Dog Care: 5 Things to Consider When Feeding Your Dog

Despite the endless joy they bring to our lives, being a dog owner can be a challenge at times. With an increasing number of people choosing to have dogs over kids, it is not just celebrities that will go to great lengths to ensure the best for their furry friends. When it comes to deciding what to feed your dog, it isn't simply a case of Googling 'dog food near me'. There are several potential diets, but determining which one is right for your dog is often easier said than done. To assist you, we've come up with a list of factors that are worth considering when deciding what to feed your pup:

What to Feed Them

It's important to remember all dogs are individuals, and what is acceptable for one dog won't be right for the next. Try to find a dog food that is complete and balanced, but also take the dog's age and breed into consideration. It is often best to seek advice from a vet when you are getting started. While feeding a dog, a pure kibble diet is okay in most circumstances. You can also mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, vegetables, fish, and rice. Raw food diets are also becoming increasingly popular.

How Much to Feed Them

The next thing you'll need to think about is portion size. How much you feed your dog will depend on their size, breed, and age. You should also consider how much exercise they need. It is important not to over or underfeed your dog, as obesity in dogs is a real problem. Hydration also goes hand in hand with nutrition, so ensure they always have access to a bowl of clean water.

Their Age

Just like with humans, a dog's dietary needs change as they age. As puppies, entering the home for the first time, you'll need to be very careful about changes to their diet, which could wreak havoc on their sensitive digestive systems. It's best in such cases to speak to a breeder about the dog's diet and transition them onto a new diet incrementally. On the other end of the spectrum, when it comes to senior dogs, frequent small meals are recommended. As dogs age, they'll also experience health issues, so you'll need to be mindful of this when it comes to feeding them.

What to Avoid

We all love to treat our pets from time to time, but when it comes to human food, it is important to remember that not everything will go down so well with your canine companions. Typical human foods that are toxic for dogs include chocolate, nutmeg, onions, and garlic. Make sure you are careful with what you feed them beneath the dining table.

Nutrition matters for our dogs, especially if you want yours to lead a long and fruitful life. Be patient, as there will always be an element of trial and error involved. However, by following the advice here, you should be on the right track in terms of having your dog grow into the best versions of themselves.