Our fur babies are members of our family so we want to make sure we are doing whatever we can to make sure they are healthy. One of the most important aspects of our dog’s health is the type and amount of food we feed him. Over feeding can lead to obesity and long-term health problems. Feeding the wrong type of food can lead to allergies and gastrointestinal issues. Here are some tips to be sure your pet is getting the best diet.
How much should I feed my dog?
Just like with our diet, controlling the amount our dog eats is important. Make sure you choose a quality food and read the label. You should follow the manufacturers recommendations. Feeding amount is typically based on body weight. The feeding guidelines on the package are the daily amounts to be fed so if you feed your dog more than once per day, divide that amount per the number of feedings. It is also important to pay attention to other factors like the calorie content of the food, the current weight of your dog, her activity level and any other treats you may feed her. As much as we love our four-legged family members, it is not good for them to be overfed. You may think it is showing your dog love but it is only causing harm. Giving your dog attention and affection is a much better way of showing your love.
Are there any foods that dogs shouldn’t eat?
We all know chocolate is bad for your fur baby. It contains theobromine, known to cause increased heart rate and vomiting and if consumed in large quantities it can be fatal. But did you know there are many other foods that may seem healthy that are quite toxic to dogs? Here some foods that dogs shouldn’t eat:
- Onions – can cause anemia
- Lactose, found in dairy products – difficult for dogs to digest
- Garlic – can cause allergy issues like asthma and dermatitis.
- Grapes and raisins – can cause renal failure.
- Many common plants and flowers can cause everything from skin irritations to death from poisoning. Always check with your vet on the types of plants you should have in your yard.
- other foods that can be dangerous for your dog include: alcohol, caffeine, avocados, corn cobs and xylitol which is found in gum and candy.
How often should I feed my dog?
The number of meals your dog requires depends a lot on his age. Puppies should be fed smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Start with 5 small meals and decrease the number of feedings as he ages. By 6 months of age, your dog should be fed 3 meals a day. Once your pet reaches one year, most vets recommend only one feeding per day. Smaller breeds should eat twice a day. Be sure to check with your vet on the number as well as the amount that is appropriate for your dog’s age, size and breed. Most vets will recommend that you not leave food in dog’s bowl constantly but set specific feeding times. Larger breed dogs will benefit from eating from a raised bowl as it will prevent them from taking in too much air.
Is canned or dry food better?
This is a much debated topic when discussing dog food. The best answer is to choose a high-quality, nutritionally balanced food that fits your dog’s lifestyle. Canned dog foods typically have more and higher-quality protein, fewer preservatives and fillers. But that doesn’t mean dry dog food are inferior. If they are high-quality foods, dry foods are just as nutritious. The consistency of dry food is good for your dog’s need to chew and can be good for cleaning tartar. In terms of price, canned food tends to be more expensive so that may also be a deciding factor.At Arrowhead Pooper Scoopers, we care as much about your pet’s health as you do. Contact us today to keep your pet’s outdoor environment clean and safe. Arrowhead Pooper Scoopers Dog Waste Clean-up Service makes life easier for dog owners, with complete cleanup and removal of all dog poop from yards, kennels and dog runs, because you have better things to do with your time! Starting at just $10 a week! We serve most of the Phoenix west valley, including Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise, plus parts of west Phoenix. Call us at 602-391-0160 or visit our website or Facebook page for more information. Enjoy a clean, safe, pet waste free yard year around.
