Dog Feeding Information
Contrary to popular belief, dogs cannot live by meat alone, Dogs are omnivorous,meaning that they require meat as well as non-meat nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, fiber and water. Unlike people, however,dogs generally receive their nutrition from a single source. Changing dog food brands or sharing “people food.’ can lead to finicky eaters or obesity. Commercial dog food can be dry, semi-dry or canned, and generally meets all of dog’s daily so, needs.
Some owners leave out a bowl of all day and find that this method of ‘Tree-feeding’. works best for them. Most experts, however, recommend feeding a a dog twice daily (after waking up and within a few hours of sleeping) and putting away uneaten food after fifteen minutes. In either case, all dogs need fresh water constantly, until about one hour before bed. Overweight dogs must eat less, eat low-calorie food or exercise more to prevent a variety of ailments, including back problems and arthritis. Consider the size, age and environment of your dog when determining the proper feeding amount and consult with a veterinarian to help you with this planning.
In the absence of professional advice, consider the following guidelines for the healthy feeding of dog. A puppy requires about 100 calories per body pound, adults need about 60 calories per pound and older dogs should cut back to about 30 calories per pound. Pregnant, lactating, active or outdoor dogs may require a slightly larger diet. Read dog food labels carefully and decide whether you prefer dry, semi-moist or canned food. Dogs receiving a healthy diet have glossy, clean coats and small, dark Moots. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs, the animal has become overweight. Be careful about feeding your dog too many bones. Dog treats of all kinds should not comprise more than 10% of total diet. They do very little to clean teeth and can lead to obesity.