use of the definite article
 

Dear teachers,

Would you please tell me which type of article is needed in the following sentence and why? Could both the definite and the indifinite articles are possible ?

Many families keep pet animals like dogs. As is pointed out by some scientists, A / THE dog needs a regular balanced diet, not just meat.

Thank you for your help.
Hela

Re: use of the definite article
 

It shoulod bve "a dog". If you look here , you'll see that the reasons for this have already been discussed.

Re: use of the definite article
 

Hello Susan,

I had already read the thread you mentioned before sending my question but in my sentence can't we consider that "dog" can also be used as a generic term?
As you mentioned in the other thread isn't possible to say here "the species dog needs a regular balanced diet"?

Sorry but I still don't see why only the indefinite article should be used here.

Best regards

Re: use of the definite article
 

But families don't keep whole species - they keep one (or a limited number) of them. The meaning must be seen in context : Many families keep pet animals like dogs. A dog (ie any dog you keep) needs a ....

Re: use of the definite article
 

Ok, thanks :)