The best way to keep your dog healthy is to feed him properly. Proper feeding is not overfeeding but providing in the right proportion with the right nutrition. Feeding your dog too much or too little can lead to health issues. The best way to know if your dog is healthy is to do a visual check. If you see your pet’s ribs, he is underweight. If you see his waist has disappeared, he is overfed and overweight. Your dog must have the right physique that tapers down the core.
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Should I Let My Dog Decide For Himself?
Most people do it, and it is the easiest way but not the correct way. A dog is greedy by nature, and in all cases, he will eat more than required. In addition, it won’t be easy to track how much your dog is eating.
Why Does The Right Feed Matter?
If your dog is eating less food, he will suffer from malnutrition. Too much food will make him obese and lead to many health issues. Reports show most dogs are overfed and suffer from labored breathing, heart failure, reduced life span, and skin diseases. Feeding your dog with the right quantity and right nutrition will keep him fit and active.
How To Calculate How Much My Dog Needs To Eat?
Calculating the exact amount can be a little tricky. Certain factors like age, breed, size, and health account for how much a dog should eat. Bigger species require more food than smaller breeds. A vet knows how much to feed your dog; it is always better to consult a qualified vet.
You can also calculate how many calories your dog requires. There are calorie calculators available online that can suggest calorie intake for different breeds of various ages and sizes. All you have to do is put in the parameters, and the app will auto calculate. However, the app will not be able to account for a dog’s health and physical activity. You will have to apply your mind and experience and feed your pet accordingly. The aim should be to maintain an ideal weight.
How Many Times Should I Feed My Dog?
The ideal is to feed your dog twice; however, you can also provide him more meals by reducing the intake quantity. The best method is to divide the number of calories by the number of feeds.
Tips To Feed Your Dog
- Keep A Record Of Weight
It is a good way to keep a check on your pet’s diet. You must know the ideal weight and keep track of his weight. If your dog is losing weight, increase his intake; similarly, cut down his food if he is gaining weight.
- Use A Calorie Calculator
At times the amount may not give you a fair idea about the feeds. Use a calorie calculator and accept a variation of 25% in any case.
- Lifestyle Counts
If your dog is active, he will be burning more calories and will need more food. A dog who is generally inside the house and doing less activity will need fewer calories.
- Size Matters
As already discussed, bigger dogs will need more food as compared to smaller dogs. A full-grown dog will eat more than a pup.
- Check The Feeding Guide
In most cases, the dog food comes with a feed guide inside the packet or printed on the package. Follow the amount as instructed. After a few weeks, you can increase or decrease depending upon the weight changes of your dog.
Conclusion
No set amount is validated for any dog. The amount of food will depend on your dog’s lifestyle, metabolism, size, breed, and health conditions. In all cases, it is best to consult your vet. In addition, you can always follow the guidelines given in this article.
