones for larger dogs is recommended at  least 2-3 times per week this will keep your dogs teeth in good condition. Do not cook the bones!

Vegetables, pasta and rice are beneficial in a good diet for your dog

I think it is essential to provide some pasta and rice with vegetables at least once or twice per week. When you cook pasta, rice or vegetables prepare enough to feed your dog as well, even raw vegetables are excellent. This means that you are not cooking especially for him or her.

It is also essential to provide PetArk Daily for your mature dog and PetArk Puppy and Kitten for your puppy every day without fail. Feeding either of these supplements will provide a balanced level of daily nutrients along with your dogs natural diet. PetArk Daily or PetArk Puppy and Kitten will also assist with overall health and well being, improve skin and coat condition enormously, assist in maintaining and boosting the immune system and improve digestion of food. The PetArk formulas will also assist with the control of fleas and worms, by maintaining the highest health and using herbs such as peppermint and garlic at regulated levels.

PetArk supplements promote health, a strong immune and are very palatable

Try to avoid processed food and dry food for your dog these are not recommended and can also be very expensive to feed, but most importantly they are not designed for your individual dog. Every animal is bio-chemically unique so it is sensible to always take this into consideration when deciding what to feed your dog. Prepared foods (or fast foods) are often high in fats, salt and other additives. The above-recommended diet will also reduce bad breath and reduce the smell of feces. Always provide fresh water for your dogs.

For more specific advice on feeding your dog go to the free advice page and complete our online form.