Feeding Your Dog
Pointers for properly feeding Fido
When it's time to feed your furry canine companion, please remember that they deserve more than just a recycled plastic bowl from your microwave meal and a handful of economy kibble tossed in it every now and then. Like they say, "Garbage in, garbage out." Give thought to more than just the food itself; pay attention to all of the little details that make up your dog's dining experience.
Dish Selection
Start from the beginning. What kind of food and water dishes will work best for your dog? If he or she is tall, consider using one of the many elevated feeders available on the market. Such dishes help your dog eat in a healthier standing position and provide extra comfort to dogs with arthritis problems. Some of these feeders are adjustable to "grow" along with your dog. Bowls with sloped edges or ones that are tall and narrow are handy for dogs with dangly ears that serve more as sponges and napkins than protective listening appendages.
Avoid dishes made of toxic-containing elements such as lead that can leach into your dog's food or water. Use ones that are easy to clean thoroughly and protect your dog from bacteria build-ups. For additional dog bowl pointers, refer to our article entitled "Your Dog's Food and Water Bowls: Making the best selection to suit your dog's needs."
Bowl Location
Place the bowls in a location that's convenient for you to fill and for your dog to reach. Keep them out of the flow of traffic and allow your dog to eat in as calm of a setting as possible with the least amount of distracting activity. However, some dogs seem to like having an audience when they eat. Make sure to accommodate their needs as well.
Feeding Schedule
Determine a feeding schedule that will work best for both you and your dog. Be as consistent as possible with the time, location, and the food that you use. If your dog eats small amounts throughout the day, perhaps a gravity feeding set of food and water bowls will work best. If you have multiple dogs and want to ensure that each one is eating properly, put food bowls down at certain times only.
Food Selection
This is perhaps the most important choice that you'll make for your dog as it relates to his or her feeding. Do your research to determine what types of food will be best for your dog in relation to its specific breed, age, health condition, and activity level. Don't just make it a habit to grab a few cans or bags of whatever dog food is on sale at the local Piggly Wiggly store. Your pooch needs and is worthy of more than that.
Don't assume that your dog food choices are limited to the brands at the neighborhood grocery store. Many pet supply stores and/or pet feed stores are opening up and offering a wider array of choices for your dog's mealtime.
Feeding Amounts
Based on your food selections, determine the proper amount to give to your four-legged friend. Whether the information is printed on the label of the food container or is given by your veterinarian, follow the advice, but make adjustments as you deem necessary based on your dog's specific eating patterns that develop in relation to your food choices.
Final Feeding Advice for Fido
Give your dog a well-balanced food that provides him or her with the highest level of nutritional value for their specific needs. Adjust their food, whether type and/or quantity, as their needs change and make such changes gradually. In addition, make sure that your dog has access to an unlimited supply of fresh and clean water.
Give your dog the best food that your money and time can afford. You should never economize on this area of your dog's life. Good food choices for Fido can contribute greatly to a happier and healthier life for him. Every dog deserves that.
See also...
Dog Nutrition,
Types of dog food,
Feeding your dog,
Organic dog food,
What not to feed your dog,
Supplements and treats,
Shop for all-natural and organic dog food
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