The Importance Of Feeding Your Dog Healthy Meals At Each And Every Feed
The food you give to your dog really does have a direct impact on his health and well-being.
Protein forms a crucial part of a dog’s diet, requiring about 18% in its daily feed just to remain active and healthy.Five percent of each meal should be made up from fat and oils.It is important to balance protein and fats to ensure you don’t over feed one or the other.You need to avoid over feeding fats to your dog, because just like in humans too much fat causes weight gain and provides little nutritional value.
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. Dogs should be fed two small meals each day, no more. Feeding your dog too frequently when he is older can turn him appear like a fussy eater, when he is actually full.
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. Dont let the dog dictate what you feed. If he doesn’t like it don’t instantly give him something else as he will then gradually become more fussy.
4. There’s nothing wrong with feeding your dog a varied diet, but don’t keep changing the food because he seems fussy and won’t eat it.If your dog is appearing to be fussy at meal times have a quick check to make sure that there is nothing physically wrong with him.
Give the dog a 30 minute window to eat the food. If after this time he still refuses, take the food away and do not replace it.Then, at the end of the day put down some fresh food. Repeat the process, and take it away 30 minutes later if it still isn’t eaten.this is a great way of showing the dog that you will not immediately reward his negative behaviour.
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.
6. Just like humans, your dog will have his favourite 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. Avoid giving your dog human junk food. Food like chocolate can actually make your dog really sick. Stick to the dog food.
