Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Dog Feeding 101...

Dog Feeding 101

Nourishing your pet dog is one of the major responsibilities you embrace of having a pet. Like any member of your family, it is one of your concerns to feed him with proper and healthy foods.  But what to feed him is another important point to consider. Take note that dietary needs differ from one dog to another, depending on the dog’s breed, age and his overall body weight. Your neighbor’s dog diet program for his pet may not be suitable for your pooch. Thus, if you happen to own two dogs, each dog has to have its own diet in accordance to his needs. It is recommended that you consult your vet for proper feeding specifications for your dog’s breed.

If your dog is still a puppy, he will need three meals a day until he reaches the age of six months, after which this can be reduced to two. You can also start introducing adult dog food in your puppy's diet when he reaches six months old.

Keep in mind that when feeding, size does matter. Smaller dogs means smaller stomachs, lesser feeds should be given to smaller dogs in a meal compared to big dogs. You can also feed your small dog twice a day to assist him with his digestion. If you have a pregnant dog, you should provide her with feeds fifty percent more than normal.

Varieties of dog food are also available to choose from. Dry dog food is easy to store and provides four times as many calories per pound as canned foods, it is also stable and long lasting; semi-moist foods provides high carbohydrate content for very active dogs; canned foods are high in protein and are more suitable to dogs who have a picky appetite.  A quality dog diet must contain the following: protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, vegetables and fruits.
A proper dog diet means feeding your pet with healthy food. Below are some suggested ways on how you could provide your dog with a proper dog diet:
Refer to your vet about a reputable and ideal dog food brand. If your vet makes a list of recommended dog food brands, be sure to select the one that is of high quality. Take into account your dog’s size, weight, activity, age and level before making a choice.
Dry food and moist canned dog food should be included in your pet’s daily meals to attain a balanced diet. Moist food also helps maintain cleanliness of your dog’s teeth.
Pay a close attention to the protein ratio of the dog food you are feeding your pet. Since protein is very vital in a dog’s body, your dog’s food should consist of about 20% to 30% protein in each meal to make up for the recommended protein intake.
Avoid over-feeding your dog for this may result to obesity in your pet if done in regular basis. Similarly with humans, obesity in dogs could also lead to several medical conditions, like abnormal growth and musculoskeletal problems.
Feeds should be given to your dog about twice each day, though some dog breeds requires only a single feeding in a day. Make the dog’s meal time regularized during specific and consistent times of the day. Feeds should also be given in a very and exactly measured amount.



Here's A Heads Up On Doggie Help!!!

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