There are four things you need to ask yourself BEFORE feeding your dog.
1. What size is your dog? Small, medium or large
The size of Fido determines the amount of food to feed him. The pet food bag will list an approximate amount to feed a certain size dog but it's only a guide. There is no way a pet food company can list every dog breed on their label. Not to mention every size! Just realize these guides aren't specifically for YOUR dog. It isn't rocket science. If he's gaining weight feed him less. If he's a little thin, feed him more. Do not go by what your neighbor feeds HIS dog!
2. What kind of daily activity do you give Fido?
Do you take your dog out for walks every day? (I hope you are if you want him to live a long life) If you have a high energy dog he will need a diet to support his energy levels. Working dogs are a great example of this. They have very active days and need more calories than a pet that just walks half an hour a day.
3. How old is your dog?
Nutritional needs depend on his/her stage of life plus their size. For example, a puppy will need a high protein, high calorie diet because he's growing. An adult needs a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A Senior will need specific food products with just a little extra additives and immune boosters to help with their joints, their bones and their muscles.
4. Does he/she have any health conditions?
If your dog has any kind of health condition, it will definitely change his nutritional needs. Your vet can help you with this. They can make sure your pet doesn't get too much protein for a kidney condition, or too many carbs for being extremely overweight, etc. Your Vet will check over your dog first to make sure he is getting what his body needs.
You are just asking for trouble if you don't ask these questions. You could be over feeding your beloved canine and at the same time wondering why on earth he is gaining weight when you're feeding exactly what the label says to feed him.
There are many dog owners that just don't care. Please don't be one of them. By not caring and giving your dog nothing but table scraps, you could be poisoning him. They can get sick, become lethargic, have a lack in energy, etc. If you are going to feed Fido human food, you MUST feed him properly and actually make his food for him just the same as you do your family, but you must know WHICH human foods are dangerous to your dog.
Always remember that no two dogs are exactly the same. Regardless of what his special needs are there is a dog food that fits him. Your job is to find it. Just make sure if you buy from a dog food company that it is nothing but PREMIUM dog food. No by-products, additives or coloring!
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