Being a dog owner entails a lot of responsibility. You need to spend some time with your furry friend to let them feel your affection. Apart from this, you need to provide the basics such as food and shelter. Thus, here are some tips on how to feed your dog with the right nutrients.
Essential nutrients
Whether you decide to buy dog food, or prepare your dog’s food yourself, keep in mind that your furry friend needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. Dog foods labelled with complete and balanced nutrition are usually packed with the nutrients your dog needs. Nevertheless, the basic nutrients that should be found in their meal are:
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Nutritional requirements of different breeds
Studies show that indeed, different dog breeds have varied metabolism and nutrient requirements. Some may need a special diet based on their country of origin, such as Arctic Circle breeds, while others may need a particular diet because of inbreeding. For instance, a Goldendoodle, which is a hybrid dog that is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever are generally energetic dogs that need different ratios of proteins and carbohydrates depending on their age. Some food picks for Goldendoodles are Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food for adults and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for seniors. Still others are Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food for puppies and Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach for those with sensitive stomachs.
Life-stage nutrition
Dogs require different amounts of nutrients depending on their life stage. For instance, an all-purpose dog food may not be able to provide all the nutrients needed by a puppy or a senior dog. In the same manner, a certain dog food, which is sufficient for a laid back dog may not be enough for a dog with an active lifestyle.
Water
Ensure that your dog is nourished with ample water. Losing even just 10% of the water in your dog’s body may lead to his demise. Thus, it is important to ensure that your dog always has clean and fresh water available.
Amount of feeding
The amount of food you need to give to your dog generally depends on their lean weight. This requires constant monitoring and weighing. Talk to your veterinarian because they are the experts in estimating the food that your dog needs based on their lifestyle and body condition score.
Your vet may start by getting your dog weighed and giving him a physical exam. In addition to this, your vet may also inquire about the activities of your dog, as well as the current portion of food he consumes. This includes all the other dog treats you give him, apart from his regular meals. In this case, you need to be honest with your vet to be able to provide you with an accurate recommendation in terms of the feeding portions you need to serve your dog.
Frequency of feeding
Feeding your furry friend twice a day is deemed as a general rule of thumb in terms of the frequency of feeding. This is especially true for large-breed dogs to avoid overeating. Give out snacks and treats in moderation too. Nevertheless, avoid making your dog exercise after a heavy or a full meal to minimize bloating or intestinal obstruction.
While accepting the responsibility of taking care of a dog can be exhausting, it can also be definitely rewarding. Ensure that your dog is fed with the right nutrients to maintain his health and maximize his potential. This is one of the ways to make him feel your love and affection.