Feeding is one of the most significant aspects of raising a dog. You need to ensure proper nutrition to keep your pawed companion healthy and happy at all times. But there is much more to feeding than only picking the right kind of food. You have to work on a schedule, portions, hygiene, and safety. Additionally, there is a need to understand what not to feed. Things can get overwhelming if you are a first-time dog owner. We have a feeding rule book to help.
Pick the right foods
While you have a range of commercial dog food brands to explore, not all are created equal. Some are filling, others are made for delicate stomachs, and some miss out on important nutrients. It is vital to pick one with the best quality ingredients. Natural and grain-free diets are the best, though they can be a tad more expensive. Getting nutrition right can be a balancing act, which is why you can use something like Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Thrive for Dogs to supplement this. Don’t forget that you can opt for a home-prepared diet if you can spare time for it. Either way, you must consult your vet to pick a holistic and balanced diet for your pet. Sick and overweight dogs may require a tailored diet plan.
Understand the basics of portioning
Choosing the apt portions for the pet is as crucial as picking the right foods. The amount you must feed the pet depends on different factors. These include the age of the animal, its activity level, and body condition. The nutrient content and calorie count of the diet also determine the portion size. You can seek expert advice to understand the exact number of calories your pet needs every day.
Choose dog treats wisely
Apart from an apt daily diet, you must also pick the dog treats wisely. Choose the options that the pet likes while ensuring they are safest for regular consumption. For example, jerky for dogs is a good choice as it is easy to chew, and you can use it regularly. You can find them in different variants, such as sticks, strips, and bites. Remember that treats are only supplements to the diet, so stick to only 10 percent of daily intake.
Schedule feeding sessions
According to experts, it is best to feed your adult dog twice a day. Puppies require multiple sessions with smaller quantities to sustain their blood sugar levels. You may have to feed them three to six times per day, depending on individual requirements. But overfeeding is a bad idea. Discuss the dog’s condition and your lifestyle with a vet to decide the best schedule for its meals.
Know what to avoid
You also need to know the foods to avoid keeping your furry companion in the best health. Some foods are harmful or even toxic for canines. These include onions, chocolates, grapes and raisins, caffeinated drinks and foods, and macadamia nuts. Also, do not feed them anything moldy, fatty, or salty. Avoid feeding the pet from your plate, although you can serve unseasoned lean meats and certain plain vegetables and fruits once in a while. Some things that are ok for dogs might not be if they are on certain types of medication or have certain health conditions. For example, it is believed that dogs can have turmeric to help with joint pain, general pain relief, and immunity, amongst other things – however, if they are on blood thinner-medication, deficient in iron, or pregnant, then turmeric should not be given to them.
Besides following these feeding rules, ensure the hygiene of containers. Avoid plastic bowls as they may harbor bacteria and cause allergic reactions. Choosing metal or ceramic bowls is a good idea. Clean them every day for good health and hygiene. A little care takes you a long way.
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