Many reasons exist that may cause you to feel the need to switch your dog's diet. A puppy, for example, must change from milk during nursing to dog food. Your adult dog may need to transition to a dog food diet specifically designed for senior dogs. Health reasons may be yet another cause for a switch.

Switching your dog's diet too quickly can result in your dog having an upset stomach. Diarrhea is likely to result.

This gradual process may seem slow at first, but be assured, it is for the best. A dog's diet is not like a human's diet. People vary their diet on a daily basis. Sometimes we stir things up from meal to meal. Your dog's diet is best when it is consistent. Do not change brands or feeding methods frequently.

Protein and kidney failure from your dog's diet

Studies that showed a relationship to high protein levels and kidney failure that sparked concerns about protein levels in dog's diets were not sound. The research was performed on rats, not dogs. Rats primarily eat plants as their natural diet. Naturally, rats biological makeup would indicate trouble digesting diets containing high levels of protein. The rats have difficulty excreting protein due to their specific dietary needs, not because the high protein diet causes kidney failure.

It is a myth that dog's cannot properly digest high levels of protein in their diet. Kidney troubles do not result from high levels of protein in your dog's diet. Large amounts of protein can be safely digested in your dog's diet, especially when they come primarily from animal origins.

Feeding your dog protein should not cause concern. You want what is best for your dog and nature tells you that protein will help your dog to thrive. If you have questions about the myth of protein and kidney failure in your pet, speak to your vet about your dog's diet.

The vegetarian dog diet

You have recently welcomed a furry companion into your home. Now that you have become a true pet owner, you need to decide what to feed your pet. You eat a vegetarian diet, so you would like your new dog to follow these same guidelines. Is a vegetarian diet right for your dog?

A healthy diet should allow your pet to thrive not simply survive. A vegetarian dog diet will, too frequently, result in a dog who shows signs and indications of a lesser quality of health than a dog fed a well balanced diet contain animal products.

As with any change you would make to your own diet, you would want to consult your physician for medical advice. Talk to a professional about the advantages and disadvantages of feeding a vegetarian dog diet to your pet. Depending on your specific plan, he or she may be able to recommend some supplements to add to the prospective vegetarian diet that will create a healthy balance for your new furry friend. If supplements are not available to create the healthy and balanced diet your dog deserves, then the two of you can discuss other options to determine a dog diet that works well for your pet and satisfies your lifestyle.