One factor that promotes the well-being of dogs is the type of food they eat. Maintaining a proper pet diet will keep them healthy and energetic throughout their life. But with so many potential solutions out there, identifying the correct tips for better doggie health does get confusing. So to make things easier, we took the liberty of listing a selective set of six tips to improve your dog’s diet.

1. Read labels carefully
Dog foods available over the counter may seem perfect. But frankly, not all of them are good for your pet. Always read the labels of the treats and food that goes into your pet’s stomach. This way, you can rest assured that the purchase is a carefully inspected one.

2. Beware of shelf-stable foods
Some pet owners turn shelf-stable foods into a dog’s staple diet. Most shelf-stable foods comply with the standards set by AAFCO, which requires them to maintain balanced nutrition. However, such foods have no live enzymes because of their industrial cooking process.

3. Endorse fresh whole foods
The next tip to improve a dog’s diet is the complete opposite of shelf-stable foods. Fresh whole foods like fruits and vegetables are packed with live enzymes that promote your dog’s health. They also come loaded with fibers that aid the process of digestion and excretion.

4. Cooked meats are unhealthy
Just because we enjoy a well-cooked, grilled, or fried meal doesn’t mean it’s healthy. And these foods are definitely not recommended for pets. When it comes to meats, many essential nutrients get lost in the cooking process. So maybe don’t cook meat before laying it out for your dog.

5. Incorporate gluten-free foods
Several dry pet foods contain gluten made from corn. It prevents unstable, inferior fats from going bad. However, this edition retains the waste products, which can strain the pet’s liver and kidneys.

6. Limit treats
Another valuable tip on the table is to limit the treats that go into your dog’s system. Whether it’s treats, chews, supplements, or table foods, only about 10 percent of calories a day is recommended. A dog who gets fed too many treats is more likely to turn obese. But if treats must go on, consider swapping to fresh and healthy ones, like dried coconut flakes.

7. Promote dental health
Your dog may not know much about dental hygiene, but fortunately, you do. Lay out raw bones or vegetables like zucchini and carrots to gnaw on. Such foods will help keep their teeth healthy and white. Cut holes in vegetables and fill them with raw coconut oil, then cool it for five minutes. Such treats will help remove any plaque from their mouth.

8. Visit a trained professional
Sure, when it comes to tips to improve your dog’s diet, the ones we mentioned above will work efficiently. However, it’s advisable to consult with a trained professional, possibly a vet, before changing their diet.