Important Feeding Tips For Your Dog

To keep your dog strong and healthy, you have to feed him properly and give him the right foods.

First, understand that in the wild, dogs have to constantly search for food in order to survive. When you see your dog pawing through garbage, digging up dirt, sniffing at food on the table or trying to steal a snack, that is your dogs survival instinct on full display. It can be annoying, but you can work your dog gently to correct this behavior.

This does not mean though that you have to leave out food for your dog all throughout the day. The constant availability of food can cause your dog to become overweight. To determine if your dog is in good shape, feel his ribs. You should be able to feel the outline of the ribs but not see them. In an obese dog, you might not be able to make out the ribs at all. On the other hand though, too prominent ribs mean your dog is underweight. In either case, you should take your dog to the vet to remedy any health problems. Your vet can recommend changes to your dogs diet or special foods, and for an overweight dog, an exercise program as well.

It is necessary to get your overweight pup back in tiptop shape since overweight dogs are at risk for a host of diseases including diabetes, heart problems and cancer, among other things.

Treats and snacks only add to the calorie load so be a little stingy when doling them out, and keep track of all extra bits of food your feed your dog outside of mealtimes. You could also ask your vet for healthier alternatives to treats and snacks.

Underweight dogs are also at risk for a number of serious illnesses largely because of their decreased reserves of fat and energy, diminished ability to fight infections and poor healing ability. Your vet can prescribe dietary supplements to help your dog achieve the ideal weight.

As for what you should feed your dog, remember that he needs a minimum daily amount of 6 essential elements: water, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. To meet your dogs daily nutritional requirements, your vet can help you choose a good commercial dog, or help you design and monitor a homemade food diet. Also dont forget the following:
When buying commercial dog food, always read the food labels.
Animal proteins are digested more easily than soy and other vegetable proteins.
You do not have to feed your dog a high volume of food if it is digested easily. The more digestible the food, the less stool your dog will produce.
If your dog is sick or stressed, he may require more protein.
A diet that is too heavy on carbohydrates or fiber can cause constipation, bloating and other digestive problems. It can also cause excessive elimination. Thus, it is important to note that vegetable proteins are also high in carbohydrates.
Dogs need fats to keep their skin and coats healthy. Fats are also an important source of energy. So even if your dog is overweight, it is still important that he gets a certain amount of fat in his diet.
Foods go stale if they are left sitting on shelf for far too long. Foods treated with chemical preservatives like Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxy last for up to 18 months. Foods with vitamin E and natural preservatives on the other hand keep foods nutritionally sound for 6 to 8 months.
Make sure your dogs diet has contains enough vitamins. Vitamin deficiency can result in weakened immune system, a greasy coat, bone disorders, thyroid problems or behavioral changes. Also, never give your dog mineral supplements, unless prescribed by your vet.