When you bring home your first dog, the question comes up. What should I feed my dog? The diet is the key to a Dog Food health. If the dog is not fed well it may become sick. Dog Foods Available on the Market Today Dog foods come in various forms dry, wet, or homemade. New dog owners find it difficult to understand what is the best. That’s why this article will help you.
You will learn how to choose food according to the age and size of the dog. You will know how much food should be given to the dog. When is it okay to give treats and when is it not. Proper feeding is very important so that the dog stays active and happy. These tips are simple and useful for new dog owners. Let’s get started!
Understand the age and size of the dog
What every dog needs in its food can vary. What To Feed Puppies and When Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. A puppy requires more protein and calories as it grows. an adult dog need to be fed on a normal diet and should be moderate. Older dogs require food that is gentle on the joints and digestion. Besides, the dietary requirements of small and big dogs are also not the same. Which is why you should take your dog’s age, size and breed into account before choosing food.
Types of Food Available in the Market
Different types of dog food are available in the market:
Dry Food (Kibble):This is the most common and convenient. It is easy to store and is also good for dogs’ teeth.
Wet Food (Canned Food):It is soft and very tasty, but it is expensive. Wet food is good for dogs who don’t drink much water.
Raw Food: This is natural, but there is a risk of bacteria in it if not handled properly.
Homemade Food: If you have a good understanding of dog nutrition, you can prepare balanced food at home. But without knowledge, home food cannot provide complete nutrition to the dog.
Check Dog Food Labels Carefully
Whenever you buy a packet of dog food, check its label carefully. The first name in the ingredients list should be of meat. Like chicken, beef, or lamb. This is the real protein which is essential for the dog. If “meat by-products” or “animal digest” is written on the packet, avoid it. These are unclear ingredients. Not every dog needs grain-free food.
Some dogs are allergic to grains. Grain-free food is good for them. But it is not essential for all dogs. Always avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These things are bad for the dog’s health. They can also harm their digestive system. That’s why I always choose good and natural food.
Food Amount Guide
It is neither right to feed the dog too much nor too little. If you feed it too much then the dog can become obese. Obesity causes many health problems. If you feed it less then the dog’s energy reduces. It can become weak and lifeless. The daily calorie requirement of every dog is different. It depends on its age, size and activity level.
Therefore, do read the feeding guide given on the dog food packet. Feed the dog accordingly. It is good to feed it two times a day, morning and evening. Free feeding should be avoided, which means do not always keep food in the utensils. This will make the dog eat too much and will increase obesity. It is very important to make a routine. This way the dog will remain healthy and active.
Be careful while giving treats
Treats are great things to make dogs happy. Treats are also great during training time. But don’t give too many treats daily. If you give too many treats to your dog, it can start gaining weight. The calories in treats should be only 10% of the dog’s total calories. It is important to give healthy treats. Like small pieces of cooked chicken, or apple pieces without the seeds.
Carrot sticks are also good treats. But a few items should never be given to dogs. Such as chocolate, grapes, onions and garlic. These things are very harmful for dogs. Never feed salty and spicy things to the dog. These are harmful for its health. Always use healthy and safe treats.
Take care of water
It is very important to give fresh and clean water to the dog daily. Without water the dog’s health is not good. If you give dry food, then the dog has to drink more water. Therefore the quantity of water increases. The water container should be cleaned daily. And freshwater should always be filled in it. During summers the water should be changed two or three times a day.
So that the water always remains fresh. If the dog remains hydrated, it remains healthy and active. Water helps the dog’s organs work properly. If the dog gets less water then it can suffer from dehydration. That is why it is very important to take special care of water.
Check With Vet
If the dog is allergic, it may be to the food. In case the dog has itching, loose motion or a stomach problem, take it at the earliest to the vet. The vet will recommend allergy-friendly food for your dog. Some dogs have special medical conditions, like diabetes or kidney problems, so there is a special food for them which should be given only on the advice of the vet.
Conclusion
The secret of a dog’s health and happiness lies in its correct and balanced diet. It is very important for new dog owners to follow all these tips. Choose food according to age, size and health, avoid overfeeding, keep treats under control, take care of water and do not give your food to the dog. When you take proper care of your dog, he will also become your best friend, and will remain healthy and happy. Keeping a dog is a responsibility, so always think best for it and give it the best food. If you follow this guide then your dog will always remain fit, active and lovely.
