Whether it's weeding through the prescription diets offered or just understanding the difference between raw food and dry food, separating fact from fiction will help your pet enjoy a happy and healthy life.

Myth - All human food is bad for dogs

Fact- Not all human food is bad for dogs. There are certain food that are dangerous for dogs, but there are some foods that actually offer needed nutrition in your dog's diet. This is why homemade dog food is becoming the new trend. Dog food that is non-toxic to dogs is usually healthy for them. When foods are very nutrient-dense (such as vegetables and fruits) and cooked in a healthy way (such as stewed or fried), they can be great for your dog.

Myth - Grains do not cause food allergies

Fact- The truth is that not all grain products are healthy for your dog. Recent FDA reports show that grain-free foods can cause heart disease in dogs, but there is some skepticism about how this study was conducted. The truth is that many grain-based ingredients can be nutritious in small amounts and cooked at lower temperatures than processed pellets. If so, it serves as a very healthy supplement to your dog's diet. The only thing to remember is that grains should not make up most of your pet's diet, but a little is generally safe for most dogs.

Myth- Dogs should not be fed raw eggs

Fact- While feeding raw eggs can be a problem for dogs with compromised immune systems, most healthy dogs can eat raw eggs without a problem. A dog's digestive tract is much shorter than a human's, which has a higher resistance to bacteria such as salmonella. Additionally, there is concern among some that the avidin found in raw egg whites destroys the biotin found in your dog's body. However, there is no reason to worry because the egg yolk provides enough biotin to replace the lost biotin. In fact, egg yolk has one of the highest amounts of biotin of any food in existence.That said, it's still better to feed your dog boiled eggs than raw. This is because the boiling process itself (heat treatment) does not take away nutrition from the egg and even increases the digestibility of the eggs.

Myth - Raw food gives dogs salmonella

Fact- Dogs with healthy immune systems can eat raw food without getting sick because they have a shorter and more acidic digestive tract. Their bodies break down the components of raw food faster and shorten the time that raw food is in the body. This is especially true for raw dog food that is either commercially produced or produced for human consumption, such as dehydrated foods. In these cases, raw dog food provides a safety measure to prevent the spread of diseases such as salmonella in dogs. This means that there is a real risk of dogs getting salmonella from eating raw food. Thus it is advised to procure the supply mindfully.

Myth-Dogs can't process milk

Fact- This does not apply to all dog populations. Just like humans, some dogs can be lactose intolerant while others are not. This means that some dogs are able to consume and process dairy products. Additionally, not all dairy products have the same levels of lactose, so some dairy products are easier to digest even for dogs with signs of lactose intolerance. But the higher the lactose content in the product, the harder it is for dogs to digest. It is usually okay to feed low lactose foods and sometimes even mild lactose foods. Cheese, for example, is often a great natural treat for a dog.

Myth - Prescription food is the only option

Facts- Dogs with specific nutritional needs are often recommended prescription diets by veterinarians, but recently we've been uncovering some truths about these prescription foods. These expensive pet foods are not always necessary. While well-known prescription dog foods provide tailor-made nutrition for your dog, this "tailoring" can also be found in some over-the-counter foods and at a much lower cost. All a pet owner needs to do is do some research to find out what causes specific food allergies in a dog with a sensitive stomach and how to feed dogs with certain medical conditions. Homemade dog food that is fed alongside a commercial diet can also be very helpful.

Myth - Dog foods marketed as "complete" and "balanced" are good for every dog

Fact - It is very important for every dog ​​owner to understand dog food and its labels. When dog foods are advertised as "complete" and "balanced," it means they are nutritionally balanced for their target market.

Myth-All Bones are good for dogs

Fact- Bones can be incredibly beneficial for dogs. However, boiled bones are not and will never do more good than harm.

Raw bone marrow is a great source of stimulation, brushing, and nutrition for the dog. As long as you don't give the ones that break easily (chicken bones) and can hurt your dog, raw dog bones can be a great thing to give your dog occasionally. Cooked bones for dogs, on the other hand, are bad - they crumble easily, a splinter can cause tears in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, and can also cause choking.

Myth-Lamb is a hypoallergenic protein source

Fact- Lamb is often used in sensitive dog foods, but there is nothing about lamb that makes it hypoallergenic or why dogs would never be allergic to it. The reason lamb is used as the main ingredient in sensitive stomach food, as well as many hypoallergenic dog foods, is that it was once a less common source of protein than beef or chicken, for example. The fact that lamb was rare made it a "unique" protein and it seemed that lamb would be less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, studies have shown that lamb causes allergies in some dogs, although to a lesser extent than beef or pork.

Myth-All Vets are a good source of nutritional advice

Fact – While your vet should always be your first port of call for any question regarding your dog's health or nutrition, your research shouldn't stop there. Veterinarians understand the specific nutritional needs of dogs (such as reduced salt intake in dogs with heart disease), but not all vets are experienced in complete dog nutrition. Just as not all doctors are nutritionists, most veterinarians are not specifically trained in dog nutrition. They receive a good and well-rounded education in animal nutrition as part of their degree; however, most do not stay current with the latest research. When it comes to vet advice, it's best to take it from those who follow an evidence-based approach, which means they'll not only give you their opinion on why something is good or bad, but also dig up the facts and scientific evidence. to prove that what they say is actually correct and backed by clinical trials.

Myth - Garlic - good, bad, good, bad, good for dogs

Fact- Garlic is one of the foods that all dog owners fear like fire. It can be toxic to dogs, but garlic must be fed in large amounts (based on your dog's body weight) to cause toxicity. Recently, however, some homeopathic websites have mentioned the "health benefits" of giving small amounts of garlic to dogs. They claim that when given in small proportions, garlic can be very beneficial to your dog's health.