The recommended protein range for healthy puppy growth is 22-32% on a dry matter basis. These levels support optimal growth, so it is not recommended to exceed these protein levels. Nutritional formulations for adult dogs should not be fed to growing puppies.
Every day, your dog needs 1 gram of protein per pound of his ideal body weight. What does that mean? Let's just say that you have a 40-pound dog (which happens to be his ideal body weight). It would mean that your dog will need 40 grams of protein every day.
When adult dogs are active, they experience protein turnover. The body builds up and breaks down muscle protein during and after exercise, so dogs rely on dietary protein to meet their metabolic needs. Active dogs that do not receive adequate dietary protein can become fatigued and suffer from muscle loss.
A general rule is that dogs require 2 grams of high quality animal protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
Although it is a common belief, reduced dietary protein is not beneficial for the healthy older dog or cat. In fact, lower protein diets for older dogs and cats may have negative effects by contributing to muscle loss. Therefore, dogs and cats should not be fed a reduced protein diet just because they are aging.
What to consider when selecting pet food:
The specific nutritional needs of your pet.
AAFCO certification.
Your time and resources.
Your own food bias.
Special medical needs.
Expensive doesn't mean the food is better.
Breed-specific diets aren't always the best choice.
Research has proven, and your veterinarian will tell you, that a healthy, well-balanced diet for your dog must include whole-food ingredients that provide the following: protein, fats and fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Proteins should be the first ingredient to look for in dog food. Proteins are fundamental building blocks of all living cells and are crucial for your dog's growth, maintenance, reproduction, and repair of damaged tissues.
The top five ingredients in dog food should consist of a balance of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and fatty acids, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Dog Food Ingredients
1 ) Animal Derivatives. Meats are generally good sources of protein, essential fatty acids, iron and some B-group vitamins.
2 ) Fish.
3 ) Dairy products and eggs.
4 ) Vegetables.
5 ) Cereals and cereal by- products.
6 ) Fats and oils (animal and vegetable).
7 ) Vitamin and mineral supplements.
8 ) Sodium and chloride.
Premium pet food is specifically formulated to deliver a complete and balanced, healthy diet for your pet. With high-quality ingredients and a scientific approach to the balance of vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and carbohydrates, choosing one of these foods is the right step in taking charge of your dog's health.
12 Vegetables That Are Good for Dogs
1 ) Carrot.
2) Celery.
3) Green beans.
4) Peas.
5) Pumpkin.
6) Spinach.
7) Squash.
8) Sweet potatoes.
Things to look for with dog food ingredients:
Healthy fats like chicken fats and salmon oils. Healthy nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin and glucosamine. Natural preservatives like vitamins C and E.
So, to guarantee your dog's safety, pet food producers set expiration or best by dates. Unopened canned foods have a shelf life of two years from the date of manufacturing, whereas unopened dry pet foods typically have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months.
While dog foods don't technically “expire,” foods past their “best by” or “use by” label dates are not as nutritious and are more likely to become moldy or otherwise compromised (even toxic). Don't use dog food past its “best by” or “use by” date. It's like eating expired breakfast cereal (yuck!).
The signs that dog food has gone bad are much the same as the signs that human food has gone bad. It will often develop a bad smell and you may see signs of mould and/or insects. Wet dog food will lose its moisture but dry dog food will become moist and crumbly.
It might seem like a great idea to pour dog kibble from the original bag into a plastic container - but it’s actually one of the most common mistakes dog owners make, for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, plastic containers or bins draw oil and fats from the kibble, causing it to oxidise and go stale much quicker. Secondly, if you’ve thrown away the bag, you won’t be able to check important information in an emergency - such as which of the ingredients may have caused a reaction in your dog, or when the expiry date was.
What you can do is keep the food in its original packaging, and then put the entire bag into a plastic container to ensure the food stays its best. The bags are usually designed to ensure optimal freshness and crunchiness so that the food stays super nutritious, too.
Sure can - dogs may get dodgy tummies if they eat bad food, just like we humans do. Lots of dogs will reject stale or expired dry dog food, but those that don’t might suffer from stomach pains, vomiting or diarrhoea. Get in touch with your vet if this happens to your dog and causes concern.Keeping dry dog food fresh:
Keep in a cool, dry place
It’s a classic, back-of-pack phrase for a reason - store your dry dog food ideally in a dark cupboard, away from all moistness and heat and you’ll prolong its life nicely.
Store in the original packaging
As mentioned above, dry dog food sacks are designed for freshness, whereas plastic containers will draw oil from the food so it will go stale much quicker. If you’ve already bought one of those plastic dog food bins though, that’s great - just pop the whole bag inside it.
Buy smaller bags more often
This is especially smart if you have a smaller dog who doesn’t eat as much. Buying dry food in smaller bags and more often could be the key to keeping the kibble super fresh.
Make note of when you opened it
If you’re someone who loses track of things like birthdays and anniversaries, attach the date you opened the bag on a sticky note, so you’ll know when the food might be getting old.
Always throw stale food away
If there’s even a small chance you think the dry food might smell strange or is going a bit soft, get rid and buy a fresh batch for your dog to munch on. Your pooch will thank you for it.
The freshest dry dog food is the most nutritious, and we believe your dog deserves the tastiest and best there is. To keep your pooch well-fed and content on their daily kibble, try our Pooch & Mutt range of grain-free dry dog food - made with organic, all-natural ingredients to keep your dog happy and healthy from the inside out.
As a general rule, it is recommended that you start mixing in the new food little by little. Introducing the new food gradually helps get your dog's digestive system acclimated to the new ingredients.
No matter your circumstances, it's important to take it slow when introducing new food to your dog. If your dog isn't used to variety in their diet, like the range of meat, vegetables and fruits in our recipes, changing your dog's food can cause temporary digestive distress, despite it being a healthier diet.
If you decide to suddenly switch your pet's food, make sure they “fast” for one meal before switching. Simply skip their first meal of the day to ensure the new food doesn't mix poorly with the old food, causing a greater disruption. Then, start with a small portion of the new food to see how your pet reacts.
Other than when you are switching from one food to another, it's not a good idea to feed different foods at the same time. Your dog might enjoy a mix of half this and half that, but if he suddenly exhibits a digestive problem, it will be harder to track down the offending ingredients.
Dogs don't experience food the same way humans do. While people easily get bored of food, dogs have only a fraction of the taste buds humans have, which means they don't crave new tastes the same way people do.
Patience is key when transitioning from one dog food to another. Try to increase the amount of the new food gradually in 25% increments until you're feeding just the new food. You should spend around 3 days on each stage before increasing the amount of the new food to reduce the risk of a gut reaction.
Understanding Rotational Diets
Meaning if your dog always eats a kibble recipe, you'll switch between other varieties of dog food like Air Dried, Rolled, or different Kibble recipes. You can also choose to mix and match all three of these dog foods at meal time.
Wet Food: Pros – increased palatability, contains more protein and fat, easier to eat. Cons – contributes to weight gain, spoilage, greater cost, and dental issues. Wet food is favorable toward smaller dogs. They do not require as much energy to go about their daily activities.
For a dog who exercises a lot but forgets to drink, a poorly dog or an old dog, a wet food with more water content could be a better option than dry food. Dry dog food is great for doggy dental health, but it can be tougher to chew on for dogs with sensitive teeth.
One of the biggest pieces of evidence showing that dogs can live only on dry food is that millions of dogs do it. For decades, there were no such options as wet dog food on the market, and dogs lived perfectly on dry food alone. Now, dogs live longer than ever.
Abruptly switching dog food can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomach, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Therefore, you should take a more gradual approach with a period of transition to help your pup avoid having these symptoms.
Abrupt changes to your dog's diet could result in gastrointestinal disturbances that lead to vomiting and/or diarrhea—and the last thing you want to do is condition them to associate his new home or food with discomfort.
The rule states that the product must contain at least 95% of the named meat ingredient on the label, excluding preservatives or water. For example, if the product was named “Duck and Potato”, the product would have to consist of at least 95% duck. This rule mainly applies to wet dog food. The 25% or “Dinner” Rule.
Natural coconut water can be a hydrating beverage for your dog, and it provides many beneficial vitamins and nutrients. However, too much coconut water can cause stomach upset or excessive urination, and it should never replace plain water as a primary source of hydration.
According to the experts, you should hold off from walking – or even vigorously playing with – your dog for at least 30 minutes after a snack, one hour after a small- or medium-sized meal, and two hours after a large/full meal.
Generally, puppies start to calm down when they reach emotional maturity — around 1 year old. However, some dog breeds take longer to reach adulthood and emotional maturity. In those cases, puppies may not mellow out until they hit 18 months to 3 years old.
Feeding dogs a diet made with natural, real ingredients, such as beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries, can do wonders for their overall well-being — promoting heart health, increasing energy level, making coats shiny and breath smell better, improving eyesight, and even impacting a dog's stool.
You are not a bad pet owner if you miss walking your dog a day or two, says Smiling Leash. So long as your pup is getting some kind of activity, they are doing just fine, says Vet Street. While walking may be the preferred method of exercise for some pet owners, others do not have the time.
About six months. On average, puberty (or sexual maturity) is reached at about six months of age, but this can vary by breed. Smaller breeds tend to have their first estrous cycle at an earlier age, while large and giant breeds may not come into heat for the first time until they reach eighteen months to two years of age.
Feed Your Dog Vegetables
Remillard and Parker agree that cucumbers, green beans, carrots, celery, and broccoli are all good choices.
We recommend putting his food bowl near his water bowl, which should always be there, cleaned often and filled with fresh water.
How much is a cup of dog food? In terms of dry dog food, one cup of dog food would refer to 8 oz (8 ounces) of dog food. 1 ounce contains 28.35 grams, which means, 1 cup would contain 8 x 28.35 = 226.8 grams.
At 12 to 18 months, your puppy may still be in the adolescent stage. While their external growth may have slowed down or stopped, your puppy is still developing socially. During this time, your pup may still have the occasional accident and may ignore commands that are used regularly.
Some signs of a female dog going into heat may include lower energy levels, more aggressive behavior, differences in leg-raising while urinating, urinating more often than usual, and even running away from home.
Your dog can eat cooked rice every day, but remember there has to be a balance of the nutrients your companion needs, which are protein, fat from meat or oil, calcium, essential fatty acids, and carbohydrates.
Most dogs come into heat twice per year, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle three times per year, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once per year. When young dogs first begin to cycle, it is normal for their cycles to be somewhat irregular.
Can Dogs Have Potatoes? To quickly answer your question, yes. Dogs can have potatoes. Potatoes are nutrient rich vegetables that provide a healthy serving of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium.
If you suspect your dog mated in the last 22 days, then an injection of Alizin, an antiprogestagenic compound, may be an option. This medication will terminate the growing cluster of cells inside your dog and is 100% effective within 22 days of mating.
Signs a dog might be in season
You will know your female dog is in season when you see her vulva is swollen or she has a bloody vaginal discharge. You may also notice her urinating and cleaning that area more often than usual.
So, keep that in mind as you make arrangements. Above all, yes, dogs can feel hot and cold, and it's important to be sensitive to that. Make wise decisions when it comes to keeping your furry companion comfortable and safe, no matter the season.
In moderation, rice can provide health benefits and be part of a balanced diet for your dog. Rice is a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates, and carbs help provide dogs with energy over a long period of time. Cooked rice is a good addition if you're trying to create a bland diet for dogs.
How long does pregnancy in dogs last? Pregnancy in dogs, also called the gestation period, normally ranges from 57-65 days, with an average of 63 days. With a planned breeding, you should record the exact date of mating. If there are two matings, note the dates and expect birth to occur between 63 and 65 days later.
Yes, dogs can eat rice. In fact, you may have noticed rice featured as an ingredient in commercial dog foods. However, a rice meal on its own should not be a daily affair – rice should only be part of a varied diet that offers all the nutrients your dog needs.
Foods with low-quality ingredientscan cause gas in dogs, so make sure to look at the ingredients that are used in your dog's food. Avoid feeding your dog food that contains fermentable fibers such as chicory, inulin, pectins, psyllium, plant gums, oats, barley, beet pulp, fruit, or legumes.
You'll need a 2:1 liquid to rice ratio, so if you're cooking ½ cup rice, you'll need a cup of the broth or water. Once rice is cooked, mix together with cubed/shredded chicken and serve to your dog. Don't introduce any vegetables or add-ins until your dog is feeling better.
Feeding dogs a diet made with natural, real ingredients, such as beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries, can do wonders for their overall well-being — promoting heart health, increasing energy level, making coats shiny and breath smell better, improving eyesight, and even impacting a dog's stool.
Dog food isn't designed for the unique nutrition needs of humans, though it is made from ingredients that are technically safe for humans to eat. Thus, it's not inherently toxic for humans and may be safe in an emergency situation. However, eating dog food may increase your risk of developing foodborne illness.
Beef, fish, lamb, and chicken are the healthiest sources of protein for dogs. Fish has the highest percentage of protein (29.91 %), while the rest are around 26 grams of protein per 100 grams of meat. Beef is considered the best for growing dogs.
Because of their rapid growth rate, puppies and kittens possess calorie requirements that exceed those for adult or mature pets. For this reason, it is important to feed developing puppies and kittens diets labeled for growth.
Anywhere from 10% to 35% of your calories should come from protein. So if your needs are 2,000 calories, that's 200–700 calories from protein, or 50–175 grams. The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
A high-protein diet can lead to many health benefits for your dog when properly administered and recommended by a vet. Some of these benefits include a healthier and shinier coat, improved skin health, lean muscle growth, and a stronger immune system. Many senior dogs can also benefit from high-protein foods.
Dry canine fare, for the most part, contains roughly 97 calories for each 1 ounce. Semi-moist dog food usually has fewer calories, at about 85 calories for each 1 ounce. Wet food is lowest in calories, usually with around 25 calories for every 1 ounce.
Although dog food containing healthy, starchy vegetables are a great way for dogs to meet their carbohydrate quota, wholegrains, like oats and brown rice, are also an excellent option. Oats and brown rice also contribute vital nutrients, minerals, and fibre.
Dogs need one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight every day, while cats need two grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight per day. For example, a 50-pound dog needs 50 grams of protein a day, and a 10-pound cat needs 20 grams of protein a day.
The number of meals a dog eats per day depends completely on the family schedule. Dogs should eat at least two meals each day, about 12 hours apart. But a breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule is an equally great option. If more than 12 hours elapses between meals, the stomach can become hyperacidic causing nausea.
The age at which dogs mature varies with the size of the breed: the larger the dog, the more quickly your dog becomes mature. In general, you can consider your dog a mature dog at the following ages:
Regular exercise is a great way to keep your dog active and help stimulate him with all the sights and smells in the surroundings. Good old-fashioned walks, fetch, and even a little running around the house is a great way to get your dog going. There are also a lot of fun puzzles and treat reward toys that encourage your dog to figure out how to get them out. These toys can also be great mental stimulation.
Reminder: If your best friend hasn’t been very active lately, be sure to start slow and build your way up into more playtime. Start with a five-minute activity, walk, or fetch for instance, and add five minutes every couple of days as long as he is comfortable and keeping up.
A healthy weight is important at all life stages, but it is even more important with a mature dog. Being overweight places additional stress on your dog and may slow him down or limit his activity. Feeding guidelines on dog food packages are just that – guidelines. If your dog is overweight, you may need to reduce the amount you feed your dog if he is not as active as he used to be.
Senior dogs can lose their appetite for several reasons. One reason is that they may have dental issues or jaw problems. In this case, you’ll want to feed your dog food that is easy to chew and tastes delicious enough to entice hesitant eaters.
We found that adult dogs fed once daily have better average cognitive scores and are less likely to have gastrointestinal, dental/oral, orthopedic, kidney/urinary, and liver/pancreas health conditions than dogs fed more frequently.
Low energy is a symptom of not eating enough. If they don't have enough calories they will not have the energy to play. Their fur starts to fall out or they start gaining bald patches because they do not have the resources or energy to spare to grow their normally luscious coat. They will be more prone to illness.
Generally, dogs need to relieve themselves 8–12 hours after digesting their previous meal. Dogs often (but not always) poop shortly after waking or roughly half an hour after eating. If you're feeding your dog two meals a day, they may defecate twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening.
How often does a dog need to pee? To put it simply, adult dogs generally need to toilet three to five times a day, and most vets will recommend a maximum window of between six to eight hours between toilet trips.
A general rule of thumb for determining the amount of water a dog should drink daily is 1 ounce (1/8 of a cup) of fluids per pound of body weight. For example, a 10-pound dog should drink approximately 10 fluid ounces per day, while a 100-pound dog should drink roughly 100 fluid ounces in a day.
A dog needs continuous access to water to lower the risk of dehydration. Clean, fresh water must be available on demand… anytime the animal's natural urge to drink calls for it.
Under normal circumstances, a dog can go 6-10 hours without water without any ill effects. If you forget to top up his water bowl before leaving for work, or if your dog knocks his bowl over while you're gone, don't panic. If he is indoors, cool, and in good health, he will be fine.
Typically, a dog can go 48-72 hours without water but in order to keep your dog healthy they should never go more than 6-10 hours without water. It is important to understand that your dog needs water in order to survive. Water is important for digestion, kidney function, blood flow, and brain function.
Dogs, like humans, need to drink water every day as they are at risk from dehydration if they don't. They are actually at greater risk than humans because they release heat from their bodies much more slowly. Dogs do have some sweat glands in their foot-pads, but not enough to cool their body.
Some of the most common reasons for your dog's shaking & shivering are cold, excitement, stress & anxiety, seeking attention, pain or illness, and old age. It's important to recognize the difference between normal shaking vs. signs of a seizure.
A dog may have learned the behavior because they were not properly fed or became anxious about food. Or, they may have developed a metabolic condition or infection or have parasites. Your vet will need to do an exam, ask questions, and do some tests to rule out certain causes.
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.
What are 2 signs of extreme hunger? Extreme hunger can make you feel shaky and irritable. You may also experience feeling sweaty, clammy, and have a rapid heart rate.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
At Mi Pets, we are a reputable Indian-based e-commerce store specializing in pet food. Since our establishment in 2010, we have been dedicated to providing high-quality food products for pets across the country. We understand that pets are not just animals; they are beloved members of your family, and their well-being is of utmost importance to us.
Professional Team Experts in four professional fields Carry out the whole process conscientiously from Ingredient import, research and development, production, to packaging. Professional Production R&D experience for 23 years An exclusive factory for pet health care supplements with dedicated manufacturing line in line with human health care specifications. Safe Product 8 steps of quality control 8 steps of quality control, raw materials and finished products with regular SGS inspection to ensure safety, and product liability insurance worth USD $343,000. Excellent Palatability repurchase rate up to 99% A sample of 600 fur babies, and nearly 80% showed they enjoy the taste.
Obvious Signs of Pain in Dogs
There are two primary hormones involved in hunger signals: ghrelin and leptin. When you haven't eaten for some time, the stomach (and other parts of the digestive tract, to a lesser degree) produces ghrelin, which increases appetite, gastric motility, and gastric acid secretion.
Depressed dogs may show symptoms such as a lack of interest in activities, loss of appetite, increased irritability, and unusually clingy or needy behavior. You can help improve your dog's mood by giving them plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation.
Your pup loves their food and might be eager to take treats. Does that mean they’re hungry and that you should increase their food intake? Here are a few ways to ensure your pet is getting enough food.
Talk to your vet and ask for a weight check.
Check his figure. A puppy’s belly should be narrower than his chest and hips.
Assess his mood and strength. Does the pup seem weaker or more tired than usual? This behavior could be a sign you need to call your vet, and the provider may tell you to increase the pup’s food.
You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs with light pressure, but they should not be visible.
Quality dry food should form a well-rounded diet and provide all the nutrition your puppy needs. You can use the above guidelines to determine how much dry food per day your little one needs. That said, while wet food is not required, some pups enjoy a little wet food as part of their diet.
6 weeks to 3 months
Adult weight Amount
3 to 12 pounds ½ to 1 cup
13 to 20 pounds ½ to 1 ¼ cups
21 to 50 pounds ½ to 1 ½ cups
51 to 75 pounds ⅝ to 2 ⅓ cups
76 to 100 pounds 1 to 2 ⅔ cups
100+ pounds 2 ⅔ cups, plus an extra ⅓ cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds your pet will weigh
4 to 5 months
Adult weight Amount
3 to 12 pounds ⅔ to 1 ⅓ cups
13 to 20 pounds 1 ⅛ to 2 cups
21 to 50 pounds 1 ½ to 2 ¾ cups
51 to 75 pounds 1 ½ to 4 cups
76 to 100 pounds 2 ⅞ to 3 ¾ cups
100+ pounds 3 ¾ cups, plus an extra ⅓ cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds your pet will weigh
6 to 8 months
Adult weight Amount
3 to 12 pounds ½ to 1 ½ cups
13 to 20 pounds ¾ to 1 ⅓ cups
21 to 50 pounds 1 ⅛ to 2 ⅓ cups
51 to 75 pounds 1 ½ to 3 ¾ cups
76 to 100 pounds 2 ⅞ to 6 ⅓ cups
100+ pounds 6 ⅓ cups, plus an extra ⅓ cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds your pet will weigh
9 to 11 months
Adult weight Amount
3 to 12 pounds ⅓ to 1 cup (Adult serving)
13 to 20 pounds 1 to 1 ½ cups
21 to 50 pounds 2 to 3 cups
51 to 75 pounds 2 ½ to 4 ¾ cups
76 to 100 pounds 3 ⅞ to 7 cups
100+ pounds 7 cups, plus an extra ⅓ cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds your pet will weigh
1 to 2 years
Adult weight Amount
3 to 12 pounds ⅓ to 1 cup (Adult serving)
13 to 20 pounds 1 to 1 ⅓ cups (Adult serving)
21 to 50 pounds 2 to 4 ¼ cups
51 to 75 pounds 2 ⅝ to 6 ¼ cups
76 to 100 pounds 5 ⅝ to 11 cups
100+ pounds 11 cups, plus an extra ⅓ cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds your pet will weigh
We recommend that in general your dog should consume around 2% to 3% of its body weight per day. Therefore a dog weighing 5kg should be eating approximately 100g of food per day.
Adult Food
Weight Grams per day of food
1 kg – 5kg 35 – 110 grams
6 kg – 20kg 110 – 320 grams
20kg – 30kg 320 – 435 grams
30kg + 435 + grams
Look at your dog if their waist is extremely exaggerated instead of a gradual slope your dog might be underfed. If you can see or feel the ribs and they don't seem to have any fat on them your dog is probably underfed. If your dog is losing patches of hair there may be an issue with the nutrition.
A healthy dog should be fed about 2% – 3% of its body weight.
We found that adult dogs fed once daily have better average cognitive scores and are less likely to have gastrointestinal, dental/oral, orthopedic, kidney/urinary, and liver/pancreas health conditions than dogs fed more frequently.
Toy Breeds (3-6 pounds): 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup per day. Small Breeds (10-20 pounds): 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per day. Medium Breeds (30-50 pounds) 1 3/4 to 2 2/3 cups per day. Large Breeds: (60-100 pounds) 3 to 4 1/2 cups per day, plus 1/3 cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds.
The amount to feed in this sample plan is based on adult maintenance requirements at 2% of their body weight. If your dog is more active or is a growing puppy please contact us as their requirements will differ. A 10kg dog requires approximately 200g per day, or 1.4kg over a week.
The number of meals a dog eats per day depends completely on the family schedule. Dogs should eat at least two meals each day, about 12 hours apart. But a breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule is an equally great option. If more than 12 hours elapses between meals, the stomach can become hyperacidic causing nausea.
If your dog is continuously begging for food and seems hungry even when he has been recently fed, he should be seen by a veterinarian. The excessive appetite may be a symptom of a serious, underlying condition. An increase in hunger may be accompanied by an increase in thirst.
Is it healthy for dogs eat only dry food. Good news: our furry friends are completely ok with eating only dry food. Even though tastes and preferences vary from one dog to another, the nutritional properties of quality dog food allow pets to get all the essential elements needed for their healthy and active life.
You can feed your dog anytime between 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. in the mornings. If you have a young pup, you might want to stick to 7.00 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. so that you divide their portions equally 4 times a day. Answer: Ideally, a 12 hour gap is the recommended time between one adult dog meal to another.
This window can be altered to change your needs (such as work commitments) but this fast period is sufficient to support their immune system too! Between the hours of 8am and 4pm you can feed them their meals and any other training treats too. NOTE: this applies to healthy Dogs of 6 months+!
In general, most adult dogs do well with two meals per day, while puppies and senior dogs may benefit from three or more smaller meals spread throughout the day. Feeding a dog too much food at once can lead to digestive issues, obesity, and other health problems.
fresh, clean water should be available to every dog, including a puppy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Sure - lots of dogs are on a fully wet food diet and live healthy, energetic and content lifestyles. Wet food can be exactly the same as dry food when it comes to nutritional value and digestibility, so it's fine to only feed your dog wet food just so long as your dog responds well to it and likes to eat it.
The amount to feed in this sample plan is based on adult maintenance requirements at 2% of their body weight. If your dog is more active or is a growing puppy please contact us as their requirements will differ. A 10kg dog requires approximately 200g per day, or 1.4kg over a week.
Generally, dogs need to relieve themselves 8–12 hours after digesting their previous meal. Dogs often (but not always) poop shortly after waking or roughly half an hour after eating. If you're feeding your dog two meals a day, they may defecate twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening.
You can calculate the right amount by following the general guidance that dogs should drink 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. An ounce of water equals one-eighth of a cup. So a healthy black lab weighing 60 pounds will need 60 ounces of water daily.
Consider the bladder.
How long can a dog “hold it” before needing a potty break? Here are common time limits for dogs of different life stages: Puppies: one hour per every month of age (so a three month old puppy can wait three hours to pee) Adult dogs age one year and up: up to eight hours, but ideally no more than six.
As a rule of thumb, remove the food and water bowls about two-to-three hours before bedtime. So, if your lights-out time is at 11 p.m., a puppy should have no food or water after about 8–8:30 p.m. This gives you a chance to take him out for a one last potty break before settling in for the night.
The short answer is that dogs can survive between 48 and 72 hours without drinking, but that doesn't really capture the whole picture. Survival is a minimum and a dog allowed to drink only once every 2 days would be the subject of cruel abuse.
Adult dogs should eat twice a day - morning and night. Puppies under 6 months of age (especially small breed ones) must be fed more often. Most veterinarians recommend feeding adult dogs twice a day.
Senior
Weight Grams per day
1kg – 5 kg 10 – 35 grams
5kg – 10kg 36 – 60 grams
10kg – 15kg 61 – 80 grams
15kg + 81grams +
How often does a dog need to pee? To put it simply, adult dogs generally need to toilet three to five times a day, and most vets will recommend a maximum window of between six to eight hours between toilet trips.
The most common feeding frequency is feeding your dog twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Dogs have a stomach structure that means they'll get hungry between 8-10 hours after their last meal, so a breakfast/dinner schedule is better than breakfast/lunch or lunch/dinner or feeding them once a day.
Downsides: Leaving dog food out all day could attract insects, rodents, or raccoons. That's especially the case if you feed your dog outside, so be on the lookout. And if you have more than one pet, they may bicker over the food. Also, this method is not for dogs that are diabetic.
six months
Puppies should eat three times a day from weaning through four to six months, if possible. After six months, twice-a-day feedings are fine. But if you're not able to feed your pup three times a day, don't worry. Buffington says puppies can adapt.
Kibbles are designed with the health of your pet in mind. So, if they are wave-shaped, round, elongated, doughnut shaped, triangular or square, you can be sure that research indicates these are the right shape and texture for your breed or type of dog.
Dental health. Chewing a kibble offers a “brushing” effect to help reduce plaque build-up.
Digestion. The longer it takes to chew a kibble the slower the speed of ingestion and reduces the ‘hoovering’ effect that you see in some food-eager breeds.
Healthy weight. Kibble density combined with the right nutrients creates a sense of fullness and helps cats and dogs feel satisfied.
Palatability. The eating experience for cats and dogs is crucial to MI PETS® and the right kibble texture, shape and size enhances the feeding experience.
smaller dogs need a smaller-sized kibble. A Toy Poodle will be much more comfortable eating a small piece of dog food than will a Great Dane. Meal time will be more enjoyable for your pet if you choose a food that fits well in their mouth.
Many dogs speed through mealtime as if a predator is lurking in the shadows. Smaller breeds may choke on large pieces of food if they’re in too much of a hurry to chew their food into manageable bits. Large dogs may clog their own throats with fistfuls of too-small kibble as it hits the back of the throat.
As your dog grows from puppy, to adult dog, to older dog, their kibble size needs can change as well.
Puppies need smaller food sizes for comfort. Given a puppy’s still developing digestive system and the need for a very high calorie intake for growth, the easier a kibble is to break down the easier it will be passed from the stomach to the intestines.
As dogs mature and develop their adult teeth, they are also better able to chew their food into safely sized bits. This chewing is actually good for your dog’s teeth, helping to keep them clean and decreasing plaque build up.
As your dog advances in years, digestion issues may once again become an issue. In addition, many dogs experience some amount of dental problems in later years. Both of these conditions can signal that it’s time to return to a smaller kibble that will be easier to consume.
One thing dog owners should do is keep an eye on pets at feeding time to see how well they are handling their food. If your dog seems to be struggling with their food, either gagging on too large a piece or choking on one too small, this may signal the need for a change. Also, look for chewing discomfort in your dog, which can let you know not only that you need a different sized kibble but also that your dog may need dental attention.
If you notice that your dog just eats way too fast regardless of kibble size, you can buy food bowls designed to keep your furry friend from eating so fast.
Most dogs love to eat. Buying the right sized kibble will make your dog even happier during mealtimes, and maybe even healthier all of the time.
Kibble lasts only 2-3 weeks once the bag is opened. That's far shorter than the “Best Before” date on the bag … which is usually at least a year. But that date applies to unopened bags of food. Once opened, food loses its nutritional value and the fats begin to oxidize and go rancid.
The signs that dog food has gone bad are much the same as the signs that human food has gone bad. It will often develop a bad smell and you may see signs of mould and/or insects. Wet dog food will lose its moisture but dry dog food will become moist and crumbly.
It's not recommended to soak puppy food overnight, especially at room temperature, due to the risk of fermentation and bacterial growth. If you must prepare in advance, ensure it's stored in a cool place or the refrigerator and used within a few hours.
In addition to affecting the palatability, kibble shape can affect other important components, including dental health and digestion.
Another advantage of dry dog food is kibble size—normal-sized kibble for bigger dogs and small kibble for toy, small and medium dogs. Regular kibble is an excellent choice for bigger dogs as it encourages proper chewing time in larger mouths.
Adding water to your dog's kibble can aid digestion in a couple of notable ways. Firstly, the moisture softens the food, making it easier to chew and swallow, especially for older dogs or those with dental problems. The result? A mealtime that's much more comfortable and enjoyable for your pet.
Adding water to dry food or switching to moisture-rich diets helps prevent chronic dehydration, making it beneficial for pets that are prone to urinary tract infections, blockages, and kidney problems by keeping the urinary system well flushed.
The pH level in dry dog foods is low, so consumption isn't going to affect overall digestion. Dogs actually digest kibble faster than most raw foods, so the “kibble takes longer to digest” claim promoted by some raw food advocates is also false. Keep in mind that every type of food eaten digests at a different rate.
Kibble can be frozen to help keep it from going bad. You can also transfer leftover canned food into a freezer-safe baggie or container before freezing. Frozen food is best thawed in the refrigerator and served within 6 to 9 months, though it can last even longer.
Milk is a safe treat in small quantities. A few tablespoons of cow's milk or goat's milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog. But, you should probably hold off on offering your dog an entire bowl in one sitting, as it can cause unpleasant reactions, including diarrhea, vomiting, and loose stools.
Fact: Most kibble swells slightly on contact with water, and when pets are fed soaked kibbles, these are denser and can take longer to digest, thus increasing the risk of GDV.
Even good-quality kibble isn't ideal for a dog all on its own. It's important to remember that kibble lacks moisture, and if you don't mix it with soft food or some liquid, some animals may turn up their noses at it. Other dogs need variety.
Chapati and roti or flatbread on the other hand aren't considered toxic. However, for dogs there really aren't any benefits to feeding it to them, even if it's as an occasional treat. The flavored flatbreads should also be kept away from them since they may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets.
Do you ever wonder whether your furry friend gets bored of eating the same food? Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans. So, while they will more than appreciate a mouthwatering meal when it's served up to them, they won't necessarily grow tired of eating the same food every day.
It is entirely acceptable to feed your dog a pure kibble diet. Or you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables and rice. Many owners like to feed a raw meat diet to their dogs, and while this can suit some dogs very well, there are some important considerations you need to be aware of.
Research shows feeding a whole foods diet, or adding whole foods to your dog's diet can reduce the risk of illness, increase your dog's lifespan and give them a better quality of life. Dogs fed a whole foods diet live an average of 3.1 years longer than dogs fed a processed food diet.
Usually not! According to the American Kennel Club many vets don't believe that feeding homemade food is better than a diet of commercial dog food. There's currently a lack of evidence to suggest there are any benefits of homemade dog food that dogs can't already get from a complete and balanced dry or wet food.
He says our dogs' daily diets should contain moderate amounts of quality animal protein – from meat and offal or eggs – as well as omega 3 fats, for example from fish, a rainbow of vegies, and some wholefoods dense in vitamins and minerals, such as kelp.
Yes, you can mix raw food with kibble for your dog's diet. Mixing raw and kibble can be a convenient and cost-effective way to feed your pet while still providing them with the nutritional benefits of a raw diet. Just make sure to introduce raw food gradually to avoid upsetting your dog's stomach.
Generally, bags of unopened kibble have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months. The “best by” or “use by” date printed on the original packaging is based on the date the product was manufactured. While dry dog food doesn't technically expire, you could consider that “use by” or “best by” date an expiration date.
The two biggest factors that determine whether your dog's food is good for their health is whether it's nutritionally complete and balanced and whether you're giving your dog the right proportions based on their size and weight.