Dogs love getting their paws on some tasty treats. And if they turn their puppy eyes onto you, no matter their age, it can often be difficult to resist giving them the treats or foods that they crave—even if it lacks the necessary nutrition! We’re only human, after all…

Foods That Are Poisonous To Dogs

As a dog owner, one of the most important things you need to think about is what they eat. More specifically, what they can eat without any health complications occurring within the body.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking “what happens if my dogs eat grits?” or questioning whether or not you should give certain foods to your dog, we’re here to help you out. Here are some poisonous foods you should never give to your dog:

• Avocado 

• Chocolate 

• Cooked bones

• Garlic 

• Grapes 

• Nuts 

• Raisins 

Choosing The Right Food

The most important thing to consider when choosing the right food for your dog is the ingredients list. Steer clear from dog food types that give vague descriptions like “animal derivative” as these foods will likely be of much lower quality.

You should instead look for food, such as Raw K9 Australia, that reveals specific meats in its ingredients list as this will be an extreme protein source for your dog. If you’re confused or don’t know what would be best for your dog, consult your veterinarian for detailed advice.

Wet vs. Dry Food

Wet food has high water content, making it an excellent food choice for dogs who don’t get enough water in their diet. It’s also easier for dogs to digest if they are recovering from an operation or an injury and will be less likely to upset their stomach if consumed in normal quantities. 

Dry food contains less water yet has a much higher nutrient content which means you won’t need to feed your dog as often as you would with wet food. This is highly convenient.

Simply put, there are lots of dog food varieties available. Dog food deemed as “complete” is often the best as it contains all the nutrients your dog requires in a convenient and easy-to-store form.

Should I Vary My Dog’s Diet?

Your dog’s overall nutritional needs will change as they grow and you may have to make dietary adjustments to fit them. For example, brain function and general mobility are two factors that you should consider when purchasing food for dogs over the age of around seven. 

How Much To Feed Your Dog

You should feed your dog a relevant amount of food according to their size, age, and breed. This information can be found on the packaging of every dog food brand meaning you won’t have to sort through it yourself. 

You will then need to keep an eye on their weight to tell whether they are experiencing the nutritional benefits of their food or are consuming too much of it to do so. Your dog will be weighed whenever they go to their registered veterinarian practice which will give you an idea about whether you are feeding them the right amount of food.

How Often To Feed Your Dog

After working out the amount of food your dog must eat every day you can then work out how to divide it into multiple meals throughout the day. As a guideline, you should stick anywhere between two and three meals a day to avoid putting strain or additional pressure on the stomach.

If you prefer a free feeding approach (that is, leaving a bowl of food on the floor for your dog to pick at when he is hungry) you need to be overly cautious. To avoid overfeeding them it’s a good idea to measure out their food before giving them their first meal and then topping up the bowl accordingly throughout the day.

Summary

Dog nutrition is a key way of safeguarding your dog’s health and ensuring they live a long and happy life. Also, consistency is key when considering what and how often to feed your dog.