How to Feed Your Dog: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

Dogs, especially certain breeds, are always hungry. But we must not give in to their temptations: two meals a day is the maximum, and in any case it is best to avoid feeding them while we are at the table. They will always try . A balanced diet is important not only for humans but also for animals: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and natural salts. Dogs, like humans, are at risk of obesity , especially the "hungriest" breeds (there are dogs that would never finish eating), and cardiovascular problems related to excess weight. And dogs, like humans, must eat according to a certain method that involves times, where food is consumed, and how it is fed. This is why the first thing to avoid when feeding dogs is improvisation . This approach risks causing serious harm to our most beloved pets. On the contrary, a little method, starting with these 10 mistakes to avoid that we will share with you, will give us the certainty of raising our lifelong companion well.

• The right dose for eachThe amount of food needed varies according to the dog's age, lifestyle, breed, and physiological state. For example, a y needs 200 calories a day, a German shepherd instead of 1680. Furthermore, adult dogs that are very physically active, such as those that can run around in the garden all day, or that are injured, should have their food ration increased by 20 – 30 percent more than normal.
• No more than two mealsIt's good practice not to overburden your dog's digestive system with just one meal a day. Ideally, two meals should be evenly spaced throughout the day, and never more than that.
• Regular hoursWhenever possible, it's a good idea to accustom your four-legged friends to eating at the same times. In particular, avoid eating too late in the evening, as dogs need to relieve themselves a few hours after mealtime.
• The choice between prepared food and kibbleA dog's diet must be tailored to its specific nutritional needs. For this reason, if you don't have much time to "study" which and how much food to prepare, it's best to rely on kibble, which provides a good balance.
• How to deal with kitchen scrapsFeeding a dog exclusively on kitchen scraps is a serious mistake because their digestive system is much more delicate than ours.
• No to foods that are too cold or too hotLeftover food should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling, but let it sit at room temperature for at least half an hour before giving it to your dog.
• Be careful of the bones. Dogs love bones but you need to be very careful with turkey, chicken and rabbit bones because due to their small size and limited consistency, they can break and reduce to small splinters. very dangerous for the esophagus and stomach of our four-legged friends.
• Zero chocolate. Be careful not to give chocolate to your dog, as it is highly toxic. Just 50 grams of dark chocolate is enough to kill a small dog.
• No onions or garlic. It is not true that onion e garlic act as antiparasitics in dogs. On the contrary, the first one can even cause severe anemia, in some cases lethal for these animals.
• Don't always change places. Food rituals have their own rules, so the "where" is also very important. To give your dog a sense of security and make him eat more calmly, it's best, whenever possible, to always use the same place.
• Gradual weaning. This is one of the most important moments in a dog's life. Since their digestive system is very delicate, it's important not to switch from a protein-based diet overnight. milk to fresh food or kibble. The transition must be gradual to avoid causing harm.

How many times a day should a dog eat?

As we've seen, dogs shouldn't eat more than twice a day, morning and evening. Some do very well even eating just once a day, in the morning. Small dogs are the ones that eat more frequently: remember to always put plenty of water next to their food. In any case, to determine your dog's mealtime schedule, base your decision on their weight, and avoid a very harmful practice: feeding dogs while you're at the table. You could get them used to it for life, and there are breeds, like Labradors, that try to the point of exhaustion.

What are the best times to feed your dog?

Choosing the right feeding time for your dog also depends primarily on its age. If your dog is a puppy, he can eat four times a day: morning and late morning, afternoon, and evening. Always in small portions. If your dog is an adult, morning and evening are the ideal times; regularity is key. Dogs are creatures of habit, and following a schedule is crucial for their growth.

How to divide dog meals?

Once you've established regular meal times, you can move on to dividing the food. Knowing that dogs require a very high protein intake, their diet is therefore omnivorous. They also need a mix of carbohydrates and fats, which provide energy, and proteins, which are necessary for muscle strength. Certain minerals are essential: calcium for bones and salt for body fluids. During walks, dogs often eat herbs, which help them get rid of difficult-to-digest foods, such as hair and bone fragments. But remember that herbs are not a staple in your pet's diet: dogs are not vegetarians.

Read also:

• Homemade dog food
• Playing with the dog inside and outside the house
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