Boppard. Fasting is a popular concept to promote your own health and relieve the body. But what does it look like when it comes to our dogs? More and more dog owners are wondering whether it could also bring advantages for their four -legged friends. Can you also benefit from fasting, or does this bother your health risks?
What does fasting mean for dogs?
Fasting in the dog does not mean letting it without food for days, but rather taking controlled meal breaks. In the wild, canids like wolves are used to eating irregularly. These natural fasting times can give the digestive organs a break and support the body's own regeneration processes.
There are various fasting methods, such as fasting day or interval fasting. On Lent Day, no food is given to the dog on one day a week. In the case of interval fasting, feeding on certain time windows (16/8 method: 16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of time window to eat) limited. The opinions of experts on the subject of fasting in the dog. Some veterinarians and dog experts see advantages in fasting while others advise against it.
Advantages of fasting
Some experts assume that fasting can stimulate cell regeneration and detoxify the body. One day without food gives the gastrointestinal tract time to regenerate, and the organism can concentrate on the excretion of metabolic residues. In the event of acute gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or vomiting, a fasting day can be useful to relieve the digestive tract. Controlled fasting days can help to prevent overweight to regulate the weight of the dog.
Risks of fasting
Dogs have a different metabolism than humans. Longer fasting periods can lead to hypoglycaemia and other health problems. Fasting can be dangerous, especially for puppies, older dogs or dogs with previous illnesses.
How do I design a fasting day?
A fasting day should always be well planned. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water to avoid dehydration. Avoid strict fasting at puppies, sick dogs or pregnant bitches. In addition to occasional fasting, a balanced diet is essential. Make sure that the feed contains high -quality proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates and vitamins. Some healthy foods for dogs are:
- Carrots: rich in vitamin A, good for the eyes and the fur.
- Pumpkin: Supports digestion and ensures good fiber supply.
- chicken (cooked, without spices): Easily digestible and rich in protein.
What should you pay attention to?
Not all foods are suitable for dogs. Food such as chocolate, onions or grapes are poisonous and should be strictly avoided. In addition, fasting or diet should never be done without consulting the vet, because a sudden change in feed can lead to digestive problems.
Fasting the dog is a controversial topic. Before you fast your dog, you should definitely speak to your vet or an animal nutrition consultant. A diet can be useful for overweight or sick dogs, but should always be under veterinary supervision. Pay attention to the behavior of your dog during this time. If he shows signs of weakness or discomfort, fasteners break off. Always provide your dog enough fresh water during fasting. (Stefan Richter)