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Pet food is not automatically human food nor scraps of cooked food. In fact, animals have a specific dietary requirements to fulfill their needs. Being our "best friend", we should be sensitive and careful on what we feed them because we could be giving food that's harmless for their health. Vitamins and minerals are important in a dog's diet and the development of their physical and mental health.Most importantly, these will strengthen your dog's immune system to ward off bacteria, parasites and other viruses.

Dogs also need carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fat in their diet. To build strong muscles, good coat, nails, skin and healthy cells, our dogs need protein which meat, fish and eggs, among others, can provide.And fat isn't always bad for your dogs because it helps boost their metabolism and it transports vitamins into their system.Carbohydrates are essential for a dog's energy, digestion and body cells as carbohydrates supply it with glucose.

While knowing what's good for your dog's health is important, it is equally important to know what's bad for your canine pet, too.Feeding them the wrong foods can lead them to health disorders like obesity, cancer, arthritis, bowel disorder, diabetes and kidney problems, to name a few.Many books and websites share a list of foods that should not be fed to your dogs such as chocolate, beans, garlic, onion and cooked chicken bones. And since many owners doubt the sincerity of commercial dog foods, they resort to feeding their dog homemade dog food they prepared themselves.

Homemade dog food offer a lot of benefits such as ensuring your dog's good health and it saves you a lot of money.It takes time and research in educating yourself how to make a delicious homemade treat for your dogs but it pays off seeing your buddies all healthy and energetic. Just remember not to add preservatives and added spices, especially garlic, and to balance their diet and add variety to it. Feel free to also include cooked good grain in their bowls, like brown rice and whole wheat, to complete their protein meat and vegetable meal. The difference between the generic dog food and the premium dog food is that latter normally uses high quality ingredients - hence, it is also more expensive. The latter is known to use high grade ingredients that has no fillers or by-products in them.

But before you start concocting your own recipes, you should see your pup's veterinarian to understand exactly what your pet needs.

To learn about pet food needs, you should start by meeting your dog's veterinarian to discuss with him/her your pet's needs. Whether you plan to buy the right kind of pet food or to make your dog's foods yourself, it is best to mix good research and professional guidance. But remember that each dog's needs vary depending on their breed, age, sizes and their level of activity. And if you're just learning how to feed your dog properly, don't forget to incorporate the healthy food slowly in their diet instead of changing it too fast. They are, after all, similar to humans who doesn't take drastic diet change with open arms.