The food you give to your dog really does have a direct impact on his health and well-being.
Dogs need a minimum of eighteen percent protein for maintenance when they are adults, and 22% for reproduction and growth.Fat is another key ingredient, with a healthy dog requiring about five percent fat in each meal.A diet of 18% protein and 5% fat is ideal for mature dogs.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.
Store bought dog food is the easiest way to feed your dog, but quality varies. Take time to read the ingredients list and when possible buy only from a trusted brand. You can mix pre-prepared dog food with home made food but remember to keep your eye on the level of fat.If you want to avoid owning a fussy dog you should bear the following tips in mind…
1. Two meals per day is ideal. Avoid feeding lots of small meals throughout the day. Your dog needs to eat, feel full, exercise and sleep. It will not do this effectively if it is constantly eating through the day.
2. Whilst your dog is eating allow him some space. Dont pet him or stand watching him as this may make him feel uncomfortable. There is plenty of time to play with your dog during the rest of the day.
3. Don’t give into your dog and give him something else straight away if he refuses his meal, as he’s effectively training you and not the other way around!
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.Make sure nothing is wrong with him physically first, then if he is healthy, take charge of the situation.
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 way you’ll train your dog to eat his food, and not reinforce his behaviour.
5. If your dog suddenly goes off his food, it could be because he has dental problems, or a stomach problem. Get him checked out by the vet.
Dogs will naturally develop a preference to a certain food.Regular refusal of a certain food probably means he doesn’t like it. In this instance you should perhaps stop trying to feed him this certain food and give him what he will eat.
7. Don’t feed your dog a high fat diet, or junk food, including chocolate. It’s not good for them.