Feeding Dogs

Knowing how much to feed a puppy or dog is essential, as feeding dogs the right amount of quality food is one of the most important things you can do to keep them healthy and happy. The amount of food they need will vary based on a number of factors, including dog weight, the age of your dog and the level of activity of your dog. If you feed your dog too little, they can be impacted by nutritional deficiencies, and if you feed them too much, they may become overweight which can result in other health problems.

Providing a well-balanced dog diet for your pet will help them to stay happy and healthy. Dog kibble, also known as dry diets, are very popular choices with dog owners. Wet diets (e.g. canned dog food) are also widely available. Some people prefer to feed home-cooked diets, however, it is important to provide a balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s life stage so please speak to your veterinarian for advice on the most appropriate diet for your individual dog. To reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases and parasites, it is safer to offer cooked rather than raw meat for dogs. Safe fruits and veggies for dogs include apples (de-seeded and cored), carrots, peas and potatoes.

While there are many human foods that dogs can eat safely, there are many that are harmful and potentially life-threatening. Foods like chocolate, onion, garlic, raisins, grapes and macadamia nuts are all toxic to dogs. When feeding dogs, it is always important to check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether a particular type of food is safe for dogs. For more information on poisonous foods and other potential poisons for dogs click here.