A GUIDE TO FEEDING DOGS

By: Door Buddy Editors      |     Published: 29 January, 2024

It’s no secret that when you become a “pawrent,” you are responsible for your pet’s well-being. Keeping your pup in tip-top shape is that much easier when you provide them with the perfect portion of high-quality dog food. Just keep in mind that feeding them too much or too little could impact their health in many ways.

Among the multitude of questions swirling in the minds of new “pawrents”, one always takes the spotlight: How much should I feed my dog? It's a crucial query because the amount of food you serve plays a huge role in their overall health and happiness. The amount of food your furry companion requires hinges on various key factors, including:

• The type of food you choose

• Your dog's breed

• Their activity level

• Body weight

• Number of meals they eat

  
  

In this blog, we'll delve into "A Guide To Feeding Dogs" to shed light on these important aspects.

FEEDING GUIDE FOR PUPPIES

If you’re starting your “pawrent” journey right from the beginning, you are in for one special time! Between puppy training and toilet training your dog, your schedule can get a little busy. However, this doesn’t mean that your dog’s nutrition should be any less important. In fact, making sure your pup gets all the nutrients that they need during their younger years can set them up for up for a happy, healthy future.

In the first few weeks of your pup’s life, they will be on a strict nursing diet. Before 4 weeks old, their mama will be their primary source of food. Around 4-6 weeks old, puppies may begin transitioning to solid foods, with the timing varying depending on the specific puppy and breed.

When making this transition, it’s essential that you still cater to your pup’s gentle digestive system and growing tummy. This is why it’s recommended to mix dry puppy kibble with small amounts of wet or canned puppy food with their current milk replacer or water, gradually decreasing the liquid and increasing the amount of solid food over time.

 HOW MUCH TO FEED PUPPIES

Like newborn hoomans, puppies have small stomachs and require frequent feeds. Don’t worry, you won’t be up at 3am doing night feeds! They should, however, be fed 3 to 4 times a day.

With pups, it’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all situation when it comes to how much food to give them. As puppies can vary in sizes and weight requirements, it’s best to consult your vet for the best meal plan for your breed.

Puppies are known for their mischievous antics and insatiable appetites, so it's crucial to ensure they don't pack on any extra pounds by snacking on the cat's food. A pet latch is a fantastic solution to prevent this sneaky behavior! Check out the Door Buddy range today for a hassle-free way to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

WHAT TO FEED GROWN DOGS

The great thing about dogs is that they’ll just about eat anything we give them… even the kitty litter! Okay, maybe that’s not such a great thing. If you find your dog snajung out of the litter box, make sure to read our article on how to keep dog out of the litterbox. It will be a great help in stopping this from happening. 

Once your doggo has outgrown the gruel, you can choose from a pure kibble diet or mix it up with a treat or two of gravy. For those extra special pooches, a homemade diet of raw meat, rice, and other delicious food could be another option. Homemade dog recipes are easy to come by, and they can do wonders for dogs with skin conditions or funny stomachs. Ensuring your dog gets the right amount of food is crucial – not too little, not too much. Preventing pet obesity is key, so take a look at this article to see if your pet is overweight.

Generally speaking, once your dog reaches that 5-year mark, you will want to look at changing their diet to a senior dog food one. Before doing so, consult your vet to see if your dog is ready for a change in their food. This is important because each breed of dog ages differently, so your dog may only reach their senior milestone later in their life. 

Dogs entering their golden years can benefit from eating food with less fat and calories. The focus becomes more on the amount of vitamins and energy they get from the food to sustain their lifestyle and bones. Food like red meats, fish, chicken, and dairy products come highly recommended. 

If a homemade pet food life isn’t for you, there’s no shame in sticking with your trusted kibble, as long as it’s a good quality one. Just make sure that it’s adjusted to suit your senior dog. By opting for senior dog food, you’re giving your doggo a boost in:

• Nutrients

• Digestibility

• Joint supplements

• Added MCTs, omega-3s, and antioxidants

If their teeth start feeling sensitive or they’re having trouble eating the food, you can soak the kibble in water or a milk replacement to achieve the gruel consistency.

HOW MUCH TO FEED SENIOR DOGS

Again, your dog’s weight and dietary needs will come into play here, but here are a few general guidelines to see you through. 

The older our doggos get, the fewer calories they will need. This is because they won’t be as lively as they once were in their younger years. With this in mind, finding the right calorie density can depend on whether your dog is looking to add a few extra pounds or to slim down. 

To promote weight gain, aim for kibble with over 450 calories per cup. For weight loss, opt for kibble containing fewer than 350 calories per cup.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOG FOOD

A vital step in understanding how to feed dogs and how to feed puppies is knowing which dog food is right for them. Your dog’s age and weight will affect the nutrients they need and their preferences.

Choosing to whip up homemade meals for our beloved pups often feels like the best option, allowing one to customize ingredients and serve up fresh, nutritious dishes. But let's not forget that not all homemade meals may tick all the nutritional boxes for our furry pals, especially without careful planning. Luckily, there are a lot of store brands out there offering healthy and balanced options, ready to go! As long as they meet the right standards and boast top-notch ingredients, they're a “paw-some” choice too. So whether you're whipping up meals from scratch or grabbing a bag from the store, the key is ensuring your furry friend gets the love and nutrition they need to thrive!

If you’re going by our dog feeding guide, we recommend the following: 

• Looking for a formulated dog food that’s suited to your pooch’s age

• Considering a formulated dog food that’s appropriate to your dog’s size

• Thinking about your pooch’s level of activity

• Paying attention to specific health needs

• Seeking advice from a veterinarian to determine the most suitable dog food for your pet's requirements

CONCLUSION

In wrapping up a guide to feeding dogs, remember that as long as your furry friend is receiving the right nutrients and calories, they'll be one happy and healthy pup! If you ever have any questions or concerns about your dog's diet or well-being, don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. They're there to provide personalized guidance and ensure your dog gets the best care possible.

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