Common Questions Pet Owners Ask About Their Dogs' Diets

     Your dog needs nutritional food in order to stay healthy. If you give him low-quality food, he may experience one or more serious problems. For example, he might have difficulty digesting his meals due to filler material included to "bulk up" the package. He may also suffer from chronic low energy levels because his body is not receiving the nutrients it needs. If your pet eats too much, he may gain excess weight, which will place additional stress on his joints.

Every breed has different nutritional requirements. For this reason, a lot of owners are uncertain regarding how to meet their canines' dietary needs. This article will provide insight. We'll present some of the most common questions asked about canine nutrition, and offer a few suggestions to help you provide for your pet's dietary needs.

"When Do Puppies Need To Transition To Adult Food?"

A puppy's body grows and develops quickly. This is the reason puppies require different food than adults. Their bodies need the specific blend of vitamins and nutrients contained in puppy food. The proper time to transition a pup to adult food is when he reaches approximately 85 percent of his full-grown weight. Most breeds reach this weight around the eighth or ninth month.

Make the transition over three or four days. On Day 1, mix a quarter cup of adult food with three quarters of a cup of puppy food. On Day 2, the mix should be equal. On Day 3, his meal should include only a quarter cup of puppy formula. Give him all adult food the following day.

"Are Expensive Brands Necessary?"

There are good-quality foods available that are relatively inexpensive. They're usually found at pet stores, though you may occasionally be able to find them stocked in your local grocery store. It's worth noting that the brands sold at grocery stores are often low-quality alternatives that may lead to digestive problems.

"How Often And How Much Should I Feed My Dog?"

The number of meals you give your canine each day should be governed by his age. When he is a puppy, he'll need four or five daily meals. This will help him maintain his energy level as his body grows. When he reaches his third month, feed him three times a day. By month nine, two daily meals should suffice.

The amount of food you give him in each meal should depend on his normal activity level, size, and age. An energetic dog will require more food than a canine that sits on the couch throughout the day. A Great Dane will require more than a Terrier. Dogs typically need less food when they are puppies and seniors, and more when they are adults.

"Should I Serve Different Meals To Prevent Boredom?"

Canines rarely experience boredom with their meals. Most are content to eat the same food every day for years. Thus, changing their meals to prevent their boredom is unnecessary, and even discouraged.

"Is There A Difference Between Canned Or Dry Food?"

There is an important difference. Canned food uses more water, and thus has a lower caloric density than dry food. For smaller dogs, this poses no problem. Large canines, however, will have difficulty eating enough canned food to get the nutrients their bodies need. If you own a big dog, give him dry food.

"Can I Provide Homemade Meals?"

Many owners fix their canines' meals at home, rather than purchasing a commercial brand. If you intend to do this for your dog, make sure you have a keen grasp of the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the meals you prepare. Owners often neglect these things, and end up depriving their dogs of critical vitamins and nutrients. Moreover, they often prepare meals with the wrong type of calories, which leads to weight problems.

Making sure your canine has the right food at every stage of his life is simple. Most commercial dog food brands provide clear details of their formulas on their packaging. Review them, and follow the suggestions above to ensure your pet receives the nutrients he needs to grow and stay healthy.