Man’s Best Friend Deserves The Very Best Dog Food
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
As a nation of dog lovers we all want what’s best for our pet, but how much do we truly understand about our four legged friend’s nutritional requirements?
Dogs need a minimum of eighteen percent protein for maintenance when they are adults, and 22% for reproduction and growth.Fat should be a minimum of 5% for adult dogs, and 8% for reproduction and growth.Keep the balance of fats and proteins constant and you will have a dog that is of an ideal weight.Just like humans, fat initially makes you feel very full. However, it does not nourish the dog and the dog will quickly feel hungry again leading to over eating and weight gain.
Many of us choose to feed a commercial dog food product. Generally they are of a good quality but you should always try and buy the best you can afford and before purchasing the product make sure you read the ingredients list. Meat (protein) should be the first ingredient.If you want to avoid owning a fussy dog you should bear the following tips in mind…
1. Two meals a day are sufficient for an adult dog. If you feed several small meals per day your dog may be more inclined to over eat and beg for food.
2. Don’t stand and stare at your dog waiting for him to eat. He will likely think something is wrong, or something else is coming, and won’t eat.
3. Remember, you are in charge. If your dog will not eat the food you have provided don’t be too quick to back down and feed something else. By backing down you are allowing him to be fussy.
4. Try and vary the diet as much as possible but avoid changing the food simply because your dog refuses to eat it.If your dog keeps refusing food you should check to see if there is anything else wrong with him as he may be poorly.
If your dog suddenly becomes fussy he may have a physical problem like sore teeth, or a stomach upset. In this case take him to the vet.
Dogs will naturally develop a preference to a certain food.If you have honestly tried to feed a variety of foods and have noticed that your dog loves one and hates another you should recognise this and feed him his favourites.
7. Remember, junk food is bad for humans so it is also bad for your dog. Don’t give him biscuits, crisps or chocolate. It is not healthy.
