How often should I feed my dog?

CHOOSING the right dog food is essential to your pet’s health and happiness but you’ll also need to think about establishing a good feeding schedule.

Why? Because giving small treats throughout the day (no matter how kindly meant) can create confusion and actually damage your dog’s attitude to mealtimes.

That’s why it is essential to stick to a schedule. Try to keep to feeding your dog at the same time each day. Not only will this allow your pooch to understand their new routine, but regularity helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. Little and often is best.

The dangers of overfeeding

Remember that many dogs will eat every time the opportunity presents itself. That’s why it is very easy to overfeed them, which in turn leads to weight gain and potential problems down the line.

For this reason, it is important to be precise when it comes to feeding time. Don’t be tempted to guess the amount of food dished out simply by looking or giving extra as a ‘reward’. Use a measuring scoop and consult the packaging guidelines carefully.

If your dog has been recently neutered, this will result in hormonal changes and possible weight issues. Over time, this may cause a number of health complications including decreased mobility, diabetes and increased risk of heart problems. To counteract this, you’ll need to keep a careful eye on your pet’s diet and ask your vet for advice.

Other factors to consider

Every dog is unique and has different nutritional needs according to their breed and size. If in doubt, always consult your vet. However, your pet’s nutritional requirements will also alter as he or she progresses through life.

Weight, activity levels and age all have an impact on daily dietary intake.

That’s why it is a good idea to look out for food that is specifically designed to accommodate their changing needs. Try our light fish and rice meal for seniors or tasty salmon with trout, sweet potato and asparagus.

If you would like us to recommend the ideal dog food for your pet, just send an email to craig@thedogmanschoice.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.