Feeding and Nutrition – What You Should Know as a Dog Owner
A healthy canine is a happy one. While the attention you give him will be a constant source of joy for him, the foods you provide are just as important to his long-term happiness. Sadly, many owners never learn how to best provide for their dog’s nutritional needs. Sometimes, they’ll serve the wrong foods and starve their pooch of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are critical to his health. In other cases, owners serve meals that are too big, or they serve them too often; indeed, canine obesity is a growing problem.
Below, we’ll address four common questions that owners ask about meeting their canine’s nutritional needs. Every dog is different – so you might notice that your dog’s diet needs some tweaking.
“How Soon Can My Puppy Eat Adult Food?”
Puppies grow quickly, so the ingredients that are used in their food are formulated to support that growth. You should begin making the transition from puppy to adult meals when your pup has reached 80% of his full adult weight. That typically happens at the 9-month mark. It’s worth noting that all breeds are a little different. Puppies from a few larger breeds may need an additional 3 to 9 months before making the switch.
“How Much Food Should I Provide?”
Take your dog’s age, lifestyle, and size into account when you are trying to figure out how much and how often to feed him. Until a puppy reaches 3 months of age, feed him four times daily. After that, he should have three meals each day. Fully-grown pooches will be fine if they’re fed twice each day. If your canine is active, you’ll need to serve bigger meals. If he gets very little exercise, serve smaller portions.
“Does The Brand Of Dog Food Matter?”
Yes and no. The brands that are sold in your local grocery store will normally be fine for your dog’s health. They’ll contain the proteins, fats, vitamins, and nutrients that he needs. That said, the brands that are more expensive will usually provide higher-quality dog food. They are seldom sold in grocery stores; instead, you may need to visit a pet supply store or go online to buy them.
“Are Dinner Scraps OK?”
It’s best to avoid giving your dog scraps. Even though a lot of pet owners do it, it canhave a long-term health impact. The reason is due to fat content. Scraps are often fatty, and they can be bad for your doggie’s tummy health. Meanwhile, he won’t have access to the nutrients that he needs to stay healthy. Instead offer your dog healthy bully sticks dog treats, that he will enjoy and not fell left out of your family dining experience.
Left to his own devices, your dog will not make healthy eating choices (like you might rather have pizza than a salad). He relies upon you to provide meals and dog treats that contain the ingredients his body requires. Over time, you’ll enjoy the benefits of his health through his loyal companionship.
