How to Feed Your Dog

Do You Know How to Feed Your Dog? Really?

Even though a dog is less fussy about its food, like people, dogs have a variety of nutritional needs that are governed by how old they are, what intensity their metabolism is, how much exercise they receive, and how much time they spend outdoors in the cold weather. Today, I will give you a few pointers on what to feed your dog, how much to feed him, and how frequently.

How To Feed My Dog For His Nutritional Needs

When you are deciding on which dog food to feed your pet, contemplate these things;

• the age of the dog
• the dog's lifestyle
• the dog's health issues (if any)
• Breed specific nutritional needs

A growing active canine obviously needs more food than an old low-key lazy dog. Think about whether your dog has special needs in terms of ailments and diseases. Mama dogs will need a special diet while pregnant and through the nursing process. Certain breeds of dogs have particular nutrition needs, so be sure to learn your breed's needs. You can be sure your dog is in good shape if his coat is glossy, his weight is adequate for his size, and if he is alert and curious. With these health indicators being in good repair, you are probably doing a good job of feeding your dog.

Is Dry Dog Food Better Than Wet Dog Food

You would think this question would simply depend on if the dog owner wants to feed dry or wet food. Nothing could be further from the truth. Feeding a dog wet or dry food can have a serious impact on the health of your dog. Some breeds are prone to dental problems, this may be a reason for feeding dry food because the harder kibble will keep gums and teeth cleaner and conditioned better than soft moist dog food. Other breeds or individual dogs may not eat dry food because they are finicky; thus wet food is a must. Knowing your dogs "breed needs" certainly plays a significant role in what you should feed him. Let's take a look at dry vs moist dog foods.

Dry Dog Food is going to be the cheapest option for these reasons:

• It is easy to use
• It can be left down for the dog to full-feed (eat whenever he feels like it)
• Can be purchased and then stored in bulk (no refrigeration requirements)
• Save on dental costs as the abrasive nature of the dry food reduced tartar build up
• Releases stress because of the crunchy texture

Wet Dog Food is more palatable to your pet:

• Dogs like it better because it taste good
• Because they like it better they can easily over eat
• Contains high amounts of sugar (degrades dental condition and increases fat)
• Cost more to buy
• Left overs must be refrigerated
• Can not be left out for any length of time
• Higher moisture means more frequent potty breaks

A Wet and Dry Dog Food Diet May Be Best

Once you discover and decide to feed your dog a food he likes and also keeps him healthy, it is best to stick with it. Frequently changing your pets food source can bring on gastrointestinal upset, and nobody wants that! For my dogs, I choose to feed a combination of both dry and wet. I also make sure to maintain healthy gums and teeth with chew toys and a frequent brushing.

Carbs, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals, and Water for Dogs

Carbohydrates for Dogs

• Source - well-cooked grains, cellulose, starches, sugars.
• Uses - for energy; for bulk (indigestible cellulose) to detour constipation; to spare proteins (used as quick energy to keep store for building body weight and repairing tissue and bone)

Proteins for Dogs

• Source - meat, eggs, fish, legumes (especially soybeans), milk (and its products), yeast.
• Uses - Growth; healthy tissue repair and maintenance; formation of antibodies to fight infections; formation of enzymes and hormones essential to the body's chemical reactions.

Fats for Dogs

• Source - Poultry, beef, lamb, fish by-products, meal.
• Uses - Provides energy; gets vitamins A, D, E, K (the fat soluble vitamins) dispersed through the body; provides fatty acid for skin and coat health; improves flavor.

Vitamins and Minerals for Dogs

• Source - meat, eggs, fish, vegetables, milk (and its products), yeast.
• Uses - For normal body function, including vision, growth, reproduction, and blood clotting.

Water for Dogs

• Sources - Gathered from metabolism of the foods (primarily of fats) and liquids the dog ingests.
• Uses - Vital to every function and every cell in the body.

Water For Dogs

Most dogs require about 1 cup of Fresh water daily, for every 10 pounds of body weight. This varies with health issues, exercise, lactation, dry food (the low 10% moisture increases water intake needs) and, wet food (75% moisture reduces water intake needs). A dog should have access to clean fresh water 24 hours a day, everyday.

Association of American Feed Control Officials

This group develops and implements the laws surrounding animal feed regulations, standards for enforcement policies for regulating, distribution and sales. Without them the animal feed industry would run rampant!

The first thing to look for (and most important) on a dog food label is that the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), then check:

• The Product must be complete and balanced for all stages of or a particular life stage.
• Meat, fish, poultry and high quality cereal grains should be among the first listed items. This is because the ingredients are listed according to weight, so these should be the predominant ingredients by weight.
• Guaranteed Analysis on most consumer grade dog food labels is questionable at best; these labels don't separate digestible protein, fat, and fiber (meat) in the food from the indigestible (hooves, beaks, feathers, etc.). The percentages offered are for crude protein, fat, and fiber, which means they are combinations of both digestible and indigestible components.

Feeding Your Dog

No matter whether you feed your dog dry or wet food, it should be divided into two-equal daily rations. Canned dog food can be mixed with dry dog dry food (just keep an eye on the calories for your dogs health). Dry foods can be left out for your dog to snack on throughout the day if scheduling issues occur, while wet food must be refrigerated to remain safe.

As long as you remain sensible when it comes to your dogs dietary needs— minimize snacks, exercise him when possible, give fresh clean water daily—you can plan on a healthy life together. Remember that our K9 friends are put on this earth to be loyal and loving companions, treat him as such, and you will be rewarded abundantly!