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How to Feed Your Dog Properly: 8 Effective Tips
25.02.2024 06:10
Many of us treat our dogs like family members.
It is not surprising that we do everything to keep them healthy. From time to time we give them new treats.
However, common sense must be used. An overfed animal is an unhappy animal.
Here are 8 tips for healthy feeding for your dog.
Let's start with the puppies
So small, but needs about 300-400 calories more than an adult dog. And all because of his tireless energy!
What should be in puppy food?
- Arginine: regulates the secretion of growth hormone and improves immunity.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: support hearing, vision and brain development.
- High protein content - from 25 to 40%.
- Calcium - about 1.5%: takes care of the skeletal system.
- Phosphorus - approximately 1% content: together with calcium, plays an important role in the proper development of bones.
It is worth remembering that both a deficiency and an excess of nutrients are not good for your dog. Each new food should be introduced gradually. Make sure that the transition to dry food is not done too early.
Here's a formula to help you calculate your puppy's energy needs:
- 0.66 MJ x [dog weight] 0.75 (MJ - megajoules, 1000 kcal is equivalent to 4.184 MJ).
Example: a puppy weighs 4 kg: 0.66 MJ x 4 kg = 2.64 MJ. 2.64 MJ is equivalent to 630 kcal. The last number indicates how many kcal should be consumed per day.
Feeding Adult Dogs
Much depends on whether you have a small or large dog. Small breed dogs should be fed more often, with smaller portions. Fill the bowl about 3 times a day and leave it for your pet for 20-30 minutes.
A large breed dog should eat twice a day.
The basic formula for calculating a pet dog's calorie needs is:
- 0.52 MJ x [dog weight] 0.75. If we are talking about more active dogs, then we use the formula: 0.56 MJ x [dog weight] 0.75.
What makes a quality adult dog food?
It has a single source of protein.
Contains vegetable and fish fats - a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Contains vegetables and fruits that provide a large amount of vitamins and antioxidants.
Contains fresh meat - the richest in nutrients.
Avoid These Foods in Dog Food
Sugar - leads to diabetes, excess weight and dental problems.
Soy is difficult to digest, causes bloating and allergic reactions.
White flour - the dog will soon start feeling hungry again.
Corn is another difficult-to-digest additive that can cause digestive problems.
Artificial colors - why would your dog want to improve the appearance of his food when taste and nutritional value are the most important things?
In addition, artificial colors contribute to the development of hyperactivity and are allergens.
Dry or wet food
Preferably both! Variety is great. Wet food has fewer calories, so dogs eat it more readily. It also provides extra water.
This will be especially useful when feeding older dogs. Dry food is an ally in caring for oral hygiene. It helps get rid of plaque. Owners will also appreciate the fact that it is easier to store.
Question of price
Buying the cheapest food is not a good option. Not only will it have very low nutritional quality, but there is little chance that our dog will like it.
Moreover, cheap food contains a negligible amount of meat, so your pet will have to eat more of it to feel full.
Of course, you don't have to spend a fortune to find decent quality food.
Something for dessert - a few words about appetizers
Snacks can add interesting variety to your dog's diet. The principles of selection are similar to those of food selection.
First of all, pay attention to the composition. Do not forget about the caloric content of dog treats and include them in your pet's daily energy requirement.
The environment matters
Dogs do not like to be disturbed while eating. Noise and many external stimuli cause them stress.
So provide a calm, friendly environment. The temperature of the food is also important.
If you store food in the refrigerator, warm it slightly before serving. No two bowls are alike.
It was previously reported which unusual animals are suitable for keeping at home.
