Things You'll Need:
- Nutritionally appropriate food
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Step 1
MEASURE FEEDINGS, photo by maestrosantana20047 @FlickrCOMMON FEEDING METHODS: Frequent changes in the eating plan have negative effects leading to digestive disorders and finicky eating. Choose what works best for you and your dog and stick with it!
PORTION CONTROL:
After you've determined your dog's specific nutritional requirements with your veterinarian you will offer a daily portion to your dog. Either as a single feeding where the dog is allowed to snack throughout the day or as smaller portions given in timed intervals, usually 5-10 minutes each.
FREE-FEED:
Here your dog is allowed access to food 24 hours a day, replenishing as needed. This method is not for puppies or obese dogs. Be aware a change in your dog's eating habits, a possible sign of problems, will be difficult to observe.
TIME CONTROL:
A portion of food is offered and your dog is only allowed 5-10 minutes to eat. Any remaining food is taken away and offered at next scheduled feeding. -
Step 2
FEEDING PUPPIES:
Weaning puppies begins around 3-4 weeks for larger breeds and 4-5 weeks for smaller. To ease the transition from milk to solid foods you will have to make a "slurry" by mixing equal parts dry kibble with water until you form an even consistency. The texture should be similar to oatmeal. This should be offered 3-4 times a day. At first it will be more of a fun novelty to the pup, but soon they will be chowing down and wanting more. Keep increasing amounts offered, slowly decreasing water in the mix. By 7 weeks they should be very close to consuming the dry kibble and drinking water individually. It is very important to have open communication with your vet about proper nutrition and tracking weight gain. Keep a close eye to ensure your little one is thriving. It is paramount to catch and resolve any problems quickly. -
Step 3
POSSIBLE SUPPLEMENTS, photo by boxercab @FlickrFEEDING ADULTS:
As your dog ages feeding methods and nutrtion needs change. Look for activity level and obesity tendancies to determine if a modified meal plan is needed. Usually it is just a matter of proper food managemnet. You may need to implement timed feedings and formulate a new nutrition intake with your vet, possibly adding some supplements. Being pro-active about your dog's weight, wether as an increase or decrease, can add years to your dog's life. -
Step 4
GUIDE DOGS, photo by Donna's View @FlickrFEEDING WORKING DOGS:
Dogs with high energy demands need a significantly larger increase in food portions. These should be gradually increased over a 7-10 day period before begining of expected duties. Then the dog should be fed just prior to the increased activity to avoid such problems as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) which can lead to collapse and immediate medical attention. -
Step 5
SPECIAL NEEDS, photo by binjy @FlickrFEEDING GERIATRIC DOGS:
At this age many factors play into your dog's nutritional requirements. A vet will help you and your dog with these individualized needs. It is very important to discuss any changes you see in your dog. Usually a simple blood test will allow the doctor to determine if there are any deficiences or imbalances internally that need to be corrected. Older dogs may require very specific needs to aide in kidney function and reduce other health risks.
*Be aware too that your dog's dental health can have a large impact on ability to chew. Sometimes simply moistening the dry kibble will ease this process.
