Dog Feeding Guide (Adult Dogs)
A new dog is a very exciting event in your life, but you may find yourself asking a lot of questions when it comes to feeding. How much a dog should eat, and how often you should feed them, are important questions to answer when you bring home a new member of the family.
But did you know there are a lot of factors that go into dog feeding? Your dog’s age, breed, size, weight and reproductive status will all have some impact on their dietary needs. In this dog feeding guide, you will learn how to weigh up your options and make the best decisions for your pup.
Adult Dog Food Options
You already have so many options when it comes to choosing, preparing, and knowing how to properly store dog food for your pup, so it can be easy to lose track of some of the important factors involved. Your dog’s size and age are very important to consider when weighing up your food options, as are any health needs or food sensitivities. You will also need to consider what dietary needs your dog’s breed comes with. Along with all that, certain dog foods will provide different kinds and levels of nutrients depending on what they are designed to do.
Remember that if you have questions about dog feeding, you should consult your vet.
Grain-Free
Like humans, dogs can develop sensitivities to certain foods. Grain Free Ocean Fish is a great choice for pups with sensitivities.
Small Breed
Small breeds, like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Maltese terriers may have higher metabolisms, but that doesn’t necessarily mean more calories. Small breeds are also easily overfed and can suffer from obesity and stomach health issues. Small breed dog food is designed to support the specific digestive needs of these pups. This includes the size of the kibble pieces – small dog foods will usually be smaller in size to account for little mouths and teeth.
Large Breed
Large dog breeds need foods that support bone and joint health. Dogs like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Labradors need diets with correct calcium to phosphorus ratios, fibre, and glucosamine to help support their larger bodies. However, too much calcium in smaller or younger dogs can cause bone growth to occur too rapidly, which can lead to health problems like hip dysplasia in adulthood.
Working Dog
Working dogs include breeds such as cattle dogs, kelpies and collies that are typically high energy. Dogs that spend their days running for long periods of time need higher calorie food, high protein foods that provide them with plenty of energy and joint support. Working dog food may not be appropriate for all working dogs, however. It depends on energy expenditure.
If your dog is an active working dog with high energy needs, choose Grain Free Kangaroo & Turkey to give your dog the energy they need to keep going and going.
Pregnant Dog
Vets will typically recommend one that is full of high quality healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. These dogs will usually benefit from an easy to eat diet consisting of multiple small meals a day. Pregnant dogs will eat up to 3 times their normal caloric intake. Always consult your vet when it comes to choosing food for a pregnant and lactating dog.
Weight Management
Some dogs will need a diet that is aimed at weight control, particularly if they are at risk of developing obesity. For these pups, foods that are high in fibre are great for making them feel full, but lowering their caloric intake. Lite dog foods also typically contain more protein and less fat. Always consult your vet when it comes to choosing food for an overweight dog, and missing out on carbs may be detrimental to their health.
Special Needs
There are plenty of other reasons your pup may need a selective diet. Some health issues, like kidney, liver and skin diseases, are treated through dietary changes. Dogs can also develop food intolerance to common ingredients like eggs, beef, soy, or chicken. Dogs with serious neurological problems, like epilepsy or dementia, can benefit from a diet designed to work with their regular medication. Ask your vet if you suspect your dog needs a special diet.
Senior
Dogs are considered senior once they reach their 7th birthday, depending on their breed. When your vet recommends switching to a senior diet, you will need to choose foods that are high in proteins but low in calories. Food for senior dogs should also be free from riskier preservatives like propylene glycol, BHA and BHT, as these ingredients can increase the risk of your older dog suffering from health issues. These synthetic preservatives are often found in very low-quality foods.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
One of the most important issues to consider when deciding how much to feed your dog is their breed. Breed guidelines are useful in figuring out exactly how much your dog needs to eat to be healthy, and can even help you determine what foods to include or to avoid in your dog’s diet. Dog breed can also tell you how big or small your dog should be, and how much they should weigh.
The diet you decide to feed your dog will impact the amount of food your dog will need. High quality foods will often be packed with nutrients, while low quality kibbles will typically contain fillers and low-quality ingredients to create more bulk. Usually, you will end up having to feed your dog less if you give them higher quality ingredients.
Age is another important factor to consider when choosing how much and how often to feed your pup. Typically, puppies will require frequent, small meals when they are young to support their rapid growth and development. As dogs get older, their caloric intake may reduce depending on their activity level. Older dogs are simply not as energetic as younger dogs, which has an impact on their feeding routine.
How Often Should I Feed My Dog?
Two meals a day is the perfect amount of food for most dogs to be fed on a daily basis. Your dog’s first meal of the day should be given at breakfast time, ideally after some morning exercise and a bathroom break. This could mean feeding your dog after their morning walk, or after a quick run around the backyard.
Your dog’s second meal should be fed around dinnertime, again after some exercise. Your dog’s dinner should be given at least 2 hours before their bedtime. This allows your pup plenty of time to digest their meal, relieve themselves, and use up any leftover energy before going to bed.
For most dogs, a consistent feeding schedule is the best way to ensure that their nutritional and behavioural needs are being met. A feeding schedule can make house and obedience training easier, as it creates a regular routine that your dog will quickly get used to following. A schedule can also improve your dog’s mealtime manners. Regular feeding times can discourage behaviours from bin raiding, to begging, to food aggression. It also means you can observe their eating habits. Dogs can suffer fatal consequences if they become bloated after eating, so a feeding routine will allow you to better keep track of their food consumption.
How Many Treats Should I Feed My Dog?
Treats can be a very useful part of dog feeding. Not only does your dog love them, but they are excellent tools for training your pet. Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to encourage your dog to perform tricks, and behave in a safe and productive way as a part of your family. Treats can help your dog understand to avoid antisocial behaviours like nipping, biting, and food guarding behaviours.
Treats can also be a lovely way for pet owners to show affection for their four-legged friends. However, treats should not make up any more than 10% of your dog’s total caloric intake for adult dogs. Don’t let treating your dog turn into overfeeding them. Also, consider what treats are appropriate for your dog’s diet. Some special conditions may limit the amount of types of treats that you should be feeding your dog. If you’re not sure what treats are appropriate, you should consult your vet.
Hypro Premium for Adult Dogs
If you’ve followed this dog feeding guide, you know that a high quality pet food is essential to provide your pup with all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay fit and healthy. Hypro Premium offers an incredible range of dry foods to suit every dog’s tastes and needs.
Want to try a fibre rich diet to support your dog’s gut health? The delicious taste of Wholesome Grains Lamb & Brown Rice is the perfect high protein pet food made from natural ingredients. With so many options, it’s no wonder Hypro Premium are Australia’s leading providers of high quality, all-natural dog food.
