The feeding of dogs is not a matter to be taken lightly, taking into account that their health, development, growth and well-being depend on it. For this reason, there are more and more people interested in different styles beyond the traditional feed, such as the BARF diet, homemade food or cross feeding, where dry food (feed) is combined with wet food (cans).
We choose the diet that we choose for our four-legged best friend, we must inform ourselves well about it and always consult with the veterinarian. It is important to make sure that the dog receives the necessary nutrients and calories for its body, taking into account its breed, age, size, physical activity, lifestyle... As well as if it suffers from certain diseases or pathologies, such as being overweight. or high cholesterol.
A recurring trend is to offer the animal homemade food. For example, when we are cooking or eating and we cannot resist his pleading eyes, succumbing and taking a bite from our plate. There are also those who choose to mix their dog's feed with homemade food, in an effort to take advantage of the benefits of ordinary paths and to make the food more appetizing. But this is not a good idea.
We should not mix the dog's feed with homemade food in the same intake. So, forget about adding a chicken breast or French omelette to his feed croquettes, or giving him a piece of fruit for “dessert” after his bowl of feed is finished. Although you probably do it with your best intentions, this is detrimental to the dog.
Homemade food in itself is not bad for the dog –avoiding, of course, certain foods that are prohibited for them–, but mixing it with feed in the same shot is negative. This is so because their compositions are totally different and, therefore, the digestion processes in the stomach are also different.
The dog's stomach digests homemade food much faster than feed, whose digestive process is slower. If we mix both foods in the same feeding, incompatible fermentation occurs in the animal's stomach, resulting in stomach problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or even stomach twisting. In addition, we are hindering the correct absorption and assimilation of nutrients, so we do not take advantage of their benefits and properties either.
If you want your dog to enjoy the benefits, advantages and flavors of both feed and homemade food, what you should do is alternate them. For example, one day giving him only feed and another giving him only homemade food. Or offering him feed for breakfast and homemade food for dinner, or vice versa. Of course, always consult with the vet if you are offering him a quality diet according to his needs.
