Puppy/Dog Feeding Tips

Are you facing trouble feeding your little pet buddy?

It's not an issue that only new pet parents face; even experienced ones sometimes have feeding dilemmas. Always remember, the food requirement of your dog can vary with the dog breed and factors like

• Age
• Reproductive Status
• Actual calorie content of the food
• The activity level of your dog
• Other environmental factors like temperature and more

The health and exercise level of your dog further influences its food intake. The most common problem many pet parents have is understanding the frequency of feeding a puppy or a dog.

Indeed, you don't want to make your dog obese or malnourished!

The Feeding Rate for Puppies and Dogs

Before we share tips on feeding your dog, here are some pointers about the feeding rate.

For Puppies

• Most puppies need to be fed at least four meals a day. You can bring it down to three meals a day by the age of 4-months until 6-months.
• You must feed your pet baby the diet designed for its age and breed size.
• Growing puppies and young dogs need nutrition for healthy growth and bone development.

For Dogs

• Dogs of 12-months or older require feeding once or twice a day.
• It also depends on the size of the breed. For example, if you have a small breed dog like Poodles, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier, Papillion, etc., you should feed 2-3 small meals a day. Smaller breeds are energetic and burn energy quicker than larger ones.

Don't solely depend upon the feeding instructions of the - manufacturer on dog food packets.  Such feeding guidelines are rarely accurate!

So, ensure to talk to a vet for the right food proportions for your pet baby.

Here Are Some Feeding Tips for Your Puppy/Dog

• Choose a dog food carefully

Stick to one variety of grain-free high-quality, nutritious dog food that provides all the nutrition your pet baby needs. Avoid feeding them table scraps as it hinders a balanced-diet for them. It also stimulates drooling and attention-seeking behaviors like begging or barking in them.

• Avoid over supplementing

Unnecessarily giving supplements to your puppies/dog for growth and development can harm more than do any good. So, unless your vet prescribes them, avoid it.

• Stop overfeeding

Did you know that your dog's stool can tell if you are overfeeding it?

Stuffing your dog with food doesn't help growth. It only puts extra pressure on the digestive system of your pet. If your dog produces firm, dark brown, crinkly stools, it's a sign you are feeding it right. But, if it's softer towards the end, stop overfeeding your dog.

• Don't change your pet baby's diet abruptly.

Sudden changes can disrupt their bowel movements. So, unless advised by a vet, if you want to change their diet, do it gradually over a tenure of 7 - 10 days.

• Never feed your dog before traveling or exercising.

Travelling can cause car-sickness in many dog breeds. Feeding an hour before or after exercise can also cause stomach dilation and bloating issues in your dog. It can also become a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention from a vet.

• Always use a raised bowl for medium to large dog breeds.

As a pet parent, you must ensure that your puppy/dog does not swallow a lot of air while eating. It can result in bloating issues. So, to prevent it, use a raised bowl for medium to large breed dogs.

• Don't disturb your dog while it is eating from its bowl.

How would you feel if someone interrupts you while enjoying your favorite dish?

Taking the bowl away or attempting to play with the puppy or dog while eating can cause anxiety in them. It can also result in aggressiveness in them. You must make your dog feel comfortable while having meals. Leave your dog in peace when they are eating.

• Never take their water bowls away.

It can raise hydration risks in your pet baby. Apart from defecation and urination, dogs lose hydration while cooling their body temperature through panting. So always keep their water bowl filled to avoid dehydration risks.

Conclusion

Use the tips to feed your fur baby properly. Whenever you buy a dog food label, read the ingredients and nutritional details carefully. Choose high-quality food ideal for your dog and make them exercise regularly to keep their body weight in check.

Avoid feeding foods that contain theobromine like chocolates. Additionally, do not feed your puppy/dog grapes and raisins, fruits that are acidic or sweet, onions, garlic, high-starch content items like potatoes, or lactose products. Your puppy cannot digest them. It can lead to various health problems, even renal failure or poisoning. ???????