It's not easy to work out how to best feed your dog. Everyone from the pet store owner to the dog club trainer has their own opinion, and that's without searching online. It can be hard to find good advice that you feel you can trust.
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about how to feed your canine best friend.
1. Are all dog foods the same?
No. When it comes to buying dog food, you really do get what you pay for. The less expensive foods have more of the cheaper ingredients, such as cereals, whereas the pricier bags are likely to have better quality meat proteins and fewer types of filler.
Buying cheap food can be false economy because you need to feed your dog more of it, to give him enough of the nutrients he needs to stay well. The other disadvantage is when there's more food going in, there's more coming out the other end so you'll have a bigger clean up job.
2. How do I work out how much to feed?
Have a look on the bag of kibble and you'll see a feeding guide. Remember that this really is just a guide and it's important that you feed your dog to condition. This means that if he is looking too thin, feed him a little more and if he's getting a bit round in the middle, cut back on how much food you put in his bowl. Lean dogs are healthier and live longer so it's better to keep him slightly lean.
3. Can I give my dog bones?
Veterinary dentists recommend that you don't give your dog bones at all. Cooked bones have always been a no-no, but they have extended their warning to also include raw bones. Your dog can fracture a tooth as he chews on a bone, and chunks can get stuck in his intestines. If you're concerned about your dog's dental health, then brush his teeth with a soft toothbrush daily to keep his smile sparkling.
4. There are foods on the supermarket shelf for puppies and some for senior dogs. Are there any differences between them?
Yes. Puppy foods have lots of calories per pound of food because puppies only have small stomachs but their energy needs are high. Some puppy foods cater specifically to large breeds to control their growth rate. This is aimed at reducing the risk of orthopaedic problems such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis dissecans. At the other end of the spectrum, senior dog food has fewer calories because elderly dogs tend not to be too active. Added fiber keeps a sluggish gastrointestinal tract moving along.
5. Some dog foods are labelled "grain-free". Are these better than the regular kibble?
For most dogs, no. Grain can still provide a source of protein for dogs. Some individual animals can be allergic to an ingredient and if they do react to corn or wheat, for example, a grain-free food can help. Given that the most common food allergen in dogs is chicken, grain-free kibble may not make any difference to your dog's health at all.
6. How often should I feed my dog?
That's entirely up to you. Dogs do just fine on one meal or two meals a day, so do what fits best with your lifestyle. If you can fit either into your day, then twice daily feeding is likely to be more satisfying for your dog.
7. I don't trust what's in dog food so I'd like to cook my dog's meals myself. Is this okay?
You need to be careful when cooking home-made meals for your dog. It can be hard to make them balanced and your dog may end up with nutritional deficiencies or excesses. If you do want to do this, then have a chat to a veterinary nutritionist who will help you come up with a menu that meets all of your dog's nutritional needs.
8. What about raw diets? They're very popular right now.
Again, raw foods may not be balanced. Many raw diets recommend feeding bones and this can lead to the problems we've already discussed. Lastly, raw food can cause salmonella poisoning which can make children and adults with a reduced immune system very ill.
Feeding your dog can be straight-forward. Choose a good quality kibble as the basis of his diet, and you'll know he's getting all the nutrients he needs for good health.
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