It is no secret that nutrition is the brick and mortar of canine health. As a responsible pet owner, you want nothing less than what is best for your dog. But are you making the right feeding choices?

Do you know what to feed and what not to feed? When to provide and when to withhold food? Instead of spending hours on research, we want you to have quality time for your dog. That is why we have compiled and reviewed the top 10 feeding tips for dogs.

Top 10 Feeding Tips for Dogs

Making some simple feeding decisions can go a long way in keeping your dog in optimal health. Here is what you need to do for your dog to live longer and happier.

Choose the Right Food

The first thing you need to do is choose the right food – commercial diet, raw diet, no-grain diet. Basically, there is no such thing as the perfect food as each choice has its pros and cons. Plus, every dog is different. Therefore, choose what is right for your dog and stick to the choice.

Make a Feeding Routine

It is well-known that dogs are creatures of habit. Plus, they have sensitive tummies. Therefore, you need to make a feeding schedule and stick to it. In case you need to make a dietary change, be gradual as sudden food swaps will wreak havoc on the dog's GI tract.

Limit the Portion Size

Be extra mindful about how much food you are serving. Overfilling the food bowl can lead to canine obesity. Obesity increases the risk for certain diseases and aggravates pre-existing ones. Also, when calculating your dog’s daily caloric intake, do not forget to include the treats.

Do Not Give Table Scraps

Giving your dog table scraps is a recipe for disaster. Imagine all the ingredients and nutrients dogs should not eat, and you will find them in table scraps. From bad fats and weigh-gaining carbohydrates to potential allergens and harmful spices – scraps are hazardous to dogs.

Stay Clear From Sugars

Sugary foods are off-limits for dogs. Dogs cannot eat jelly beans, biscuits, candies, or any other homemade or commercial food rich in sugar. Sugars are empty calories – they support weight gain without offering real benefits. Not to mention they make dogs go hyper.

Offer Real Foods

Not all foods we eat are a no-go for dogs. There are dozens of safe human foods for dogs. Using them occasionally and in small amounts is beneficial for the dog's health. Plus, they will add variety to the menu, which is vital for preventing food boredom in dogs with picky appetites.

Add Probiotics to the Menu

Probiotics are one of the latest hits of the pet healthcare industry. Probiotics support the dog’s gut, strengthen the immune system, improve mood, and can help with skin issues. All in all, they are health-boosting and easy to use. Dog probiotics come in different forms and can be given as treats or mixed with food.

Use Supplements when Necessary

Supplements are a simple yet efficient way of supporting your dog’s health. There are different supplements like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and joint products. Talk to your vet in terms of whether your dog needs supplementation and with what exactly. 

Invest in Dental Care

Dental care is critical for keeping the dog's teeth healthy, thus impacting the way it eats and uses food. It is recommended to practice teeth brushing at least three times per week and schedule dental check-ups once or twice per year based on individual needs.

Pay Attention to Bowel Movements

This may seem like a gross thing, but your dog's poop can tell a lot about its overall health and wellbeing. Do not get us wrong – you do not have to be a poop patrol. However, it is advisable to pay extra attention to your dog's poop every once in a while.

Conclusion

As you can see, the world of canine nutrition is tricky. However, with the right guidance, it is possible to make the right feeding choices. Staying on top of your dog's nutrition will keep it in good shape and prevent certain issues. As a result, your dog can lead a longer and healthier life.

Author's BIO:

Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville. She is a content writer for pawut.com who has experience in small editions. Lori is currently engaged in news and conceptual articles on the pet care and veterinary industry. You can find her on LinkedIn. Hope you appreciate Lori’s useful insights!