There are so many variables when it comes to feeding your dog that it can become confusing as to what is best for your pet. Some people advocate only dried food, some say only freshly prepared, some say you have to supplement your dog’s diet with vitamins and minerals, so how do you know if you are feeding your dog correctly? A good indication is the health of your dog; how clear his eyes are, how shiny his coat is and how much energy he has.

All dogs are different and will require variants in nutritional needs. A dog’s diet should include a combination of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. If it does, then your dog’s needs for growth, tissue repair and exercise will be met.

Here are some tips to follow to ensure good nutrition for your dog:

1. Ensure your dog always has fresh, clean water.

2. Avoid feeding your dog scraps from the dinner table. This can lead to overweight canines!

3. Buy dog food that states it has a balanced combination of nutrients. These nutrients should be processed in a way that the dog will be able to absorb them into his body.

4. Do not feed your dog excess amounts of fat and carbohydrates.

5. If your dog has a skin problem, it may be wise to include foods with fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6.

6. Dry dog food, of a good quality, is often considered the best food for dogs. Fresh meat alone will not provide your dog with adequate nutrition. Meat scraps and leftover vegetables can be added to dry food for variation in texture.

7. Do not feed your dog only soft food, as this will lead to plaque build up on his teeth. Make sure your dog gets raw bones and hard dog biscuits included in his diet.

8. Ensure your puppy’s dietary needs are met. Introduce them to ‘solid’ food as they are being weaned. Any new foods should be brought in gradually so as not to upset the young stomach. Special puppy canned and dry food is available.

9. Puppies will need to be fed a few times a day until six months old, then twice a day until they are twelve months old. After that, you only need to feed your dog once a day.

10. Do not over-feed your dog. If he is gaining weight, you will need to reduce the amount of food you are feeding him.

Dogs have different needs at different stages of their lives, in terms of nutrition. Be aware of this and feed your dog accordingly.

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