A healthy diet for your dog
Paying attention to proper feeding enables your dog to lead a healthier, happier life.
Of course dogs, like people, have their own food preferences, and the food that some dogs like may not be agreeable for others. Also, the feeding of your dog may depend upon your dog’s age, with puppies having different requirements to adult dogs, and older dogs maybe needing a slightly different diet too.
On the market there are choices of dry food, semi-moist or canned. When buying pre-packaged foods for your dog, take a look at the ingredients listed on the packaging, and check that there is the right amount of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, fats, vitamins and minerals. Protein will most likely come in the form of meat, fish or egg, and provides the essential building blocks for the maintenance and growth of your dog’s body. Protein will be especially important for puppies who still have a lot of growing to do, as will calcium for the formation of strong bones.
Your dog will need a small quantity of each of the main vitamin groups, but if this is present in adequate quantities in the dog food, then supplements will not be necessary.
If you notice that your dog is starting to become overweight, it could be time to cut down on the quantity of food that you are giving him, and even to consider giving him a dog food that is lower in fat content. In addition to this, more exercise may be in order.
As well as giving your dog solid food, don’t forget to leave out a bowl of water for him to drink, so that he does not become dehydrated.
Filed under: Dog obesity, Diet & Nutrition
