Do you reward good behaviour with cookies? Do you find it tough to resist those big, brown eyes asking for second helpings? If you do, then it may be time to reassess the way you're feeding your "best friend."
Yes, that's right, we're talking about breaking the bad eating habits you've instilled in your dog. And it's an important matter because proper doggie nutrition helps ensure that your pet remains healthy and energetic, and maintains a great quality of life. (And, really, isn't that what we all want for our pets?)
But it's not just what you feed your dog; it's how. Watch this slideshow and get the inside scoop on feeding your dog.
Doggie diet do's—water
Just like you, your dog needs to be well hydrated. So:
- Make sure your pooch receives a generous supply of clean, fresh water at all times.
- If you're hitting the road, be sure to bring a portable supply of this essential nutrient since the stress of travelling may mean he needs more fluids.
Doggie diet do's—food
Before buying, check the label to ensure your dog gets a healthy mix of the following basic food groups:
- Protein. By providing amino acids—a body's very own building blocks—protein ensures that your dog's body is able to perform vital functions and rebuild its tissues.
- Carbohydrates. Your dog's diet should include carbohydrates in order for him to be able to produce the energy he needs throughout the day.
- Fat. Not always a naughty word, fat is actually an excellent source of energy, helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and improves the taste and digestibility of your dog's diet.
- Minerals. Calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper—they are all minerals that play an important role in regulating your dog's bodily functions.
- Vitamins. From vitamins A and E to folic acid and choline, vitamins promote and regulate various physiological processes in your dog's body.
Doggie diet don'ts
Treats, a steady supply of food and allowing “human food” can lead to problems. Here's what not to do:
- Don't follow labels blindly. Your dog's pet food label may encourage you to feed your dog two cups a day but use this information as a guideline only. What you should do is feed your dog whatever amount is necessary to maintain his optimal body weight and condition. Just like humans, your dog's optimal amount of food is based on a number of factors, including genetics, activity level and any possible underlying conditions. Your veterinarian may even recommend a different daily caloric requirement after your dog has been spayed/neutered or sterilized.
- Don't engage in free-choice feeding. Many dog owners leave food out all the time so that your dog can dine and dash freely but experts say your hands-off approach isn't a good idea. Instead, schedule feeding your dog a specific amount at certain times of the day. This will help your dog feel full more often and avoid over-indulgence.
- Don't splurge with snacks and scraps. Your dog may be willing to do cartwheels for that last morsel of steak on your plate but resist the urge to dole out table scraps. Between-meal treats can upset your dog's delicate digestive system. Trust your veterinarian's advice on what you could provide as a healthy snack—and how much of it.
Food to think twice about
Some foods may cause serious harm to your four-legged friend. Make sure you keep the following away from your dog:
- Onions and chocolate. We may love onions and crave chocolate but these foods contain ingredients that can kill a dog.
- Bones. "Give a dog a bone" is nothing more than doggie folklore—at least, if it's cooked. Cooked bones may actually splinter and tear a dog's insides or cause choking. Whenever you give your dog a bone—cooked or raw—be sure to supervise your dog in case the bone is chewed into splinters or into small pieces. If that happens, stop your dog from chewing and remove the bone fragments.
- Raisins or grapes. Although tolerance levels vary among dogs, grapes and raisins have been known to cause acute renal failure in dogs so don't take any chances.
- Chewing gum, candies, mints. Be careful where you discard your sugar-free gum. Studies have shown that xylitol—a sugary substance found in some sugar-free chewing gum, candies, mints, toothpastes and chewable vitamins—can be deadly in dogs. In fact, just 3 grams of xylitol can prove lethal to a 65-pound dog.
Trust a doggie expert
If you have any questions about how much food your dog needs, special doggie diets or advice about how to keep your pooch in tip-top shape, speak to your veterinarian. You can also search "veterinarian" in Find Support for vet association in your area.
