Balanced diet for your canine companion is an essential part of its rearing. Nutrition holds a vital place for the care of all dog breeds because it leads to a healthy and strong dog. When it comes to feeding, a number of things need to be considered. Even if you feed your pooch with the costliest and branded dog foods, it might be deprived of the nutrients essential for his growth.

Eating too little can make your dog underweight and eating too much can make him obese. For that reason, you should provide your furry friend balanced diet which comprises all vital nutrients. Here are 10 tips that will help you to give your dog a balanced diet:

1. Although milk is an essential fluid in the balanced diet for the dogs, water should never be substituted with milk. You should feed your canine companion with the moderate quantity of milk, as over consumption of milk may cause diarrhea in your canine companion. Make sure that your dog gets the supply of only clean water.

2. Growing puppies and pregnant dogs need good supply of calcium; therefore, you should make sure to provide your pooch with the essential nutrient in these situations.

3. The recommended protein content for your dogs is 20% to 30% for a balanced diet. Always include protein rich food in your dog’s diet. Salmon, pulses, chicken and lamb are good sources of protein.

4. Your canine companion needs 'fuel' so stay healthy and active; hence, provide your pooch with food that is rich in fat and oils. These vital nutrients also help in improving the digestive system of your dog.

5. Important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are a vital part in the balanced diet of your pooch. These nutrients are also important for the strong bones and teeth as well as healthy development of cells and tissue of your dog.

6. Dogs also need nutrients that supply them ample amount of energy; therefore, give him pasta, cereals, and rice which are rich sources of carbohydrate. Further, the diet should comprise fibrous food so as to improve the smooth bowel movement of your canine companion.

7. Dogs are omnivorous animals; hence, love to feast on meat. But, remember that the dogs that fed on raw meats are more susceptible to various diseases and infections caused by micro organisms present in raw food. Furthermore, raw liver also causes ‘vitamin A’ toxicity in the dogs and small soft bones may choke the pet.

8. If your furry friend is habitual of being rewarded with the dog treats regularly, try to be careful not to overdo that. You should keep a regular check on the dog treats, as excess of these treats can perturb the static calorie balance in your canine companion. Besides, you should remember that chocolates are also harmful for the pooches.

9. When dogs eat raw eggs, they are deprived of biotin. Furthermore, the consistent use of raw eggs in dog’s diet may lead to the dermatitis (poor growth and loss of hair in your pet).