Essential tips on giving your dog the best diet
There is such a huge range of dog food being offered in the shops that it can be quite bewildering when you are trying to make a choice as to which is the best.
DRY FOOD
Dry dog food comes as a complete food and is an easy option which offers different ways to suit your dog's requirements whatever their age. Whether they are puppies or in their senior years, dry food offers the nutritional balances they need to give them a good, healthy life.
WET FOOD
Wet food can also be a good alternative to offer your dog if you find they need a bit more tempting as the stronger smells of this type of food makes it more attractive. Wet food comes either packaged in tins, foils or luxury pouches. Some are complete foods and others need to be added to a mixer-style biscuit or meal.
PUPPIES UP TO ONE YEAR OLD
After leaving their mothers puppies no longer need milk and they should not be given any other diary products, just wet puppy food or a complete dry mix.
From a certain age puppies need important nutrients and have an enormous need for calories. They should be fed puppy and growth diets from about six weeks old right through to 20 weeks and care should be taken in following manufacturer's instructions.
Puppies have small stomachs so they need several small meals each day. Start off by feeding the least recommended quantity and increase this only if your puppy starts to look thin - don't forget that an overweight pup becomes an overweight adult dog.
ADULT DOGS
An adult dog will need to be changed from a growth diet to adult food fairly gradually. Introduce them slowly to their new food, initially mixing it with their existing food and reducing it until they are happy to accept their new diet.
Doing it this way should prevent them from having any stomach upsets.
An adult dog should look sleek and have a visible waistline. You should be able to just feel their ribs when stroked.
TREATS
All dogs enjoy getting treats but many are very high in calories. Low calorie treats are available so if your dog easily gains weight these are obviously the best option.
Treats are also great to use as part of a training regime and can often be used to tempt your dog to obey when teaching obedience.
A good dog will be lean and have lots of energy to live life to the fullest for years to come so it is essential to give him a sensible diet and lots of exercise.