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Diet and nutrition

All dogs need to be fed on a balanced nutritious diet to stay healthy and in peak condition. Most commercially prepared foods are quite sufficient for the ‘average’ adult family dog with a normal activity level but other life stages, sizes and breeds of dog may require specific diets. Many pet food manufacturers produce different diets in their ranges for the changing needs of a dog throughout his/her lifetime.

• Dogs can be fed on a complete dry diet, tinned food and a biscuit ‘mixer’ or home prepared food. All different types and brands of commercially prepared food can be obtained from pet shops, supermarkets and the Internet.

• Home prepared diets can be very difficult and time consuming to make sure that your dog gets all of the vital nutrients that he needs. So, unless you are prepared to put in the time, effort and expense involved, it would be better for your dog if you stuck to using a diet from a pet food manufacturer.

• You can buy specific food for puppies, juniors, adults, geriatrics and pregnant and lactating bitches. You can also buy hypoallergenic food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, skin problems and behaviour problems and also lower calorie diet food for those that need to lose weight. Just choose which is best for your dog at the particular time!

• Adult dogs can be fed once a day, however it is better to split the dog’s daily meal into two portions and feed once in the morning and then again later in the day. This is easier for the dog’s stomach to digest as well as breaking up his day and stopping him from being constantly hungry. Think how you would feel if you were only allowed one meal a day!

• If you need to change your dog’s diet, make sure that this is a gradual process, or he could end up with a very upset stomach. Over a period of at least 5 days add more of his new food to his bowl and reduce the amount of his old food every day, until the changeover is complete.

• Always provide plenty of clean, fresh drinking water – especially if you are using a complete dry diet.

• Bones may damage your dog’s teeth or cause a bowel obstruction. Try feeding raw carrots, rawhide chews or a safe chew toy instead.

• Don’t give your dog chocolate meant for humans, as this is toxic to them and may in extreme cases prove fatal. Stick to healthy treats made especially for dogs.