Portion control is usually the reason for overweight dogs. The recommended feeding amount for dogs is printed on the food bag. Many people assume that this number corresponds with the optimal amount to feed their dog, but this is often not the case. Many overweight dogs would be at an ideal weight if their food portion was adjusted. There are several resources online that help people determine the right amount of food to feed their dogs based on their breed, weight and activity level. In addition to proportion control, people often choose their dog’s food based on the wrong metric.
Complete or complementary
In the UK, dog food labels state if the food is complete or complementary. Complete food means the food is balanced and can serve as the dog’s entire meal. Complementary food means the food is intended to be part of a larger meal and can’t be the dog’s entire meal. Mixers and most dog treats as well as wet dog food pouches labeled as “toppers” are complementary.
The main ingredient in your dog’s food bowl should be real meat. If it isn’t, they could be filling your dog’s bowl with useless ingredients. You need to check the back of the package.
Wet, dry or raw
All three options will work. Dry food is the most economical, easily measured, and keeps the longest. The downside is it’s less appetising to some finicky eaters and doesn’t provide additional water in the diet. For that reason, many people opt for a mix of the two. Just be sure to decrease the amount of each if you mix.
raw feeding is controversial. Commercial raw foods are one complete option for your dog. Many vets are not in favor of raw feeding due to the risks raw meat contamination, especially salmonella and listeria. Raw meat contamination is of great concern if you have children or elderly people in your household or if you have people with a compromised immune system. If you choose raw feeding, you must use complete raw meals and be extremely cautious while preparing it, just like raw poultry.
Working out the portion
To figure out the correct portion sizes, firstly refer to the feeding guidelines on the bag. Use your dog’s target weight, not current weight if they are overweight. Then, weigh your dog’s food. You might be surprised to know that a plastic scoop can hold a significantly larger amount than you expect, as well as other household items like a mug.
In the upcoming weeks, don’t let the scales control you. Let’s look at some reasons as to why.
- Lightly pressing your hand in the area should allow you to feel the ribs.
- From above, the waist should be visible behind the ribs.
- From the side, the belly should tuck up, not hang out.
Dog food labels are not appropriate for all dogs. Neutered dogs, for example, require less food. Older and less active dogs also need less. Working dogs that are outside all day need more food.
Feeding puppies
Small breeds of dog mature faster, meaning they reach their full size in less than a year. On the other hand, giant breeds may take up to two years to reach their full size. During the first few months of a dog's life, they should eat 3-4 small meals a day, and gradually move to 2 meals a day starting at about 6 months of age. To prevent large and giant breeds from becoming too large, they should be fed large breed puppy food, which helps control their rate of growth.
Changing food
It should take a week to ten days to completely switch over your dog’s food. Add a small amount of the new food to the old, and increase the new food each day. A sudden change of food can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Treats
TREATS
Most vets suggest that the number of treats and chews that your dog gets in a day should be limited to 10% of your dog’s total food intake for the day, and the remaining food in your dog’s bowl should be reduced accordingly.
For training, use small rewards. The size of the reward is unrelated to how much a dog cares about it. Many owners use rewards made from their dog’s regular food. As long as you maintain your dog on a regular diet, using rewards from your dog’s food will not harm your dog.
Never feed cooked bones. They are brittle and splinter easily. Raw bones and chews can still be problematic. Teeth can be damaged and blockages can occur. Exercise caution and supervision with anything chewed upon by your pet.
Food that's dangerous to dogs
These can be harmful in small doses:
- Dark and baking chocolates
- Grapes and grape products like raisins, sultanas and currants are a danger all year but are particularly so at Christmas as people tend to eat a lot of Christmas cake (and other Christmas baking) at this time.
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives, cooked or raw
- Xylitol, which is used as a sweetener in some peanut butters, chewing gums, and candies.
- Macadamia nuts
- Cooked bones
- Alcohol and caffeine
Time is of the essence if your dog eats anything from this list. Call your vet immediately, and do not attempt to make your dog throw up.
Water
Bowls should always be kept full of fresh water and changed daily. Dog bowls should also be washed. Abnormal increases in water consumption should be reported to a vet, as it may indicate an underlying health condition.
Vegan diets
Dogs can eat more kinds of food than cats can. Some vegetarian dog foods can be eaten without additional food. These complete vegan foods can be given to your dog without adding other foods. You need to discuss these foods with your vet before giving them to your dog, especially if your dog is a puppy, if your dog is a working dog, and if your dog has health issues.