Diet and Nutrition Tips for Dogs
Dogs are very much part of the family, and it's tempting to overindulge them in a rich diet similar to that of the rest of the household. The truth is, this kind of diet isn't suitable for dogs and it can lead to health problems like diabetes. Nobody wants to see their family pet overweight and suffering with ill health as a result of their diet, so it's important that you're aware of what your dog should be eating on a daily basis.
What Should I Avoid?
Dogs are allergic to a number of foods that you might not expect them to react badly to. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and avocado are just a few foods that can be potentially harmful to dogs, and if consumed can even cause death. If you're concerned about what you might be feeding your dog, then check out this slideshow for a more comprehensive guide to dangerous foods for dogs.
How Much is Too Much?
When it comes to quantities of food, the amount your dog needs to eat to keep them healthy is dependent on their size and level of activity. Many dog food brands provide information about portions, but it's best to speak to your vet for more individual advice. Your vet can also recommend different brands tailored to your dog's needs. For example, if your dog has a health problem, then your vet might recommend a certain type of food, or if your dog needs a specialist prescription diet, they might recommend something similar to Eukanuba Dog Food.
How Should I Change My Dog's Food?
If you want to change your dog's diet, it's best to do so gradually as a sudden change to their food can upset their stomach. Start off by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the food your dog is used to eating; a 25%/75% split is usually advised by vets for the first few days. As time goes on gradually increase the percentage of the new food, and within two weeks your dog should be fine to have the new food alone.
What About Treats?
It's fine to give your dog a treat from time to time, as long as you don't go overboard. Remember that the calories accumulate, so it's a good idea to allocate a certain amount of treats per day, and once they're used up, that's it.