How to Feed Your Dog a Balanced Diet

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (36 Ratings)

No single dietary plan can be considered ideal for every dog. Here are some general guidelines to follow that can keep your dog healthy and her appetite satisfied.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Dog Bones
  • Dog Dishes
  • Dog Food
  • Dog Treats
  • Reduced-calorie Dog Food

Step1
Be sure to choose a reputable brand of dog food. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations.
Step2
Select a high-quality dog food that's appropriate for your dog's age, weight, activity level or size. Make sure to feed your dog dry food as well as moist canned food to help keep his teeth clean.
Step3
Be sure that protein ratios are appropriate for your dog's breed and age. Typically, dog food with 20 to 30 percent protein content provides a healthy balance.
Step4
Avoid overfeeding, since obesity can lead to a variety of medical problems, including musculoskeletal problems, and can aggravate hip dysplasia (abnormal growth or development of the hip joint).
Step5
Avoid feeding your dog table scraps'it encourages begging and may not be good for her digestive system. If you must give her 'people food,' put the scraps in her dog bowl after the family has finished the meal. Be careful to avoid giving her onions or chocolate.
Step6
Feed your dog a measured amount twice daily, but keep in mind that some dogs prefer to eat one meal a day.

Tips & Warnings

  • When switching dog foods, do it gradually over a week by increasing the ratio of new food to old food. This will help avoid digestive upsets.
  • Avoid oversupplementing your dog's diet with vitamins and minerals. Excess dietary supplements cause nutritional imbalance and medical disorders. Some vitamins and minerals are toxic in high dosages.
  • Never feed your dog chocolate. Chocolate is toxic for dogs.

Comments

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on 6/18/2008 What would i feed my dog if i gave him homemade food?

Renee66 said

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on 5/10/2007 There is nothing wrong with "people" food. In fact, that is all my 3 dogs eat. They eat the same quality, governmentally regulated foods that me and my husband eat. They don't eat fillers and byproducts, the same stuff they feed farm animals to make them fat to feed us. In addition to their home cooked meals, they receive nutritional supplements to make sure all their nutritional needs are being met, which I don't believe was happening when they ate canned and store bought kibble. My dogs are healthier and happier, and I am not concerned with all the pet food recalls that went on. I got my recipes and advice from Wendy Rees at www.thewildliferadio.com

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/26/2006 Don't buy your pet food from pet stores! Mostly all dog kibble is not good for your dog. Same thing with wet dog food. T hey all contain preservatives or some kind of chemical. Brands such as Nutro may say they are all natural and really good for your dog, but you can't believe everything you read. It's all about profits! Homemade dog food is much healthier and better tasting than any store brand will ever buy! I have noticed a big difference in my dog when I switched to homemade.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 I bought teeth wipes from Petsmart and they work great. They cost about $7.00 a bottle and contain enough for 2 months. It's a much greater investment then going to a groomer that will charge outrageous money, and they are super easy to use.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/30/2006 After I stopped feeding my dog commercial pet food, I noticed many remarkable changes: he lost extra pounds, his fur is shiny and free of dandruff, and he is more energetic and happier. I feed him a mix of meat and diced veggies sometimes mixed with rice. His blood tests are normal and he looks half his age.

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eHow Article:  How to Feed Your Dog a Balanced Diet

eHow Pets Editor

eHow Pets Editor

Category: Pets

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