Feeding greatly affects a dog's well-being. A dog is naturally a carnivore with teeth and a digestive system to match. A dog's body is adapted to efficiently utilize the fat and protein (i.e., albumin) from animal-based raw materials for nourishment. Healthy dog food also contains vitamins and minerals important for the dog's body. Vegetables can naturally add antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber to meat-rich food. Nutritional needs vary, for example, according to the dog's activity, size, and age.
You can recognize suitable food for a dog by its appearance. In this case, the dog is lean and muscular, its skin and coat remain in good condition, and the amount of stool from easily digestible food stays low, with a firm consistency.
Dog Feeding Times
For an adult dog, the daily food portion can be divided into 1-2 meals, and puppies need 3-5 meals a day during their growth period. Dogs should always have access to clean, fresh water.
Active dogs have an increased energy requirement, needing highly digestible, energy-rich food after exercise. Snacks and water should also be given during training.
Senior dogs and neutered dogs have a reduced energy requirement, and the energy content of their food should be adjusted to their decreased needs. When a dog starts to gain weight, the amount of food should be reduced and/or made lighter.
Dog Food Allergies
Food allergies can be caused by many common dog food ingredients: grains, dairy products, colorants, additives, or different protein sources. The most typical symptom of a food allergy is itching and dermatitis on the paws, ears, muzzle, jaw, lower abdomen, or around the anus. In such cases, the allergen causing the symptoms should be identified and removed from the dog's diet. You can get help from a veterinarian in identifying allergies.
Chewing bones is an enjoyable activity and mental therapy for dogs. Additionally, chewing bones helps keep a dog's teeth clean, and regular bone chewing prevents the formation of tartar.
