Feeding Your Dog

If left entirely to their own devices, dogs prefer a carnivorous diet - that is, they prefer to eat fresh meat. However, they are willing and able to eat and digest most types of food, and these days pet food manufacturers provide a wide variety of different foods to tempt your canine friend!

You can now choose from:

• canned foods
• semi-moist complete food
• dry complete food
• food from your own kitchen (perhaps the BARF Diet)

Your vet will be able to give you advice about what to feed your puppy or dog, although you should bear in mind that many vets are biased towards the specialty foods which they sell in their clinics!

A balanced diet for your diet will consist - like a human diet - of protein, carbohydrate and fats. Protein is used to build animal tissue; carbohydrate converts to glucose and provides energy and fats are beneficial for different body functions such as maintaining the skin and coat in good condition. Vitamins and minerals are needed in various processes such as building and maintaining teeth and bones. A good pet food manufacturer will ensure that your dog consumes a good balance of the above.

If you have a very inactive, old or overweight dog, many pet food manufacturers now produce low-calorie dog food which may be suitable.

Some do's and don'ts

• Make sure each dog has its own bowl
• Feed each dog at a distance from other dogs
• Don't feed your dog old or out-of-date food
• Don't leave fresh food sitting in the bowl (dry foods can be left)
• Serve food at room temperature, not out of the fridge
• Don't feed your dog scraps while you are sitting at the table
• Choose a diet appropriate for your dog's needs and calorie requirements
• Always provide plenty of fresh clean water

Remember - dogs enjoy food!

• If a dog if off his food it could well be a sign that he is unwell, and you should watch carefully
• It is up to you to monitor your dog's consumption and regulate the amount of food he eats
• Allowing your dog to be overweight is doing him no favors
• Remember to include dog treats when you are working out your dog's daily consumption of calories
• Speak to your vet if you are worried about any aspect of your dog's weight or feeding generally.

More Reading

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Recipes for homemade dog food

Ebooks

Healthy Food For Dogs - Homemade Recipes

Homemade Dog Treat Recipes