How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?



Generally, puppies eat a lot more amount of food than compared to an adult dog. Hence, the amount you feed your dog varies from age, size, activity level, and even their choices and preferences. Puppies and young dogs need more food, especially food items that are high in protein and fat dog training treats. On the other hand, older dogs eat balanced meals that ensure they remain healthy.

Feeding excess amount of food to your pooch may lead to obesity whereas feeding them less would lead to a nutrient deficiency in their body which might cause health issues like:

• Irregular bowel

• Skin disorders

• Low immunity

• Allergies

• Poor growth in puppies

So it is very essential to feed your dog a balanced diet which keeps them healthy and active. As per Dr Richard H Pitcairn’s book ‘Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats’ -  “You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily as you slide your hand over his sides, If you can’t, he’s probably too heavy, so begin to feed a smaller quantity.”

There are numerous dog food brands that promise nutritious, healthy & a delicious meal for your pet, hence finding a product that matches your dog’s needs, as well as choice, is essential. One must also be aware of all the nutritional facts to make sure the quantity that is fed to them is correct.

To keep your dog healthy and happy, here are a few things you need to consider:

1. Complete nutrition

Nutrition is extremely important for dogs of all ages. The amount of balanced nutrition needed depends from one dog to another. Some of your pooches may require more nutrition compared to the others. Depending on your pooch, make sure that their diet is balanced and provides the right amount of health quotient. Brands like Dogsee Chew produce healthy dog treats that are 100% natural and unprocessed. Their puppy chew sticks are extremely nutritious and free from grain/gluten, chemicals, and preservatives. They have a variety of dog food depending on life stage, breed size, and benefits. They also have a product line made with the goodness of fruits and veggies.

2. Calorie intake

It is essential that you maintain a check on the calorie intake of your dog. The calorie intake of your dog may vary as per environmental conditions or changes. For instance, during fall, your dog’s body burns more calorie to keep them warm but in summer the calories burned are less when compared to winters. Hence proper diet should be followed according to each season to maintain the calorie intake for your pooch.

3. Follow the feeding guide

Every dog food has its own guidelines, which provides proper information on how that product should be given to your furry friend. It mostly states the quantity of intake per serving. That is why it is always important to read the guidelines before feeding any type of dog food or treats to your pooch.

4. Stick to one brand

Unlike humans, a dog's digestive system can’t always handle sudden changes in their diet. So it is better to maintain one or two brands of food for long periods of time. If you are planning to change the food’s brand, first try to mix the new brand’s food with the older one which your dog is already accustomed to. Once the digestive system gets used to the new one, slowly phase out the treat or food of the older brand.

5. Cleanliness

Healthy food served in a dirty and unclean bowl might have adverse effects on your dog. Always keep your dog’s food and water bowl clean after every meal. Change the water at least once or twice a day. A clean environment ensures that your dog’s health is not compromised.

6. Weight management

Every pooch loves eating dog treats but if taken in excess amounts, it might lead to certain health issues. So it is necessary to monitor your dog’s weight on a weekly or a monthly basis. If your dog is gaining weight very easily, reduce the intake of food and take them for long walks and exercises.

Visit your vet for a monthly check-up so that they can help you do the needful at the right time. They will also assist you with the correct amount of food that your dog should be consuming based on the nutrient content required by your pooch.