How much should I feed my dog? One of the many questions that dog owners have is how much to feed their dogs. While it seems like a straightforward process, feeding practices actually vary from one dog to another. Factors such as age, breed, weight, and activity level all play an important role in determining the appropriate amount of food to give your dog.
In general, it would be best to consult your veterinarian to make sure that your dog is being fed the right amount of food. Pet parents can also refer to the back of their dog food’s label. This usually contains recommended daily feeding portions depending on your dog’s size and weight. For instance, a large dog may require 3-4 cups of dog food per day as opposed to smaller dogs that only need half a cup to one and a half cups per day.
How often should I feed my dog?
According to the American Kennel Club, veterinarians recommend dogs to be fed at least twice a day. Pet parents should also note if their dog has special dietary needs and medical conditions that need to be taken into account as these factors affect how much and how often a dog should be fed.
It is also advisable to set consistent mealtimes for your dog. Consistent feeding fosters a routine that would promote healthy digestion in your pet. It will also give you an idea about your dog’s bowel movement and would help you avoid “accidents” inside the house.
Why should it matter how much I feed my dog?
The trick is not to feed more than what is recommended. Like in humans, obesity in pets can lead to a plethora of serious health problems like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Finding the right balance when it comes to your dog’s eating habits ensures that they are going to live a safe and healthy life. Keeping portion sizes consistent and appropriate depending on their age, weight, breed, and activity levels will also help them maintain their ideal weight and keep them safe from a wide range of diseases.
Should I give homemade dog food or store-bought?
Most owners think that homemade dog food is far superior compared to store-bought food. However, the simple truth is that there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. If you’re trying to choose between homemade and store-bought dog food, here’s a quick comparison of the pros and cons of each option to help you decide.
Pros of homemade dog food
- You know what exactly is going in your dog’s stomach as you have complete control over the ingredients that you’ll use.
- Preparing homemade dog food ensures that your dog is benefitting from the freshest ingredients available.
- Homemade dog food contains fewer preservatives which could be beneficial to your dog’s overall health.
Cons of homemade dog food
- Preparing homemade dog food involves a lot of research. Pet owners should also be wary of untrustworthy sources when experimenting with a homemade diet.
- Homemade dog food can be more expensive compared to store-bought food.
- While there’s generally no problem in serving homemade food to your dog, the danger lies in pet parents that are inexperienced in preparing complete and balanced meals.
Pros of store-bought dog food
- It’s no secret that store-bought dog food is more convenient as opposed to homemade dog food. All you have to do is to open the bag and serve.
- Store-bought dog food is formulated with your dog’s balanced nutrition in mind. It carries necessary nutrients such as proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
- Store-bought dog food is easier to store and would have a longer shelf life.
Cons of store-bought dog food
- Store-bought dog food, especially cheap ones, don’t have the necessary nutrients that your dog needs to support healthy growth and development.
- Like homemade dog food, pet owners would need to spend a lot of time researching the best brands out there to find one that would best meet their pup’s needs.
Final Thoughts: How do I make sure that my dog is getting enough nutrients?
There are a lot of factors that come into play when figuring out the nutritional requirements of your pup. Some telltale signs of poor nutrition are lethargy, bad breath, hair loss, and inconsistent bowel movements. If you think your dog is suffering from some sort of nutrient deficiency, the best course of action to take is to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the necessary information about your dog’s nutritional needs based on their age, breed, size, and activity level. They will also ask you about your dog’s current diet to determine if supplementation is necessary.
We hope this helps! Until next time!
