When it comes to our pets’ diets, we want to ensure that they get the best of the best. High-protein, low-fat, and moderate-calorie foods; we want to get it just right. That said, you must ensure that your dog actually has these requirements before you spend your hard-earned dollars on dog food brands. To that end, here’s a little something to know about high-protein meals for dogs and a few brands that would be best for your pooch. What is a high-protein meal? Typically, foods that come with labels like “low-calorie” have fixed nutrient requirements to meet, but there is, unfortunately, no set standard that defines the nutrient levels of high-protein food. This is why dog food brands usually consider adult dog foods with over 18% protein value as high-protein food. However, if your dog needs high-protein food, you may want to consider foods with around 30% protein content. While this number is an essential part of picking out high-protein dog food brands, there is so much more that goes into choosing a brand that’s perfect for your pet. This starts with understanding whether your pet needs high-protein food in the first place. Does your dog need high-protein food? Before you get to choosing high-protein dog food brands, you need to understand whether your pet truly needs it:

One of the essential building blocks of the body, proteins are important for growth in kids as well as adults. On an average, kids aged between four and eight years need 19 grams of daily dietary protein, while those between nine and 13 years require 34 grams of dietary protein. When it comes to most kids, hunger pangs are dealt with snacks, making snacks a great way to fulfill protein requirements. Here are some delectable protein-rich snack options that kids are sure to love: Roasted chickpeas Packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas are one of the most nutritious snacks for kids. Moreover, they contain lots of antioxidants that promise good health. What’s more is that this snack can be made with low sodium content . Just bake and roast the chickpeas in the oven with some lemon juice drizzled on top, and a drool-worthy snack will be ready in a jiffy to drive out your kid’s hunger pangs between meals. Baked cheese sticks Cheese sticks make for filling, protein-rich snacks for kids. These sticks are a great way to keep your kid’s tummy full until their next meal. In addition to protein, cheese is also a source of calcium that helps build healthy bones.

Keto diets are rapidly gaining popularity among people looking to explore an alternative diet that doesn’t necessarily put them through a strict food regime. It involves a simple substitution of foods in one’s daily diet that helps the body achieve ketosis and enable weight loss. However, this diet must be planned carefully and adhered to strictly to achieve the desired results. Following are some dos and don’ts of keto dieting one must know. Planning a proper diet Foods that are rich in fatty animal proteins, natural fats, oils, and vegetables are part of a normal ketogenic diet. These include eggs, fatty dairy products, unprocessed meats such as chicken, pork, beef, fatty fish like salmon, and most cruciferous vegetables. Notice how this list mainly consists of foods that are extremely low on carbohydrates? That is because the long-term goal of keto is to lose weight by eliminating foods rich in carbs and including more animal fat and proteins. Regular blood glucose checkups Foods aside, regularly checking one’s blood glucose levels is among the important dos and don’ts of keto dieting. For the body to be able to achieve ketosis, one must strive to naturally maintain optimum blood glucose levels. The effects of fasting, changes in diet to incorporate or exclude foods, and even underlying medical conditions like diabetes can affect blood glucose levels in the body.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also termed spastic colon, irritable colon, and mucous colitis, is a common disorder of the large intestine that mostly leads to symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Although it lacks definite treatment, the disorder rarely takes a serious form and can be managed through diet and medications. Fiber is the best nutrient for managing IBS, as it aids bowel movement and eases constipation. Here are some of the most effective high-fiber snacks for IBS patients: Oatmeal A great source of fiber, oatmeal is a highly beneficial high-fiber snack for people with IBS. It contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that is known to aid weight loss and increase the amount of good bacteria in the digestive system. Constipation, which is a major symptom of IBS, can also be easily addressed by consuming oatmeal regularly. The outer layer of the grain, called oat bran, is the source of fiber. Raspberries Fresh red raspberries contain enough fiber and nutrients to relieve the symptoms of IBS. Plus, they’re a rich source of antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Certain chemical substances found in raspberries also promote weight loss, making it all the more beneficial for people with IBS.

Several studies indicate that the foods you eat determine your overall health, which is why you experience a sense of happiness or rush of adrenaline with certain indulgences. However, it is not always possible to indulge in foods that lift your spirits. Luckily, there are several healthy choices that trigger certain neural responses to help manage problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Here are the top five types of foods to help manage depression. Fermented foods, beverages, and probiotics Research shows that healthy digestion of foods releases live bacteria that promotes the production of serotonin in the gut. Almost all vital neurotransmitters are produced in the gut. Serotonin helps regulate mood, behavior, response to stress, appetite, and even influences a person’s vigor. Yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, tempeh, pickled vegetables, kimchi, and kombucha are excellent fermented foods that improve gut function. Buttermilk is also an excellent fermented beverage that is readily available and can be safely consumed on a daily basis. Alternatively, one can consume organic and natural probiotic supplements but only after consulting with a nutritionist. Fatty fish A deficiency of omega 3 can affect brain function. So, include fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids as they are one of the best foods to help manage depression.