Predictable meals help control how much food is eaten by all pets in a household, especially where some dogs may consume more than their fair share.
If you plan to make your own dog food, remember to avoid onions, garlic, avocados and grapes as these items can be toxic in large doses for canines.
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Feeding Schedule
Feeding your dog on a regular schedule is key for maintaining good digestion, weight and energy levels in your pup. Some pups need more frequent meals than others and creating a feeding schedule can help you figure out exactly how much food should be given at each mealtime.
Free-feeding their dog, which means allowing him or her to eat whenever they please, can pose numerous problems for both parties involved. Overeating could result in obesity or digestive issues; for instance, large meals may trigger bloat in certain breeds of canines.
Canines in the wild are pack hunters. Once an animal is caught and killed, the leader of the pack consumes all of its most tasty parts first to avoid bloat. By leaving food available all of the time for your canine friend, a false impression may be given about who decides when it is time to feed him/her.
Feeding Location
Your pet’s food bowl should be located away from any kitchens or family dining areas to prevent fights over any leftover food between meals. Doing this helps avoid potential scuffles over any uneaten portions.
If your dog becomes excited when presented with his food, scatter feeding may help him relax. By scattering portions throughout the day in areas familiar to your pup’s such as his garden or grassy field, scatter feeding provides them with security and comfort, which in turn boosts appetite.
Discuss with your veterinarian about recommended calorie amounts for your pet’s life stage, activity level, time of year and nursing can all have an effect on caloric needs. Most pet foods feature estimated calorie amounts in their Guaranteed Analysis section of their product label but their exact calorie amounts will depend on each individual pet.
Feeding Time
Feeding on a consistent schedule helps dogs achieve healthy weight. In addition, it prevents digestive issues like bloating and vomiting that can arise from too much food being eaten at one sitting. Furthermore, feeding regularly allows you to recognize signs that your dog might not feel well, such as decreased appetite.
Veterinarians and dog experts typically advise feeding adult dogs twice per day – once in the morning and again in the evening – due to it taking 8-12 hours for their stomachs to send hunger signals up into their brains.
Regular feeding schedules help provide consistency for dogs during household transitions such as welcoming a new baby or going on vacation, and make transitioning to different food easier since your pet will already be used to eating during this timeframe. Furthermore, keeping out food at the same time every day makes it easy to determine whether all or any leftover food remains uneaten.
Treats
Treats can be an invaluable aid during training sessions or when trying to engage a fearful dog, helping him or her overcome anxiety or relax more comfortably in distracting environments. But treats should never replace meals, nor exceed 10% of daily caloric consumption.
Avoid artificial fillers and preservatives in favor of low-calorie, high-protein options like Luau Time’s Jerky Treat made from real American beef and grain-free for maximum skin and coat health benefits.
Cucumbers offer another delicious crunchier option that provides calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin A & B vitamins, fiber & phytonutrients to support overall health in dogs. Cucumbers also hydrate extremely well making them perfect for hot days & active pups!
