Proper feeding for your pet is the most important thing that owners should always keep in mind. With countless options in the market for nutrient additions and treat varieties, it’s a never-ending choice for all pet owners. So, the common question is what should be given and what not. In this blog, you will find answers to the most common questions about dog feeding to keep your pet healthy and well-nourished. But do contact your vet before giving any food based on the nutrient requirement, food volume, etc.
1. How many times should you feed a dog?
A well-structured feeding routine is very important for both puppies and adult dogs. But feeding time and quantity varies for dogs based on their age. Newborn puppies are smaller in size and require food very frequently, so they should be fed accordingly to meet their nutritional needs. For a newborn, you can feed four times a day till they reach four months as they grow very fast during this phase. Then you can cut down the meal to three times a day till they reach up to six months. Most of the dogs eat once or twice a day after one year.
Small dog breeds, with rapid metabolism, benefit from frequent meals to support their energy levels. Large dog breeds, on the other hand with slower metabolism, require fewer, larger meals to support their nutritional requirements. Consistent planning schedules for both breeds are essential for a healthier life and to reduce begging behaviour. For more tailored meal planning based on dogs requirements, you can consult your vet.
Tips for Feeding
- Always stick to one premium quality food for your dog breeds and avoid extra supplements that are harmful. If you want to give extra supplements, take your pet to the clinic and get it examined before introducing the new diet.
- Overfeeding your pets can also cause digestive or gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea, constipation, etc. Change in stool colour and texture also indicates overfeeding.
- In larger breeds, to reduce the risk of bloating, avoid feeding immediately before or after exercise.
- For breeds prone to bloating, consider a raised bowl to minimise air intake during meals. For more recommendations, consult your vet.
2. How many times should my dog eat?
The amount of food that your dog consumes largely depends on the breed's size, age and activity. Based on the food recommendations of the manufacturer, you can start to feed them accordingly. Regular assessment of the dog's weight and body condition should be done to avoid overweight/underweight.
Smaller breeds consume around 1-1.5 cups per 10 kg of their weight a day, but larger breeds thrive on close to one cup per 10 kg. You can opt for premium quality dog food such as grain-free options in order to give your dog the nutrition it needs without unnecessary fillers. An active dog requires a lot more calories than a sedentary one, so adjust the meal quantity accordingly. If you are unsure of how much to feed puppies, adult dogs or dogs with health issues, do consult your vet.
3. Is the amount stated on the package for each meal or the total daily amount?
The daily consumption amount on the package for the feeding is just the starting point. Divide the amount based on your meal plan and quantity accordingly. Various factors like age, breed and activity levels require food variations and quantity. Every dog is unique so adjust all your plans and make wise decisions based on that. If you're confused about feeding requirements for your furry friend, consult the vet to get a customised meal plan.
4. How valid is the feeding guidance information included on dog food labels?
The feeding guidance information on dog food labels mostly lacks precision, and it may vary based on brands. While giving the food, always check the breed age, activity and reproductive health. The most important thing to look for in the food label is the ingredients. If you find any ingredients allergic to your dog, kindly avoid them or contact your vet.
Yet another important thing to always keep in mind while giving food is knowing the moisture content because it may mislead the quantity of other ingredients. Do always check whenever you are trying to feed any new food to your pet.
5. How would I choose the ideal diet for my dog?
Good dog food is about looking past the labels. The best quality and balanced formulations give you the most nutrition per gram of food. Always check what's listed at the top of the dog food packaging for the best ones with animal-based proteins and fewer fillers. Grain-free is a must if your dog has sensitivities. It is wise to talk to your vet for advice on what to feed your dog and when to feed it when in doubt.
6. How can my dog stop gulping down?
Most pet parents' concern nowadays is how to stop their dog from gulping down the food because gulping down can cause indigestion and other concerns. If you want your dog to have a slower eating habit, place any small object like a ball in the food bowl to slow down gulping. Another idea is using slow feeding bowls, which make the food scatter and in turn, make the dogs eat slower. If you’re feeding multiple dogs at the same time, try to feed them in separate areas to reduce competition and inculcate slow eating habits among the dogs.
Patience is the key in this case. This will take a few weeks for your dog to start to make a habit of eating slowly, so be consistent with it throughout the process of slower eating habits.
7. How should a new food be introduced?
Every dog’s diet requires a transition period of changing from one food to another. If you want to introduce a new food to your dog, it’s not advisable to directly give it because it may cause allergy, vomiting, diarrhoea and other allied discomfort. Firstly, mix 10% of your new food with your old food and gradually increase the new food and reduce the old food proportion over a period of 7-10 days. If you feel the new food is causing various health-related problems to your dog, stop feeding the new one and get on with the old diet.
It’s always recommended to look for ingredients, moisture content and other specifications before feeding your dog. If you want to know more information related to feeding new foods to your dog, it’s good to consult your vet.
8. Are table scraps acceptable to feed my dog?
As a pet owner, you always want to share your table scraps with a furry buddy, but this may sometimes pose a serious health issue. Always opt for dog treats recommended by your vet or available in the market specifically for your dog. It is wiser to use treats as a reward to inculcate good and positive habits among your pets.
Avoid using fatty scraps, raw meat and bones as it may cause choking. Dogs may like to eat chocolates and ice cream but they are extremely harmful. Avoid giving cat foods to dogs as they are curated specifically to meet cats' nutritional values.
Always give boiled vegetables like carrots, peas and green beans as healthy alternatives. If you want a personalised suggestion, then consult your vet.
9. Should I have to avoid feeding grains?
Grain-free diets are beneficial for sensitive and digestion problems associated with dogs. Grains can be given in appropriate amounts to dogs and it's helpful for digestion. Always prioritise high-quality foods as the primary source of nutrients. Avoid using grains, since it won’t mark the nutritional requirements for your dogs. Also, avoid low-quality food, as it may contain fillers and grains, and don't meet optimal requirements for dogs. Try to use cooked meat as feed, as it is a good source of nutrients for them.
10. Why should I feed breed-specific dog food?
As mentioned earlier, every dog’s food requirements need specific quantities based on their breed, age, activity and reproductive health. Some breeds require small amounts of food at regular intervals, while some may require different choices in their food requirements.
Some breeds like Labrador Retrievers used to gain weight very easily, and to keep their weight under control, various types of feeding are required. Labrador Retriever diet can be controlled by using unique kibble shapes to slow down their eating pace.
If you are in doubt as to what to feed your dog, you can speak to one of our Animal Health Advisors on 0203 675 0780 (Mon-Fri) or ask your veterinarian for advice.
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