Have you ever wondered about the food that you eat? Obviously! Well, have you thought of the food that your furball consumes? Yes, maybe. But have you ever paid attention to it completely or just believed in the dog food that your friend is feeding their dog? You might have.
A happy dog is one that has been well-fed, but there is no rule for what, how much, or how often you should feed your dog. All these needs vary from one dog to another. The needs of a dog are determined by its breed, size, age, and health. So, how to know if you are giving your dog the right food or not?
There are so many alternatives to pick from that determining the perfect diet can be difficult. If you're not sure if your dog is getting everything he requires from his meal, consult your veterinarian. However, the following tips will assist you in making the best dietary choices for your dog.
1. Choosing the commercial food.
Whenever you choose food for your pooch, make sure it has all the necessary ingredients in the right quantity. In simple words, the food your dog is eating must be "complete and balanced". Feed your dog the proper food according to his age. Most packages state if they are for puppies, adults or older dogs. Make sure, you read everything before choosing the food.
2· What kind of food to choose?
Dog food comes in two types i.e., dry food and wet food. Dry food comes in pellet form which is crunchy and good for your dog’s teeth while wet food looks meatier and more natural. Make sure, your food is a mixture of both kinds of food.
3· How much food should be fed?
If your dog is gaining weight even after exercising, one of the major reasons can be that you are over-feeding your dog. Make sure you feed your dog the right amount of food. Older dogs exercise less and thus are prone to getting obese. If this is the case, do consult your vet.
4· How many times should I feed my dog?
Every dog has a different body structure. Thus, it becomes difficult if you stick with one diet plan with all dogs. Make sure you know about your dog’s regime and feed them accordingly. The average frequency starts with 4 times a day in puppies and decreases to 1 or 2 times a day in older dogs.
5· Is giving treats healthy?
Treats should never be included as proper food for your dog. You should only make them the 10th part of your dog’s food. Treats are a good way to award your dogs and train them. Although, an increased amount of threat is never good.
So, once you make sure to go through all these points, do consult your vet once a year even if your dog is healthy. Your dog is your best buddy, and he or she deserves to eat well. Making the appropriate eating choices can help him stay healthy and happy. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog's food or other health issues. Your veterinarian will provide you with expert and up-to-date information.
Happy Parenting!
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