Dog Feeding Tips

October 15, 2021

Tomorrow, October 16th, is National Food Day. That’s one occasion we’re pretty sure all of our canine patients would be happy to celebrate. If there’s one thing we know about Man’s Best Friend, it’s that he loves food! Here, a Tipp City, OH vet discusses feeding Fido.

Watch Portion Controls

Did you know that over half of our furry pals are overweight? Fido’s love of treats—and his ability to get us to hand them over—are certainly at play here, but they aren’t the only factors. Serving size also comes into play. Just overfeeding your pup by as little as ten calories a day can cause him to pack on a pound a year.

Limit Snacks

Treats are one of Fido’s favorite things. We know, it’s hard to resist that cute pleading look. Just remind yourself that you’re not doing your furry buddy any favors by overfeeding him. Keep treats to a dull roar: they should only comprise about 5 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

Read Labels

All pet foods are definitely not created equal. It can be overwhelming trying to choose the right brand. Get into the habit of reading labels. You would want something that lists meat, fish, or poultry first and most often. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Don’t Spoil Your Pet

We can’t really talk about feeding dogs without addressing begging. Fido’s theatrics are definitely a factor in his expanding waistline! If you absolutely can’t resist that cute look, then pull the switcheroo on your pup, and give him a carrot or green bean rather than that bacon strip.

Get A Suitable Bowl

Make sure Fido has a good, high-quality bowl. Plastic bowls are cheap, but they quickly form small cracks that can harbor bacteria. Ceramic or stainless steel are both good options. Your pet’s bowls should also be elevated to the proper height for him. Ask your vet for recommendations on this.

Beware Unsafe Foods

Several of our favorite foods are toxic to dogs! Never let your pup have garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; grapes, currants, or raisins; avocado; pitted fruit; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; raw dough; meat on the bone; or foods that contain either xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Ask your vet for more information.

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