Feeding dogs requires special attention from their owners. Their diet, as well as the frequency of feeding, depend on the age and size of the animal. The foods that are given to the dog must be carefully selected. Poor nutrition can negatively affect her health.
Instructions
Step 1
Feeding dogs should be strictly limited in time. The feeding frequency of dogs of different ages should be different. Many owners are accustomed to leaving small portions of food in their bowls for their pets in case the dog wants to eat. This cannot be done for many reasons. For example, it can lead to obesity and a variety of health problems. Try to establish a clear diet, feed your dog at the same time every day. You can leave the food for 20-30 minutes after your pet has eaten, but then all the leftovers must be removed. If you have an adult pet and are unsure of how much to eat, consult your veterinarian.
Step 2
Don't ignore the feeding periods your dog misses. Refusal to eat may indicate that she has any disease. However, you shouldn't worry ahead of time either. Illness is usually accompanied by additional symptoms such as vomiting, lethargic behavior, etc. If you observe this with a pet, be sure to contact your veterinarian. If, in addition to refusing food, you do not notice anything unusual, there is nothing to worry about. Dogs can spend a long time without food, it's not scary.
Step 3
Some dog owners are wondering if these animals can be fed vegetables and fruits. Many veterinarians find this to be a good addition to the diet and should be used. Plant-based foods help improve digestion and reduce calorie and fat content. However, it should only be used as an addition to the main, meat dish. In addition, not all herbal products can be used. For example, raisins, grapes and onions pose a high health hazard to a dog.
Step 4
There are certain general guidelines for feeding dogs regarding frequency and diet. However, they may differ depending on the breed and individual characteristics, which should be discussed with your veterinarian. In general, puppies under 8 months old should be fed by the mother, do not separate them from her during this period. Such nutrition provides them with all the necessary substances. If puppies begin to switch to solid food before 8 weeks, try to select special food for them that contains enough calcium, protein and calories. Feed them 4 times a day. From week 9 onwards, feeds should be given twice a day.
Step 5
At the age of 3 to 6 months, most puppies begin to cut their teeth, they can experience unpleasant sensations, sometimes their appetite disappears. Continue to feed them as usual. If they refuse food for a long time, see your veterinarian. Dogs up to one year of age are still puppies, so you need to continue to monitor the quality of their food. The food you give them should be made from natural meat, but not from secondary meat products, corn or wheat. Adult dogs should be fed the same brand of food twice a day. If you decide to change it, do it gradually, mixing feed in different proportions.
