Dog feeding is important, as it determines the health and weight of your pet. Overweight dogs are prone to numerous health issues. Maintaining a normal weight will ensure that your dog lives a healthier and longer life.
When determining the amounts your dog needs per day, you need to consider a few factors: breed, health and sex. In addition, the canine nutritional requirements are different for an adult and a puppy. You also need to consider if your dog needs to lose weight or if he only needs a diet to maintain his weight.
Dieting
If a dog needs to lose weight, you need to make sure that he eats fewer calories than he consumes, so he will burn some fat deposits. The calorie intake depends on the breed and the level of activity of each dog, however, there are certain canine nutritional requirements that you need to keep, in order to make sure that your dog is not deprived of any essential nutrients.
Canine Nutritional Requirements
A canine diet should be rich in proteins. Dogs are carnivores and they need meat and fish to be able to be active and healthy. Proteins are especially important in a weight loss diet. Regardless of what food you choose for your dog, make sure that at least 20% of his daily meal is protein.
Vegetables may be included as a good source of fibers to help digestion. You can also add some carbs, but reduce the intake of flour and sugar during a diet.
Dog Food Choices
The dog food that you choose is important in a dog’s diet.
- Dry food is the option of most dog owners, but it may not be the best choice in a weight loss diet. It contains a lot of flour, additives and carbs, and is rich in calories.
- Wet food contains more water, and will make your dog feel full with less calories.
- Homemade food is also recommended if you want your dog to lose weight, as you can determine what your dog eats. Talk to your vet to ensure that you use all the necessary nutrients.
- Light food contains fewer calories, and is helpful in weight loss.
Supplements
To make sure that a diet is successful and that your dog gets all the needed vitamins and minerals, talk to your vet and include a few supplements in his diet.
Supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are great antioxidants that may be prescribed during a diet.
Servings Per Day
An adult dog can be fed once per day.
Puppies should be fed according to their age:
- Up to 6 weeks, puppies should get food 10 to 12 times per day
- 6 to 8 weeks, the dog gets 3 to 4 servings per day
- 8 weeks to 8 months, food twice per day
- After 8 months, the dog may get food once per day, and you may also switch to adult dog food
The nutritional requirements for a puppy are different, so you need puppy food.
When the dog is on a diet, you can maintain the serving schedule, but make sure to reduce the amounts of calories.
Obese dogs may develop diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure or respiratory diseases. A normal diet combined with regular exercise may prevent obesity or help your pet lose weight.