Heathfield Vets – 3 Top Tips on Feeding Your Dog
Feeding Your Dog the Right Food
With Christmas coming up, many of us will be indulging or even over- indulging – and our pets are only too keen to join in, so here’s some timely and quick advice on feeding your dog, all through the year.
The right food and diet is vital to keep your dog fit and healthy.
Poor nutrition is responsible for a remarkably high percentage of the health problems we see in dogs – in fact in most pets.
They include vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, obesity, dental problems, growth deformities, and heart, kidney and skin problems. The list goes on and on!
Tip 1- Commercial brand – or home made?
To start with, it’s always best to choose a good commercial brand. Commercial pet food is very good and well balanced, with all the right minerals and vitamins.
It’s far healthier than the equivalent for us humans!
By comparison, home-made diets for pets are rarely nutritionally balanced or complete. They’re also more difficult and time-consuming to prepare – and they are usually expensive (if they are well balanced).
Tip 2 – Dry food or tins?
Dry food is more cost effective and also helps to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Tinned food has much higher water content, which means that your dog will need to eat more to feel full.
However some dogs find tinned food easier to digest – or simply prefer it. If your dog is a fussy feeder, or has digestive problems, tinned or a mix of the two may be the best option. Please do discuss exactly what’s best with us at your next review.
Tip 3 – Which type?
There are several good brand pet foods available. If your dog has no special requirements, all the main brands available in your supermarket will be fine.
The key point is to choose a high quality dog or puppy food which is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of your dog’s particular stage in life. Growth stage for puppies, adult stage for adult dogs – and senior stage once your dog reaches 8 years old.
Of course, this is just a general guide and every dog is different. Our nurse clinics include Nutrition and Weight sessions – and diet is one of the topics we cover in our 6 monthly checkups with your dog too.
As ever, if you need advice or have any concerns about his diet and feeding Please Do Call Us on 01435 864422 and book an appointment to discuss your dog’s special requirements.
